Io moth (Automeris io)
Right on time for National Moth Week, an io moth (Automeris io), the National Moth Week icon, just so happened to show up on the front door of the Nature Center.
Wildlife Care Naturalist, Emily Stauss, enters the Nature Center to begin her routine of taking care of the Ruffner animal ambassadors. She takes a picture of the io moth on the door. What big eyes he has! The moth’s forewings are parted to reveal the hindwings. Large, blue, and black owl-like eyes are strikingly beautiful. But they are meant to stare and startle — predators beware!
Minutes later, Carmen Molay, Membership Coordinator, snaps a photo of the same moth. In the usual resting position, the moth’s underwings are tucked beneath the forewings. They appear drab to bright yellow, slightly speckled. A female’s wings would be brownish to rust in color, and we imagine they would be well camouflaged against fallen leaves or bark. Disappointed the moth didn’t show off for her, Carmen was delighted to see Emily’s photo of the io’s eyes.
What moths will you find around your place this week? Go outside, look and see! Observe and record your observations on iNaturalist. Be sure to check out the Moths of Alabama iNaturalist project and the Moths of Alabama Facebook page. For more information on moth week, visit the National Moth Week website: https://nationalmothweek.org
