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Io Moth

Io Moth

Automeris io

A species of Automeris

The lovely Io moth is named after the Greek tale of Io, a beautiful woman with whom Zeus was infatuated. The male io Moth has a striking pair of brilliant yellow wings, while the female is darker in color. This moth species also has noticeable eyespots on the hindwings that can scare off predators.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Does the Io Moth cause allergies?
Allergenic
General Info About Io Moth
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Attributes of Io Moth
Adult Food Sources
Adults do not feed.
Larva Food Source
Corn (zea mays), willow (salix spp.), cherry (prunus spp.), maple (acer spp.), oak (quercus spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
The Io Moth has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Io Moth can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Io Moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Io Moth
Populations declining
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Distribution Area of Io Moth
North America
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Life Cycle of Io Moth
Egg The io Moth begins as an egg, usually laid on plant leaves. The egg is small, spherical, and varies in color. It serves as a protective capsule from which the larva will hatch.
Larva Upon hatching, the larval io Moth emerges as a caterpillar. It has a worm-like shape, and its primary function is to eat and grow. The larvae will molt several times, increasing in size with each stage.
Pupal After reaching a sufficient size, the io Moth enters the pupal stage. Enwrapped in a cocoon, it undergoes significant transformation, reshaping its body. The cocoon can vary in color and is often camouflaged.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult io Moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Io Moth
Bats, birds, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Io Moth
The caterpillar of io Moth possesses urticating spines that can cause a painful sting, a defense mechanism against predators.
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Scientific Classification of Io Moth
Tips for Finding Io Moth
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Youth Habitat of Io Moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Io Moth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Io Moth
Attractants for finding io Moth could include host plants for caterpillars.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Io Moth
Mild to warm weather without heavy rain can be suitable for finding io Moth, as extreme temperatures or precipitation can affect its activity and visibility.
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How and Where Can You Find Io Moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Io Moth eggs are usually deposited on the underside of host plant leaves. Look for clusters of small, ovular eggs that are pale in color on the leaves of plants like clover, redbud, and violets.
Larva Io Moth caterpillars are identifiable by their green to brown bodies and spiny protuberances. Locate them by searching for chewed foliage on host plants during the day.
Pupal Io Moth pupae can be found in concealed locations such as under leaves or in tree bark crevices. Search for their camouflaged cocoons that might blend in with the surroundings.
Adult Adult io Moth are nocturnal and attracted to light sources at night. They can be found resting on the walls near lights or on vegetation close to light sources after dark.
Are Io Moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Io Moth
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Humans

The larva of io Moth possesses a defense mechanism involving urticating hairs that, upon contact, can release irritating toxins. Touching these hairs may result in mild to severe dermatitis, characterized by pain, redness, and itching. While generally not life-threatening, the discomfort can persist for hours or possibly days, with complications being rare but more serious if many caterpillars are handled.

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Does the Io Moth cause allergies?

Io Moth's larvae stage can lead to allergies in humans through contact with its hair. These allergic reactions may affect a small number of people and can range from mild to severe, depending on individual sensitivities. Typical symptoms include skin irritation or rash. Due to variation in severity, those handling io Moth should exercise caution and consider wearing protective clothing.

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Hurt Plant

Larvae of io Moth are indiscriminate feeders, often leading to defoliation of host plants. Depending on the population, the damage can range from mild to severe, with potential consequences for plant health and productivity.

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