Meadow Brown vs Io Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Meadow Brown	Io Moth
Scientific Name	Maniola jurtina	Automeris io
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Nymphalidae	Saturniidae
Size	Wingspan 40-55mm	63-88 mm wingspan
Habitat	Grasslands	Meadows
Diet	Herbivores	Predators
Regions	Europe	North America
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Meadow Brown

The most abundant butterfly in Britain, a brown species with a single eyespot on each forewing.

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Did You Know?

So common it is often overlooked but plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers in grasslands.

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.