Here’s a detailed overview of the European Peacock (Inachis io), one of Europe’s most recognizable butterflies:

European Peacock (Inachis io)

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies)
• Genus: Inachis (sometimes grouped into Aglais)
• Species: I. io

General Description

The European Peacock is a large, colorful butterfly, instantly recognizable by the striking eye-spots on its wings.

• Wingspan: 50–55 mm (sometimes up to 60 mm).
• Upperside: Bright reddish-brown with large blue, black, and yellow eye-spots on each wing – a defensive adaptation.
• Underside: Dark brown to black, resembling a dead leaf when wings are closed, providing camouflage.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Minimal; males and females look alike.

Behavior & Lifestyle

• Flight Period: One of the longest-lived European butterflies. Adults can be seen from spring to late autumn, and often hibernate through winter to reappear in early spring.
• Defense:
  • Eye-spots deter or startle predators (birds, small mammals).
  • When threatened, it may suddenly flash its wings to expose the “eyes.”
• Feeding: Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, especially thistles, buddleia, dandelions, and clover.
• Hibernation: Overwinters as an adult in hollow trees, sheds, or buildings.

Habitat

• Very adaptable; found in woodland clearings, gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and parks.
• Prefers sunny areas with abundant nectar plants.

Geographic Range

• Native Range: Widespread across Europe (except far north) and parts of temperate Asia.
• Range Limits: From western Europe to Japan, but most common in central and eastern Europe.
• In the UK: One of the most familiar butterflies, widespread and common.

Life Cycle

• Eggs: Laid in clusters (up to 500) on the underside of nettle leaves (Urtica dioica), the main larval food plant.
• Larvae: Black, spiny caterpillars with white spots, living gregariously at first.
• Pupae: Brown or green chrysalises suspended from stems.
• Adults: Emerge after a few weeks in summer; later generations enter hibernation.

Ecological Role

• Pollinator: Contributes to pollination of wildflowers and garden plants.
• Food Source: Caterpillars are eaten by birds, parasitic wasps, and spiders.
• Host Plant Dependency: Strongly tied to stinging nettle habitats.

Special Adaptations

• Eye-spots: Startle or misdirect predators.
• Cryptic Underside: Camouflage when resting with wings closed.
• Hibernation Ability: Allows survival in temperate climates with long winters.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Least Concern – stable and widespread.
• Threats:
  • Loss of nettle-rich habitats due to intensive agriculture and herbicide use.
  • Climate change altering seasonal cycles.
• Conservation Needs: Maintaining nettle patches in semi-natural habitats supports populations.

Interesting Facts

• Eye-spots resemble the eyes of birds, possibly mimicking predators like owls.
• One of the few butterflies that can overwinter as an adult in Europe.
• Known in folklore as a symbol of renewal and protection.
• Its scientific name io comes from the Greek myth of Io, a mortal lover of Zeus.

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