Here’s a detailed overview of the European Peacock (Inachis io), one of Europe’s most striking and familiar butterflies.

🦋 European Peacock (Inachis io)

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Inachis
Species: I. io

Common names: European Peacock, Peacock Butterfly
Scientific name: Inachis io (synonym: Aglais io)

General Description

The European Peacock is one of the most recognizable butterflies in Europe, famous for its brilliant eyespots that mimic the eyes of predators. When resting with closed wings, it appears as a dull, bark-colored insect; when threatened, it suddenly reveals its dazzling “peacock eye” patterns to startle attackers.

Wingspan: 50–60 mm
Upper side: Deep reddish-brown with four large, colorful eyespots (blue, yellow, and black) — one on each wing.
Underside: Very dark brown to black, providing excellent camouflage.
Body: Furry and robust, well adapted to cooler climates.

Distribution and Range

The European Peacock is widespread throughout the Palearctic region.

Range includes:

All of Europe (except the far north of Scandinavia)
North Africa
Across temperate Asia to Japan

It is one of the most common butterflies across Europe, from lowlands to mountainous regions up to 2,500 m.

Habitat

The species is highly adaptable and found in a wide variety of environments:

Gardens and parks
Woodland clearings and edges
Meadows and hedgerows
Farmland margins and roadsides
Mountain valleys

They prefer sunny locations with abundant nectar sources and stinging nettles (the host plant for caterpillars).

Behavior

Flight period: February–October, depending on climate.
Generations: One or two per year (univoltine or bivoltine).
Hibernation: Adults overwinter in sheds, tree hollows, or caves and can appear on warm winter days.

When resting with closed wings, the butterfly’s dark underside helps it blend with bark or soil. When disturbed, it suddenly flashes open its wings to reveal its bright “eyes,” deterring predators such as birds or lizards.

Diet

Adults: Feed on nectar from various flowers, such as:

Buddleia (Buddleja davidii)
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Clover (Trifolium spp.)
Thistle (Cirsium spp.)
Bramble (Rubus fruticosus)

Caterpillars: Feed almost exclusively on stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).

Life Cycle

Egg:
- Greenish and laid in clusters on the underside of nettle leaves.
Larva (caterpillar):
- Black with short white dots and many spines.
- Gregarious when young, dispersing as they grow.
Pupa (chrysalis):
- Suspended from stems or leaves; color varies (green, brown, or grey) to match surroundings.
Adult:
- Emerges after 2–4 weeks; overwinters as an adult.

Identification Summary

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Inachis io
Common Name	European Peacock
Wingspan	50–60 mm
Color (upperside)	Reddish-brown with blue and yellow eyespots
Color (underside)	Dark brown to black
Flight Period	Feb–Oct
Host Plant	Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
Overwintering Stage	Adult
Generations	1–2 per year
Conservation Status	Least Concern

Predators and Defenses

Birds and small mammals prey on caterpillars and adults.
Eyespots serve as startle markings to frighten predators.
When disturbed, it also makes a hissing sound by rubbing its wings together.
The dark underside allows excellent camouflage when wings are closed.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: 🟩 Least Concern
Population trend: Stable and widespread.

Conservation notes:

Thrives in disturbed and semi-natural habitats.
Conservation efforts include maintaining nettle patches and avoiding pesticide use in butterfly-rich areas.

Interesting Facts

The eyespots on its wings are among the most vivid and realistic of any butterfly.
It is one of the earliest butterflies to appear in spring, emerging from hibernation as soon as temperatures rise.
Adults can live up to 11 months, one of the longest lifespans among European butterflies.
In some folklore, the Peacock butterfly symbolizes resurrection and protection.

Ecological Role

Important pollinator of many wildflowers and garden plants.
Caterpillars provide a food source for birds such as tits and warblers.
Serves as an indicator of healthy, nettle-rich ecosystems.

Summary

The European Peacock (Inachis io) is a striking, resilient butterfly celebrated for its beauty and adaptability. Its colorful eyespots, early spring flight, and ability to overwinter as an adult make it one of the most familiar butterflies in Europe. Common across diverse habitats — from gardens to woodland edges — it is both a visual delight and a valuable pollinator in natural and human landscapes alike.