Io Moth vs Common Mormon

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Io Moth	Common Mormon
Scientific Name	Automeris io	Papilio polytes
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Saturniidae	Papilionidae
Size	63-88 mm wingspan	90-100 mm wingspan
Habitat	Meadows	Heathland
Diet	Predators	Nectar Feeders
Regions	North America	South Asia, Southeast Asia
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Io Moth

Named after Io from Greek mythology. Hindwings display large eyespots that flash open to startle predators. Caterpillars are covered in urticating spines that cause a painful sting.

💡

Did You Know?

When threatened, the Io moth suddenly flashes open its hindwings to reveal two enormous eyespots — the sudden appearance of "eyes" startles predators into backing off.

Common Mormon

Males are plain black with a cream band; females occur in multiple forms mimicking different toxic species. A textbook example of female-limited polymorphism.

💡

Did You Know?

A single gene called doublesex controls the switch between its mimetic female forms.