Description
Scientific Name: Automeris io
A vibrant North American moth in the Saturniidae family is called Automeris io, sometimes known as the Io moth (EYE-oh) or peacock moth. Additionally a member of the Hemileucinae subfamily is the Io moth. The Greek mythology that gave rise to the name Io describes Io as Zeus’ mortal lover.
Adult Io moths frequently rest with their wings folded over their backs and flattened to the sides. The hindwings, which feature a single sizable, noticeable, blue and black eyespot on each, can frequently be seen when the forewings are carefully parted. The forewing color is different in males and females: Males typically have yellowish forewings, while females tend to have darker brown, rusty red, or purplish forewings. Males and females are often larger.
Mature larvae have a red-and-white stripe on their sides and range in colour from yellowish green to bluish green. They have dense coatings of bristly, stinging spines that, for some persons, inflict extreme irritation.
Habitat
Native to North America, the Io moth. Both the eastern United States and the Southern Canada region are where it is most frequently found. They have been discovered in a few locations in eastern Mexico. They have a variety of habitats where they are found. However, forests and green spaces are where you’ll find these moths most frequently.
Diet
A wide range of plants, including grasses, herbaceous plants, deciduous trees, shrubs, and conifers, are consumed by larvae. Like other adults in the gigantic silkmoth family, adults do not eat and have reduced mouthparts.
Behavior
Between early May and September, adults fly. This type of moth is nocturnal and drawn to lights like the majority of other moths. Adults start looking for mates just before dark and end just after midnight. On host plants, females lay egg clusters. The caterpillars, especially when young, are sociable (live in groups) and occasionally form lines, “marching” in single file.
As Pet
There are a few things you can do to make sure lo moth caterpillars are healthy and promote their growth when they hatch. You should first give them access to a warm, dry, and clean environment. The caterpillars can be kept in a closed container with a layer of paper towels at the bottom to accomplish this. You must then provide the caterpillars with a food source. You can achieve this by adding some fruit or a leaf to the container. Last but not least, keep a tight eye on the caterpillars and get rid of any that have passed away.
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