: a chiefly North American saturniid moth (Automeris io) having a large circular eyelike spot on the upper surface of each hind wing and a green larva with stinging spines

Word History

Etymology

Latin Io

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Io moth was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near Io moth

Cite this Entry

“Io moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Io%20moth. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Io moth

noun
: a large North American moth with a large eyelike spot on each yellowish hind wing
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