Io Moth Caterpillar (Automeris io), a beautiful creature that feeds on an extensive collection of plants including corn, roses, sassafras, willow, linden, elm, oak, locust, redbud, apple, beech, ash, currant, and clover. Quite the wide variety.

The young caterpillar is orange. As it grows it changes color, and as a mature caterpillar it is bright green with bright green spines. The spines have a very irritating venom that is delivered with the slightest touch. As is the case with many caterpillars, look but don’t touch.