Bullseye Silk-Moth | Automeris io COCOONS

Automeris io, commonly known as the Io Moth or Bullseye Silk-moth, is a striking member of the Saturniidae family, native to North America. It is renowned for its bold eyespots on the hindwings, which serve as a defense mechanism to deter predators. This species can be found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas.

The adult Io Moth exhibits sexual dimorphism. Males are golden-yellow with large blue and black eyespots on the hindwings, while females are generally brownish or reddish with similar eyespots. The forewings provide camouflage when the moth is at rest, resembling dead or fallen leaves. The sudden display of the eyespots, when threatened, startles predators, mimicking the eyes of a larger animal.

The caterpillars of Automeris io are green and covered with spines that contain venomous hairs capable of causing nettle-like stings upon contact, making them well-protected against predators. Therefore, whilst easy to care for, it is best not to directly handle the caterpillars and instead allow them to move from old to new host plant leaves in their own time. These larvae feed on a variety of plants, including oak, willow, and multiple other deciduous trees. They form a cocoon for pupation, emerging as adults that do not feed, as they lack functional mouthparts - characteristic of giant silk-moths.

Host plants - Oak, Willow, Privet, Lilac, Birch. Many more are reported and worth trying!

Difficulty - Easy (2/10) but caterpillars have stinging spikes so avoid handling!

Temperature - Room temp.

Lifecycle - one to three broods with the final overwintering in their cocoons