Io moth

American  

[ahy-oh mawth, moth] / ˈaɪ oʊ ˌmɔθ, ˌmɒθ /

noun

1. a showy, yellow moth, Automeris io, of North America, having a prominent, black-ringed eyespot on each hindwing: the larva has venomous stinging spines.

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Io moth British  

noun

1. an American saturniid moth, Automeris io, bright yellow with a blue-and-pink eyelike spot on each of the hind wings

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Etymology

Origin of Io moth

First recorded in 1865–70; named after the mythological character Io ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Multiply these horns over the surface of the body, lessen their size, and crown them with hairs, and we have our Io moth, so destructive to corn.

From Our Common Insects A Popular Account of the Insects of Our Fields, Forests, Gardens and Houses by Packard, A. S. (Alpheus Spring)