Io Moth vs Lichen Moth of New Zealand

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Io Moth	Lichen Moth of New Zealand
Scientific Name	Automeris io	Declana floccosa
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Saturniidae	Geometridae
Size	63-88 mm wingspan	35-50 mm wingspan
Habitat	Meadows	Forests
Diet	Predators	Herbivores
Regions	North America	Oceania (New Zealand)
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.

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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.

Lichen Moth of New Zealand

A beautifully camouflaged moth endemic to New Zealand that resembles a patch of lichen when resting on bark. Both the wings and body are patterned with greens, greys, and whites that perfectly mimic lichen. It is found in native forests throughout the country.

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Did You Know?

This moth's lichen-like camouflage is so convincing that it even has raised scale tufts on its wings that mimic the three-dimensional texture of lichen.