European Peacock
Image: Rijksmuseum (CC0)
Common NameEuropean Peacock
Scientific NameAglais io
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)58
Primary Colorsorange, black, blue
HabitatGardens, meadows, woodlands, parks, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope and temperate Asia
Host Plantscommon nettle, hop
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on the underside of nettle leaves. Larvae are black and spiny, feeding communally before pupating as a chrysalis, often green or brown. Adults emerge and may overwinter.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the four large, iridescent blue and black eyespots on a reddish-orange background, resembling peacock feathers.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with striking reddish-orange wings, each forewing and hindwing bearing a large, prominent blue and black eyespot. The wing margins are dark with a scalloped edge.
