Io Moth
ExploreInsects
Io Moth
Automeris io
The Io Moth is a big, fluffy moth with beautiful eyespots on its wings. It looks like a butterfly but is actually a moth!
Habitat: Forests and gardens
Appearance
The Io Moth is known for its striking appearance. Males typically have bright yellow forewings, while females are more reddish-brown, both with small dark spots. Its most distinct feature is the pair of large, vivid blue-and-black eyespots on its hindwings, which resemble owl eyes when revealed.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusAutomeris
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
4
Interesting facts
Adult Io Moths don't eat anything! They live only a few days using energy from when they were caterpillars.
Io Moth caterpillars are "social" and live in groups when they are young, marching together on plants.
Some people call them "Peacock Moths" because their stunning eyespots resemble a peacock's feathers.
The male Io Moth is bright yellow, but the female is usually a reddish-brown color, they look very different!
Special abilities
Ability
Sudden Scare Show
Io Moths can instantly flash their large, blue-centered eyespots on their hindwings to startle predators, making itself look like a much bigger animal.
Ability
Spiky Stingers
Io Moth caterpillars have venomous, barbed spines that deliver a painful sting to deter predators from eating them.
Ability
Scented Signals
Female Io Moths release invisible scent signals (pheromones) to attract males from miles away, ensuring they can find a mate.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 50-80 mm
- Size
- 25-35 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on many plant leaves; adult moths do not eat!
Age differences: Only the caterpillar stage eats, munching on leaves; adult moths do not feed.
Primary Foods
- Willow leaves
- Sassafras leaves
- Hackberry leaves
- Corn leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Black Willow
Salix nigra
Caterpillars munch on its leaves.
eats
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
A favorite host plant for caterpillars.
eats
Corn
Zea mays
Caterpillars are sometimes found on corn plants.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Birds sometimes eat its caterpillars.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Io Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Io Moth's wingspan?
50-80 mm
How big is Io Moth?
25-35 mm
How long does Io Moth live?
5-10 days
What does Io Moth eat?
Caterpillars munch on many plant leaves; adult moths do not eat!
Where is Io Moth usually found?
Forests and gardens
How does Io Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Io Moth have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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