What do Lo moths eat?

Io Moth Caterpillar

• The larval stage of the io moth ranks near the top of any list of problematic stinging caterpillars.
• The caterpillar feeds on many trees and shrubs, including willow, maple, elm, oak, holly, boxelder, aspen, locust, cherry, pear and sassafras.
• The adult has a wingspan of two to three inches.

How long do Lo moths live?

Moths do not feed and are short lived (7 to 14 days). The eggs hatch in 2 to 3 weeks time and the social larvae will stay together after hatching, feeding from various trees, grasses and shrubbery. The caterpillars are green to yellow and have venomous spines that can deliver a painful sting upon skin contact.

What do you do if you get stung by a lo moth caterpillar?

Both physicians advise that a person stung should apply an ice pack, then a paste of baking soda and water, followed by hydrocortisone cream. “I also recommend an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl if the sting is severe, and Ibuprofen can be given orally if it is needed for pain,” says Dr. Kerut.

Why is it called an Io moth?

Automeris io, the Io moth (EYE-oh) or peacock moth, is a colorful North American moth in the family Saturniidae. The io moth is also a member of the subfamily Hemileucinae. The name Io comes from Greek mythology in which Io was a mortal lover of Zeus.

What does an Io moth look like?

Automeris io (Fabricius, 1775) Identification: Upperside occasionally males from the spring brood will be mostly brown. Female forewings are brown or brownish purple to red and the bands and eyespots may or may not be apparent. Hindwings of both sexes are yellow to brownish orange with yellow or orange margins.

Can I keep a caterpillar in a jar?

Provide the Right Housing. You don’t need a fancy insect terrarium to raise a caterpillar. Just about any container large enough to accommodate the caterpillar and its food plant will do the job. A gallon-size jar or old fish tank will provide a luxurious, easy-to-clean home.