Io Moth Caterpillars

Description:

Pale blue-green with clusters of spines. When larger, they possess a bright red line, these here are earlier instar. Gregarious.

Habitat:

Spotted eating False Blue Indigo- Baptisia australis, in my flower bed. Area is a gated man-made lake community, surrounded by rural agricultural land, and some deciduous forest areas. In areas that are not mowed, the land is old fields within the community, and are mowed biannually. Ditchlines and tree lines are left untouched. Where not mowed, the land is old fields within the community, and are mowed biannually. Ditchlines and treelines are left untouched.

Notes:

I was stung by these when trimming surrounding plants. I had no idea they fed on the Baptisia and they were very well camouflaged. I regret not getting a better photo of them.