Species · GBIF taxon 1866085
Io Moth
Automeris ioAlso known as Peacock Moth, Io Silkmoth
Io moths display one of the most dramatic defensive reactions in the insect world, flashing large, black-and-blue hindwing eyespots to startle potential predators when disturbed. While the brightly colored males fly actively at night searching for mates, females emit pheromones from stationary perches to guide them in. The larvae are voracious feeders on a wide variety of trees and shrubs, growing into bright green caterpillars covered in venomous, stinging spines.
NocturnalStinging CaterpillarVibrant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Oak Leaves
- Willow Leaves
- Maple Leaves
Predators
- Bats
- Songbirds
- Rodents
ThreatsLight pollution, pesticide use, and habitat loss
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, suburban gardens, orchards, and fields
Life span7 to 14 days as adults
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySaturniidae
- SpeciesAutomeris io
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Caterpillars possess venomous stinging spines; avoid touching them and observe only from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Branching spines on the caterpillar inject a venom that causes immediate, intense burning, redness, and localized swelling.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for bright green caterpillars with a distinct red and white lateral stripe and clusters of needle-like spines.
- What to do
- Never touch the caterpillars; if stung, apply adhesive tape to the area to pull out the venomous spines.
Responsible observation
- Attract with Light: Use a UV blacklight against a white sheet at night to safely observe adults.
- Look for Larvae: Search the undersides of oak, cherry, or willow leaves during mid-to-late summer.
- Keep Distance: Never handle the green, spiny caterpillars to prevent painful stings.
Family Member (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · cc-by
Subfamily Relative Close Relative 
Family Member "Lovely luna moth at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery" by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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