European Peacock Butterfly
Common NameEuropean Peacock Butterfly
Scientific NameAglais io
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsred-orange, black, blue, yellow
HabitatWoodlands, meadows, gardens, hedgerows, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, from the British Isles to Japan
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Urtica urens
Flight PeriodMarch to May (overwintered adults), July to October (new generation)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on the underside of nettle leaves. Larvae are black and spiny, feeding gregariously. Adults emerge in summer, overwinter in sheltered places, and re-emerge in spring to breed.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the large, distinctive blue and black eyespots on all four wings, set against a rich reddish-orange background. The underside is cryptically dark, resembling a dead leaf.
Description
A striking butterfly with vibrant reddish-orange wings, each featuring a prominent, iridescent blue and black eyespot. The wing margins are dark brown with fine striations.
