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Io Moth

Automeris io

The Io Moth (Automeris io) is a striking species of moth found throughout much of the eastern United States. Its common name comes from Io, a character in Greek mythology who was transformed into a cow by Zeus. The moth’s bold and colorful wingspan ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 inches and features a varying pattern of yellow, orange, brown, and red.

A fun fact about the Io Moth is that, like many other moth species, it has developed a unique defense mechanism to protect itself from predators. When disturbed, the moth quickly flicks open its wings to reveal the eyespots on its hindwings. The sudden appearance of the eyespots can spook predators, giving the moth a chance to escape.

Overall, the Io Moth is a fascinating species that is easily recognized by its striking colors and distinctive hindwing markings.

Habitat
Deciduous forests, woodlands, and sometimes urban areas
Scientific Name
Automeris io
Wing Span
50mm to 78mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
yellow
yellow
Marking's Color
black
black
red
red
Markings Pattern
Eye Spots
Color Patches

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Distinctive black eyespots on hindwings

  2. Black outline on bottom of eyespot

  3. Red patches on hindwings of yellow morphs

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.