Gardening can be a delightful hobby, but certain pests can hinder your plants’ growth and beauty. One such pest is the io moth caterpillar. These caterpillars are known for their stinging spines, which can cause discomfort if touched. In this article, we’ll discuss how to effectively get rid of io moth caterpillars in your garden.
Io moth caterpillars are easily identified by their pale green color, white and red stripes, and distinctive yellow or green fleshy protrusions tipped in black. These caterpillars can cause damage to plants by feeding on leaves, but their stinging spines are what make them a more significant concern, particularly for gardeners and their families.
There are various methods to eliminate these pesky insects from your garden, each with its advantages and drawbacks. In the following sections, we will explore some of these techniques, including natural methods, chemical control, and preventive measures to keep your garden safe and thriving.
Identifying Io Moth Caterpillar
Physical Characteristics
The Io moth caterpillar (Automeris io) is known for its unique appearance. Key features of this caterpillar include:
- Pale green body
- White and red stripes down the length of their body
- Yellow or green fleshy protrusions tipped in black extending from the back of the caterpillar1
Adult Io moths showcase different characteristics when compared to their caterpillar stage. Notable features include:
- Males: Yellowish forewings
- Females: Brown, rusty red, or purplish forewings
- Both sexes: Prominent blue and black eyespots on their hindwings2
| Characteristics | Io Moth Caterpillar | Adult Io Moth Male | Adult Io Moth Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Pale green | Yellowish | Brown, rusty red, purplish |
| Protrusions | Yes | No | No |
| Eyespots | No | Blue and black | Blue and black |
Habitat
Io moth caterpillars are typically found in a variety of habitats, particularly in forests and park-like areas3. As the io moth’s population declines in some regions, its habitat preference may change4.
Problems Caused by Io Moth Caterpillar
Damage to Plants
Io moth caterpillars can cause significant damage to various plants. They primarily feed on the leaves of:
- Dogwood
- Elm
The damage caused by these caterpillars affects the overall health and growth of the plant.
Health Risks
The spines of Io moth caterpillars contain venom, making them one of the stinging caterpillars. When accidentally touched, their stings can cause painful effects, including:
- Itchiness
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
In some cases, people may experience allergic reactions to caterpillar stings. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Severe swelling
- Difficulty breathing
Comparison table: Io moth caterpillar vs. Asp caterpillar
| Feature | Io moth caterpillar | Asp caterpillar |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Green with yellow spines | Furry with no visible spines |
| Venom | Yes | Yes |
| Sting severity | Moderate | Severe |
| Common plants | Dogwood, Elm | Oak, Elm, Rose, Citrus |
It’s essential to be cautious around these venomous caterpillars and manage their population to minimize the risk of damage to plants and potential health risks to humans and animals.
Preventing Io Moth Caterpillar Infestation
Inspecting Trees and Shrubs
Regularly inspect your trees and shrubs, such as willow, oak, maple, apple, pear, and cherry, for signs of io moth caterpillar infestation. Check for clusters of eggs, larvae, and buck moth caterpillars in the foliage. An example of an affected tree may have a red strip on its leaves from the io moth caterpillar feeding.
Io moth caterpillars have a distinct appearance:
- Pale green body
- White and red strip down the length of their body
- Yellow or green fleshy protrusions tipped in black
Promoting Natural Predators
Encourage natural predators of io moth caterpillars and other pests in your garden. For instance, wasps, birds, and spiders can help reduce infestations.
To promote natural predators, consider:
- Adding birdhouses and feeders
- Planting native plants to attract beneficial insects
- Avoiding excessive pesticide use, which can harm natural predators
Comparison Table: Io Moth Caterpillar vs. Buck Moth Caterpillar
| Feature | Io Moth Caterpillar | Buck Moth Caterpillar |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Pale green | Dark, marbled |
| Strip | White and red | Orange |
| Stinging | Yes | Yes |
Io moth caterpillars and buck moth caterpillars both can cause painful skin irritation similar to a bee sting, due to their
Controlling and Removing Io Moth Caterpillars
Physical Removal
Physically removing Io moth caterpillars can be an effective method to manage their presence on your plants. It is important to wear gloves while removing them since their spines can cause skin irritation. Gently pick the caterpillars off affected plants and drop them into a container of soapy water to eliminate them. Some common host plants for the Io moth caterpillar include pear and boxelder.
Using Biological Control
Another approach to control Io moth caterpillars involves using biological agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally occurring soil bacteria. By spraying Bt on the leaves of affected plants, the caterpillars will ingest the bacteria as they feed, which produces toxins in their bodies that kills them. Please note that Bt only affects caterpillars and is safe for beneficial insects, making it an environmentally-friendly choice.
Pros:
- Selective and only targets caterpillars
- Safe for beneficial insects
- Environmentally-friendly
Cons:
- Must be applied during specific caterpillar stages
- May need multiple applications
Bt can be found as a commercial product in various forms such as sprays and powders. To decide which method is best for you, consider factors like the size of your garden and how widespread the Io moth caterpillar problem is.
Additional Tips for Handling Io Moth Caterpillars
Keeping Safe While Outdoors
Io moth caterpillars are found in the eastern United States, including states like Georgia, Florida, and Texas. They feed on a variety of plants such as hickory, aspen, locusts, maples, and palms. When outdoors, especially in these regions, it’s important to:
- Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, gloves)
- Avoid direct contact with caterpillars
- Educate children about the risks
The caterpillars have urticating hairs, which contain poisonous spines that can cause skin irritation, inflammation and pain if touched.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Help
If you accidentally come into contact with an io moth caterpillar, some individuals may experience mild to severe reactions. Here are some symptoms that may require medical attention:
- Intense pain lasting over an hour
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling that doesn’t subside
Note: People with a known allergy or sensitivity to insect stings and bites should consult their physician immediately after any contact with io moth caterpillars.
Natural Control Methods
If you find io moth caterpillars in your garden, utilizing natural methods like soapy water may help to reduce their numbers. For example:
- Mix dish soap with water
- Spray on the affected plants to safely remove caterpillars
- Monitor and repeat if necessary
Pros:
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Inexpensive and easy to make
Cons:
- May require multiple applications
- May not eliminate all caterpillars
| Method | Cost | Efficacy | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soapy Water | Low | Moderate | High |
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Footnotes
37 Comments. Leave new
I saw one last night attracted by the light outside my house in Menites on the island of Andros in Greece. Truly amazing
.
Yes they are.
I saw one last night attracted by the light outside my house in Menites on the island of Andros in Greece. Truly amazing
.
I found a Great Peacock Moth caterpillar on my potato plants. It is more a tan/brown colour (rather than the greenish tinge the photos on your website have) with the tiny blue spots all over.
Haven’t ever seen the adult moths around. We live in Aghios Apostoles, Evia. I bought a potato bag to plant the potatoes and this bag had advertising and instructions in Slavic languages – so perhaps the bag had eggs which had travelled here from afar??
Many caterpillars change colors just prior to metamorphosis.
I found a Great Peacock Moth caterpillar on my potato plants. It is more a tan/brown colour (rather than the greenish tinge the photos on your website have) with the tiny blue spots all over.
Haven’t ever seen the adult moths around. We live in Aghios Apostoles, Evia. I bought a potato bag to plant the potatoes and this bag had advertising and instructions in Slavic languages – so perhaps the bag had eggs which had travelled here from afar??
I had this beautiful caterpillar in my garden yesterday, only recognised by your site. It was a wonderful thing to see. I live in France in the Deux Sevre . Never ever seen anything like it. fourbob
I have also found this to be the only site where i could ID this caterpillar. Many thanks, Jen
When we were playing in the garden, we came across this Great Peacock Moth Caterpillar climbing up the wall of the swimming pool. All the kids were intrigued and we were able to identify it on your site-thank you. We are situated in Chatellerault, 86100, Vienne, France.
The great peacock moth doesn’t exist in Germany! It also does not exist in northern france, in luxembourg it is extinct.
But in parts of switzerland and austria this moth lives.
Rolf
How long have they been extinct in Germany, Northern France and Luxembourg? When was the last sighting?
In Luxembourg the last sighting was in 1968,
here in Germany in 1977.
We observed a fat, healthy one in Southwest Hungary on July 12, 2017. Our son found it on the kindergarten playground and followed it to a horse chestnut tree.
The great peacock moth doesn’t exist in Germany! It also does not exist in northern france, in luxembourg it is extinct.
But in parts of switzerland and austria this moth lives.
Rolf
Hi,
My daughter ( age 6) found a giant peacock moth caterpillar in our garden in south west France. Are they common though out France ?
Oh yes & Amélie would like to know do they change colour before turning into a pupa? Thank you
Many Saturniidae caterpillars change color prior to pupation, but we cannot say for certain that the Giant Peacock Moth Caterpillar is one of those. We do not believe they are as common as they were in the past.
Hi,
My daughter ( age 6) found a giant peacock moth caterpillar in our garden in south west France. Are they common though out France ?
Oh yes & Amélie would like to know do they change colour before turning into a pupa? Thank you
In which part of france was this moth photographed?
Two of theses on villa wall Alonissos, Sporades, Greece. Impressive!
Found one today in the garden. Haute Vienne 87360. 06/08/2016
Seen at Argenton-les-Vallées (79150), Deux-Sèvres 6th August 2016.
I just found one in our garden for the very first time. We live in Languedoc.
It is so beautiful and our cat wanted to play with it.
I just found one in our garden for the very first time. We live in Languedoc.
It is so beautiful and our cat wanted to play with it.
Saw one today in Greece Rhodes. Are they poisonous? To touch? Very lovely thing
They are not poisonous.
We have one in our garden yesterday. Very LARGE!!! This is the second time we have found one. We live in Dept 24. The grandchildren were very interested in finding out what it changes into. Thanks
Hi, saw one in our garden in Brittany in July (managed to photograph it too).
saw one last week in Chatillon en Diois, Central France.
This is not for the faint-hearted I’m afraid, but I’ve just taken a couple of photos of a massive, and magnificent, but unfortunately dead moth I just found on the road. I’m 100% sure it’s a Great Peacock moth, but I seem to live much further North of their reported range. I live in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (78700). I’d be happy to share the photos But I’m not sure how to post them here.
You may submit your image by using the Ask WTB? link on our site. Please put Great Peacock Moth in the subject line.
We’ve seen two on a cherry tree on Elba. While having breakfast they were wandering around the terrace. Lizzards showed up and approached them. To eat them? The lizzards ran of anyway, seemingly impressed of their size. Yesterday in bed I heard some high pitched solitary chirping outside. Was that the
Great info here!
We’ve seen two on a cherry tree on Elba. While having breakfast they were wandering around the terrace. Lizzards showed up and approached them. To eat them? The lizzards ran of anyway, seemingly impressed of their size. Yesterday in bed I heard some high pitched solitary chirping outside. Was that the
Great info here!
Just found a caterpillar at our gite in southern France. We’re near Cahors in the Lot region
Seen in Boussac central France. July 2019
HI I have one in my garden now, it was a caterpillar 2 days ago and is now a pupa. I watch every day to see what is happening. We saw one emerging about 14 years ago and didn’t know what it was. We are in Morbihan, the south of Brittany.
Found one of these in auburn maine today. Never seen one before
We had one of the moths on our back wall a few years ago, maybe 2019 ? in the Gironde department. It posed while we took pictures. A magnificent creature.