Io Moth

Deciduous forests, open woodlands, meadows, and suburban areas throughout eastern North America.

Adults do not eat as they have vestigial mouthparts; caterpillars feed on a wide variety of host plants including oak, willow, maple, and cherry.

Nocturnal; they use large eyespots on their hindwings as a startle defense against predators. They have a complete metamorphosis life cycle.

Caterpillars possess venomous stinging spines that cause painful reactions in humans; adults are high-value pollinators and food sources for bats and birds.