Peacock Butterfly
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Startling Display
Peacock Butterfly can suddenly flash its vibrant eyespots to surprise and deter hungry predators like birds.
Ability
Sound Defense
Peacock Butterfly can rub its wings together to produce a faint hissing sound, helping to warn off potential threats.
Ability
Winter Survival
Peacock Butterfly can hibernate as an adult, allowing it to survive cold winters and emerge early in spring.
Ability
Camouflage Undersides
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
European PeacockPeacock Eye Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peacock Butterfly's wingspan?
50-65 mm
How big is Peacock Butterfly?
25-35 mm
How long does Peacock Butterfly live?
30-330 days
What does Peacock Butterfly eat?
Caterpillars munch on nettles, while adult butterflies sip nectar, tree sap, and rotting fruit.
Where is Peacock Butterfly usually found?
Gardens and woodlands
How does Peacock Butterfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Peacock Butterfly have?
6
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