Eyespots
Guides
Aglais io
European peacock butterfly, peacock butterfly
A colorful nymphalid butterfly found across Europe and temperate Asia to Japan. Adults overwinter and emerge in spring to reproduce. Recent studies in Belgium demonstrate a shift from univoltine to bivoltine life history, with three flight peaks now observed: spring (overwintering adults), early summer (first generation), and autumn (second generation). The species is known for prominent eyespots on its wings that function in anti-predator defense.
Alaus oculatus
Eastern Eyed Click Beetle, Eyed Elater
Alaus oculatus, commonly called the eastern eyed click beetle or eyed elater, is a large, striking click beetle native to eastern North America. Adults reach 25–45 mm in length and are immediately recognizable by the prominent false eyespots on their pronotum—large oval patches of dark scales framed in white that function in predator deterrence. The beetle possesses a remarkable clicking mechanism: a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch that, when flexed and released, produce an audible snap capable of launching the beetle several inches into the air. This behavior serves both defensive and righting functions. The larvae are predatory wireworms that inhabit decaying wood, feeding voraciously on other beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids.
Alaus patricius
Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle
Alaus patricius, known as the Caribbean Eyed Click Beetle, is a large click beetle in the family Elateridae. Like other members of the genus Alaus, it is characterized by prominent false eyespots on the pronotum that serve as a defensive adaptation against predators. The species exhibits the family's namesake clicking mechanism, using a prosternal spine and mesosternal notch to launch itself into the air when threatened or overturned. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting decaying wood where they hunt other insect larvae.
Antheraea
tussar moths
Antheraea is a genus of giant silk moths in the family Saturniidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1819. Species in this genus are notable for producing wild silk of commercial importance, commonly known as "tussar silk" or "tussah silk." The genus includes species distributed across Asia, North America, and other regions, with several species cultivated for sericulture. Caterpillars of Antheraea species feed on diverse host plants including oaks and other woody trees.
Antheraea polyphemus
Polyphemus moth, Polyphemus silk moth
A large North American silk moth with tan to brown coloration and distinctive purplish eyespots on the hindwings, named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed, living less than one week. The species produces silk cocoons and has been used in hybridization experiments with other silk moths. Two broods typically emerge annually across most of its range.
Automeris
Eyed Silkmoths, Io Moths
Automeris is a large genus of silkmoths (Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) comprising approximately 145 described species distributed from eastern North America to Peru. Adults exhibit crypsis through leaf-mimicking forewings, while concealed hindwings bear conspicuous eyespots used in startle displays against predators. Larvae possess venom-bearing urticating spines that cause painful stings to humans and other animals. The genus is paraphyletic, with the genera Leucanella and Pseudautomeris nested within it.
Automeris cecrops
Cecrops Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris cecrops is a saturniid moth distributed across Central America and North America. Adults possess large eyespots on the hindwings used for predator defense. Caterpillars bear urticating spines that deliver painful stings when handled. The species is one of three recognized subspecies within the Automeris cecrops complex.
Automeris cecrops pamina
Automeris cecrops pamina is a subspecies of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, occurring in southwestern North America and Middle America. As a member of the Automeris genus, adults possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used for predator defense. The caterpillars bear urticating spines capable of delivering a painful sting. This subspecies represents the western portion of the broader Automeris cecrops species complex.
Automeris io neomexicana
Io moth
Automeris io neomexicana is a subspecies of the Io moth, a large saturniid moth native to North America. The caterpillars possess urticating spines capable of delivering painful stings. Adults display prominent eyespots on the hindwings used to startle predators. This western subspecies occurs in the Great Plains and southwestern regions of the United States and Canada.
Automeris iris
Iris Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris iris is a silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, known as the iris eyed silkmoth. It occurs in Central and North America. Like other Automeris species, adults possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used for predator defense. The caterpillars bear urticating spines capable of delivering painful stings.
Eunica
Purplewings
Eunica is a genus of nymphalid butterflies in the subfamily Biblidinae, commonly known as purplewings. The genus contains approximately 40 species distributed throughout the Neotropical realm. Species exhibit notable variation in eyespot patterns on the ventral hindwing surface, with phylogenetic studies indicating an evolutionary trend toward reduction in eyespot number coupled with increase in size of retained spots. Several species serve as bio-indicators of undisturbed tropical forest.
Junonia coenia
Common Buckeye, Buckeye
Junonia coenia, commonly known as the common buckeye, is a distinctive butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is widely distributed across North America, Central America, and parts of northern South America. The species is known for its prominent eyespots on the wings and its migratory behavior, moving south in autumn to escape cold temperatures. Adults feed preferentially on yellow flowers, while larvae specialize on plants containing iridoid glycosides.
Smerinthus
Eyed Hawkmoths
Smerinthus is a Holarctic genus of hawkmoths in the family Sphingidae, containing approximately 12 recognized species. Adults are characterized by prominent eyespots on the hindwings and forewing patterns that resemble dried leaves. Adults possess reduced or absent mouthparts and do not feed. Larvae feed on a variety of host plants in the families Salicaceae and possibly others.
Smerinthus jamaicensis
Twin-spotted Sphinx
Smerinthus jamaicensis, commonly known as the Twin-spotted Sphinx, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. It is widely distributed across North America, ranging from the Yukon southward throughout most of the continent, though absent from the southern half of western California. The species belongs to a genus of sphinx moths characterized by their robust bodies and distinctive wing patterns.