Peacock Inachis io

Habitat

The Peacock is a common and widespread resident throughout England & Wales, and is expanding its range into Scotland. It favours sheltered woodland clearings and meadows, and is common in gardens, especially attracted by Buddleia flowers

Identification

The Peacock is one of our most easily recognised butterflies due to its large eye-spots on the corners of both front and hindwings. The underside is very dark to provide camouflage during hibernation.

Flight times

The Peacock hibernates as an adult and usually emerges in March, flying until June. The single new generation then emerges in mid-July until entering hibernation, often as early as September.

Food plants

Eggs are laid in large clusters on the underside of Nettle leaves.