Parasitoid-impacts
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Automeris io
Io moth, peacock moth
Automeris io is a colorful North American saturniid moth with sexual dimorphism in adult coloration: males are bright yellow, females reddish-brown to purple. Both sexes possess distinctive eyespots on the hindwings used in anti-predator displays. The caterpillars are gregarious, bright green with red and white lateral stripes, and possess venomous urticating spines that cause painful stings. Adults are nocturnal, lack functional mouthparts, and live 1–2 weeks. Populations have declined in parts of their range, particularly in New England, due to habitat loss and parasitism by introduced biological control agents.