European peacock (Inachis io)

The European Peacock (Inachis io), also known simply as the Peacock butterfly, is one of the most striking and easily recognizable butterflies in Europe.

🦋 Overview: European Peacock (Inachis io)

Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae

🌈 Appearance

• Wingspan: 50–55 mm (about 2–2.2 inches)
• Upper Wings: Rich reddish-brown with bold eye spots on each wing. The eyespots resemble peacock feathers — hence the name.
• Underwings: Dark brown to black, providing excellent camouflage when wings are closed.

These eyespots help deter predators by mimicking the eyes of larger animals.

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

• Range: Widely found across Europe, parts of Asia, and up to Japan.
• Common in gardens, woodlands, meadows, and parklands.
• Prefers sunny areas with nectar-rich flowers.

🌿 Lifecycle & Behavior

• Eggs: Laid in clusters on nettles (mainly Urtica dioica, the common nettle).
• Caterpillars: Black with tiny white spots and spines.
• Chrysalis: Greenish or brown, typically suspended from vegetation.
• Adults:
  • Emerge in late summer.
  • Hibernate over winter in sheds, hollow trees, or attics.
  • Among the first butterflies seen in early spring.

🌼 Diet

• Larvae: Feed on stinging nettles.
• Adults: Feed on nectar from a variety of flowers like:
  • Buddleia
  • Dandelions
  • Thistles
  • Ivy (especially in late autumn)

🔍 Interesting Facts

• One of the few butterflies to hibernate in its adult form.
• Known for its startle display: when threatened, it suddenly flashes its eyespots to scare off birds or other predators.
• Despite its vivid colors, when its wings are closed, it’s nearly invisible against bark or dead leaves.

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