Peacock (Inachis io)
The Peacock butterfly is a familiar sight in gardens across the Britain and is unmistakable, with quite spectacular eyes on the upperside that give this butterfly its name. These eyes must appear very threatening to predators, such as mice, that confront this butterfly head-on. Conversely, its underside has a cryptic colouration making this species look like dead leaves or bark.
Habitat
This butterfly frequents grassy and wayside habitats, from hedgerows and verges to meadows gardens and parks. It hibernates in hollow trees and wood piles, where their dark undersides provide excellent camouflage.
Behaviour
The adults spend most of the morning feeding. Males set up territories around midday, often on the sunny side of a wood, where they wait for a passing female. When a female is found she flies off, trying to escape with the male that is in pursuit. If he succeeds in staying with her then the pair mate.
Feeding
Adult butterflies drink nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, including buddleia, thistles, dandelions, ragwort, yarrow and clovers. Caterpillars primarily feed on Stinging Nettles.
Life cycle
Eggs are laid in untidy piles on the underside of a nettle leaf. On emerging from their eggs after 1-3 weeks, the caterpillars build a communal web near the top of the plant where they feed. Once fully grown they wander off to pupate before emerging as adults 2-4 weeks later.
