Peacock Butterfly
Image: Jan Baptist van Fornenburgh (Public domain)
Common NamePeacock Butterfly
Scientific NameAglais io
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, black, blue, yellow
HabitatGardens, meadows, woodlands, parks, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope and temperate Asia
Host Plantsstinging nettle, hop
Flight PeriodMarch to May, July to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on nettle leaves. Larvae are spiny black caterpillars with white spots, feeding gregariously. Pupation occurs as an angular chrysalis, often green or brown, from which adults emerge to feed and often overwinter.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the four large, iridescent blue and black eyespots on the upper side of its reddish-brown wings. The underside is uniformly dark, resembling a dead leaf.
Description
A striking medium-sized butterfly with rich reddish-brown wings, each adorned with a prominent, iridescent blue and black eyespot. The underside is dark and cryptic.
