Peacock

• Latin name: Inachis io
• Family group: Nymphalids
• Countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
• Size: Medium, Large

Resident

Range expanding.

The Peacock's spectacular pattern of eyespots, evolved to startle or confuse predators, make it one of the most easily recognized and best known species. It is from these wing markings that the butterfly gained its common name.

Although a familiar visitor to garden buddleias in late summer, the Peacock's strong flight and nomadic instincts lead it to range widely through the countryside, often finding its preferred habitats in the shelter of woodland clearings, rides, and edges.

The species is widespread and has continued to expand its range in northern parts of Britain and Ireland.

Conservation status

• UK BAP status: not listed
• Butterfly Conservation priority: low
• European threat status: not threatened

European/world range

Most of temperate Europe and Asia to Japan. The northern limit in Europe occurs in southern Scandinavia and the butterfly is absent from parts of the extreme south (e.g. southern Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey). Expanding at northern edge of European range.

Foodplants

Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), although eggs and larvae are occasionally reported on Small Nettle (U. urens) and Hop (Humulus lupulus).

Habitat

Peacock butterflies may be seen almost anywhere, searching for suitable breeding or nectaring sites. These are often open, sunny places in woodland where the preferred nectar plants are found, e.g. willows in spring and teasels, thistles, and Hemp-agrimony in late summer.

Large nettle patches are normally chosen for egg laying and these too are often located in sunny positions in the shelter of woodland or hedgerows.