(Linnaeus, 1758)
Peacock
Description:
In temperate Europe, the Peacock is one of the best-known butterflies, because of its striking appearance and common occurrence. There is no other diurnal butterfly with such noticeable eye-spots on the upperside of its wings. In good years, the Peacock can be present in large numbers. It is often seen in gardens and parks on herbaceous borders and flowering shrubs, looking for nectar.
Eggs are laid on Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) in damp, shady places, sometimes at edges of woodland. Occasionally, Hop (Humulus lupulus) is also used. The caterpillar is black with branched black spines and many tiny white spots. It looks similar to the caterpillar of the Map (Araschnia levana), but has prominent spines or thorns on its head. The caterpillars live gregariously in flimsy webs. Sometimes, plants are completely covered with spun silk, which serves as a home for tens of caterpillars. They leave the web to pupate on the food plant. The adult butterfly goes into hibernation, hiding itself away in cold lofts and sheds.
There can be as many as three generations a year, depending on the geographical position and the weather conditions.
Habitat:
Generalist
Similar species:
Unmistakable