Posted in Nature Study
As promised, here is the info on our little green, zapper that the boys touched on our vacation (OUCH!). If I had know this was the beautiful moth it would turn into I might have tried to bring the poisonous thing home to metamorphosis. Okay maybe not a good idea if he zaps you LOL:
Io Moth - Automeris io
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Bombycoidea
Family: Saturniidae
Genus Species: Automeris io
The Io moth, named for a character in Greek mythology, has a very obvious black eyespot on each hindwing. Also known as the Peacock moth, they are one of the smaller North American silk moths. It ranges from the southeast corner of
ADULTS: Adult moths are strictly nocturnal, flying generally only during the first few hours of the night. They have a wingspan of 2.5-3.5 inches. Adult males are mostly yellow, while females have brown forewings. The males also have much bigger plumose (feathery) antennae than the females. Both have one big black to bluish eyespot with some white in the center, on each hindwing, a defense mechanism meant to frighten off potential predators. Females rarely fly until after mating. After mating, the females go and lay eggs, then wait to die. These moths, like all moths in the Saturniidae family, have vestigial mouthparts and do not eat in the adult form
LARVAE: Io moth larvae are green with red and white stripes running the length of their bodies, which may be up to 2 or 2.5 inches long. Larvae have poisonous spines called urticarial hairs that are very painful to the touch (described by some as a sting). They travel in trains and feed in groups until they spin cocoons. Although these larvae potentially will feed on the foliage of any tree or shrub, some of their favorites include apple, rose, cherry, alder, ash, birch, elm, locust, oak, sassafras, and other deciduous (broadleaf) trees and herbaceous plants. They are often found in corn fields. Damage is rarely severe. These large caterpillar species are usually not considered pests. Although a single individual can consume relatively large amounts of foliage, their numbers rarely reach levels that would warrant control.
COCOONS: The cocoon is made from a dark, coarse silk and is not very sturdy. The dark brown, almost black pupa can easily be seen through the silk when the cocoon is held up to a light. Female moths and pupae tend to be much larger than males. Most larvae will spin thin, rather flimsy cocoons among debris on the ground. Some larvae will use a leaf wrap and the cocoons will fall to the ground with the autumn leaves.
Remedies for relief of urticating pain include initial removal of any remaining inserted spines by the use of adhesive tape, followed by ice compacts, mentholated Vaseline, or an antihistamine medicine. The irritation can last for a day or two and may be accompanied by nausea during the first few hours. Usually the site of contact reddens and swells much like a bee sting.
Coloring Page of both larvae & moth
Cut out of Io Moth (great for mobil)
