Io Moth

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, scrublands, and suburban areas across North America

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants including oak, willow, and maple; adults do not eat as they lack functional mouthparts

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; adults live for only one to two weeks to mate and lay eggs. They use their large, prominent eyespots on the hindwings as a defensive mechanism to startle predators

Risks & Benefits

Adults are harmless and serve as prey for bats and birds; however, the caterpillars possess venomous stinging spines that can cause painful skin irritation and swelling in humans

Identified on: 6/17/2026