Cocoons are rounded and parchment-like, and usually found hanging from the food plant. Great Leopard Moth. This moth is named for its black and white wing pattern which resembles the spots of a leopard. The abdomen of the moth is dark blue with orange markings. The Io moth, named for a character in Greek mythology, has a conspicuous black eyespot on each hindwing.
Males are golden yellow in color, whereas females are more brown.
The caterpillar is yellow-green with a red and a white stripe extending laterally along the body. This caterpillar is covered with numerous irritating spines. Io larvae stay together, often moving in long trains. Surely this is one of our most beautiful insects. Adults have light green wings up to 4.5 inches across.