Io moth \I"o moth`\ (?; 115). (Zo["o]l.) A large and handsome American moth ({Hyperchiria Io}), having a large, bright-colored spot on each hind wing, resembling the spots on the tail of a peacock. The larva is covered with prickly hairs, which sting like nettles.
io moth n : large yellow American moth having a large eyelike spot on each hind wing; the larvae have stinging spines [syn: {Automeris io}]