Female Automeris io moth | Chicory Dell Arts

Automeris io's are stinging caterpillars! Check out this Automeris io caterpillar that was seen in our picnic area. The Automeris io is equipped with powerful stingers to keep predators away. It is fairly common throughout the Eastern part of the United States. Host plants for the Automeris io include hackberry and mesquite trees. #SANWR Video credit: FWS/Rosa Perdomo | Santa Ana & Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuges | Facebook

cutest jumpscare ever? ✨ male io moth (automeris io) 🌹 | Stoned Affection

Io moths are renowned for their striking eyespots, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. 👀 After a period of feeding on the leaves of various trees and shrubs as caterpillars, they prepare for metamorphosis by spinning cocoons. 🐛 The fallen leaves provide essential camouflage for the cocoons, blending seamlessly with the environment to avoid detection by predators. 🍂 Learn how fallen leaves support moths 📲: https://ow.ly/BWtf50Tz86W #leavetheleaves #wildlife #nature #moths #l

32K views · 255 reactions | Automeris Io caterpillars are spinning and fluffing out their spines after shedding their skins. These are “no touchies” but something about them makes me want to anyway . The sting feels like nettles | Chicory Dell Arts | Facebook