ExploreInsects

European Peacock Butterfly

Aglais io

The European Peacock Butterfly is a colorful insect with big, beautiful eyespots on its wings. It flutters around gardens and fields, bringing joy to everyone who sees it!

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The European Peacock Butterfly is a striking butterfly with rich maroon-brown wings. Each wing features a large, iridescent blue and black 'eyespots' that resemble an owl's eye. Its undersides are cryptically dark and mottled, providing excellent camouflage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusAglais
European Peacock Butterfly
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
European Peacock Butterfly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Peacock butterflies can sometimes overwinter indoors, even in garden sheds or attics!

Their wings are covered in tiny, overlapping scales, which create their amazing colors!

These butterflies are surprisingly strong fliers, darting quickly between flowers and sunny spots.

They hibernate through winter as an adult butterfly, emerging early in spring!

Special abilities

Ability

Eyespot Defense

European Peacock Butterfly has vivid eyespots on its wings that look like large predator eyes, helping them startle and deter birds.

Ability

Hiding Mode

European Peacock Butterfly can fold its wings to reveal dark, camouflaged undersides, which helps them blend into tree bark or shadows.

Ability

Warning Hiss

European Peacock Butterfly can rub its wings together to make a quiet hissing sound, which helps them warn off predators when disturbed.

Ability

Taste with Feet

European Peacock Butterfly has taste receptors on its feet, which helps them test leaves for suitability before laying eggs.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-70 mm
Size
25-30 mm
Lifespan
180-365 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Peacock butterflies sip sweet nectar from flowers and tree sap, while their larvae munch on leaves.

Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on stinging nettle leaves, while adults drink nectar and tree sap.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Tree sap
  • Rotten fruit
  • Stinging nettle leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is European Peacock Butterfly's wingspan?

50-70 mm

How big is European Peacock Butterfly?

25-30 mm

How long does European Peacock Butterfly live?

180-365 days

What does European Peacock Butterfly eat?

Peacock butterflies sip sweet nectar from flowers and tree sap, while their larvae munch on leaves.

Where is European Peacock Butterfly usually found?

Gardens

How does European Peacock Butterfly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does European Peacock Butterfly have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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