Io Moth

Deciduous forests, meadows, and suburban areas across much of North America.

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

Night-flying; when threatened, they flash their large hindwing eyespots to startle predators. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being bright yellow and females reddish-brown.

Benefits the ecosystem as a pollinator and food source. The primary risk to humans is from the caterpillars, which have stinging spines that can cause painful skin irritation upon contact.