The adults do not feed which is common in many of the silk moths.
The genus Automeris origin is Greek and is broken into two parts, Auto is self while meris is part or portion. Io is from Greek mythology and was the daughter of Inachus, a stream god.
The Io Moth is usually found in areas where their host plants grow which would primarily be deciduous forests and the surrounding area.
The adults usually emerge from their cocoon in early evening. During the night the female releases pheromones to attract a male. After mating the female lays her eggs in clusters on the host plant. As early instars, the caterpillars feed as a group. Io Moths overwinter as cocoons.
In the north of their range there is one brood per year from May - June. As you move south, the number of broods increases to two or three per year. In the southernmost part of their range their many broods make it possible to find adults all year.
The Io Moth caterpillar has a very special defensive mechanism. Their bodies are covered with urticating (stinging) hairs. These hairs can cause severe pain or severe allergic reaction in some people.
