Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Inachis io

Size:  Wingspan approx 60mm

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK.  Less common in Scotland

Months seen:  All year round, but mostly on the wing between March and October

Life span:  Up to eight months

Habitat:  Meadows, roadside verges, woodland edges and gardens

Food:  Adults feed on nectar.  The caterpillars feed on nettle

Special features:  Peacock butterflies can be easily recognised by the four large, colourful eye spot markings on the wings, which look similar to those on a peacock (peafowl) tail feathers.

In contrast the underside of the wings are almost black, allowing the Peacock butterfly to remain well camouflaged in garden sheds and outbuildings during its winter hibernation.

When the bluebells start flowering, peacock butterflies are just starting to wake after their winter hibernation, and can take advantage of their plentiful supply of nectar.

Related Pages

• The Hissing Butterfly
• UK Safari Butterflies Section
• Identify other wildlife
• Free Newsletter