Peacock butterfly
Image: Evelyn Simak (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Common NamePeacock butterfly
Scientific NameAglais io
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)57.5
Primary Colorsred, brown, black, blue
HabitatWoodlands, meadows, gardens, parks, hedgerows, open country
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia to Japan
Host PlantsCommon Nettle (Urtica dioica), Hop (Humulus lupulus)
Flight PeriodMarch to May, July to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on nettle leaves. Larvae are black and spiny, feeding communally. Adults emerge in summer, feed, then hibernate through winter, emerging in spring to breed.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the prominent, iridescent blue and black eyespots on all four wings, resembling peacock feathers. The dark, cryptic underside is also distinctive when at rest.
Description
This information is for the Peacock butterfly, one of several species depicted on the Felmingham Cutting Butterfly Nature Reserve sign. It is a medium-sized butterfly with striking reddish-brown wings, each bearing a large, iridescent blue and black eyespot.
