The Io Moth has a wingspan of 2.50 to 3.25 inches. Typically, the forewing is yellow in the male and bronze to gray in the female. The hindwings are yellow-orange with a large blue eyespot outlined in black, and a red streak along the inner margin. The caterpillar is lime green with bunches of green spines and a red and white stripe running along the sides of the abdomen.
This is an uncommon moth in Fontenelle Forest and Neale woods. It has been seen at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in May and June and at Neale Woods in June and July. The caterpillar has been seen in late August. Adults are attracted to artificial lights as was the female in Photo F.
The larval food plants are various deciduous trees, shrubs and plants including clover, corn, maple, oak and willow. There is one brood. The caterpillar has sharp, stinging spines.
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