Io Moth

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, suburban gardens, and coastal scrub throughout North America.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae eat a wide variety of plants including birch, willow, and oak; adults do not eat as they lack functional mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

They have striking eyespots on their hindwings which they reveal as a startle defense against predators; they are primarily nocturnal and attracted to lights.

Risks & Benefits

Adults are harmless and serve as pollinators and food for birds; however, the larvae (caterpillars) possess venomous stinging spines that can cause painful skin reactions in humans.

Identified on: 6/28/2026