Peacock Butterfly

Nymphalis io

The Peacock Butterfly is a stunning butterfly with eye-like spots on its wings. It looks like a little jewel flying around!

Habitat: Gardens and woodlands

Appearance

The Peacock Butterfly has striking reddish-brown wings, each adorned with a large, iridescent blue and black eyespot resembling an owl's eye. Its underside is dark and camouflaged, helping it blend in when its wings are closed.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusAglais

Peacock Butterfly

Interesting facts

Adult butterflies can live through winter by hiding in cool, quiet places like tree hollows.

Peacock Butterflies can make a soft "hissing" sound by rubbing their wings together!

Their caterpillars weave communal silk "tents" where they munch on nettles together.

They taste with their feet to find the best plants for laying their eggs.

Special abilities

Peacock Butterfly can suddenly flash its vibrant eyespots to surprise and deter hungry predators like birds.

Peacock Butterfly can rub its wings together to produce a faint hissing sound, helping to warn off potential threats.

Peacock Butterfly can hibernate as an adult, allowing it to survive cold winters and emerge early in spring.

Peacock Butterfly has dark, bark-like wing undersides, which it uses to blend in perfectly when resting with wings closed.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 50-65 mm
Size: 25-35 mm
Lifespan: 30-330 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on nettles, while adult butterflies sip nectar, tree sap, and rotting fruit.

Age differences: Caterpillars feed on plant leaves (primarily nettles), while adults feed on liquid plant matter.

Primary Foods

nectar
tree sap
rotting fruit
stinging nettle

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Caterpillars feed on leaves.

eaten by

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Birds may prey on adults.

pollinates

Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii

Adults visit for nectar.

pollinates

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Early spring nectar source.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Spotted

Discover animals and plants adorned with beautiful dots and splotches, making them unique and easy to spot!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.