This common British butterfly is easily identifiable by its distinctive patterning.
Peacock 'Eyes'
The butterfly has reddish-brown wings, each with an 'eye' like that on a peacock's feathers. This patterning is used to deter predators. The underside of the Peacock butterfly is a dark brown with only faint patterning. When the wings are closed, it resembles a dried leaf and again will escape detection by predators.
Habitat of the Peacock Butterfly
The Peacock is found throughout the UK, though it is less common in parts of Scotland. However, due to climate change, it is moving further north into the Highlands and North-east Scotland. It inhabits gardens, parks, woodlands and any area where nettles, the favourite food of its caterpillars, grow.
Life Cycle of the Peacock Butterfly
Adult butterflies emerge from hibernation in March and April, though a few may be spotted on warm days even in January. These butterflies pupated the previous summer and therefore are among the longest-lived UK butterflies. They feed generally in the mornings and search for territories in the afternoon, preferring sunny corners of woodland or park.
Male Peacock butterflies are strongly territorial and will chase competing males from their patch. Any female butterfly is hotly pursued.
After mating, the females lay their eggs in May on nettles in clusters of up to 500. They prefer plants in the middle of a cluster and in a sunny position. The adults then die and no further Peacock butterflies are seen until the new generation emerges in July.
Caterpillars
Peacock caterpillars are black with short spines and hairs. After hatching, they congregate to build a web over the growing tip of the nettle plant, moving on to other nettles as they strip the plant bare. They disperse to pupate and emerge as butterflies in July.
New Generation of Peacock Butterflies
The adults begin to feed voraciously from the nectar of plants such as buddleia and lavender. They have to build up enough fat reserves to sustain them though their long hibernation period. They spend quite some time in searching for suitable sites for hibernation, seeking out crevices in stonework or trees or garden sheds and outbuildings. They hibernate from early September though some may continue to be seen into October if the weather is fine.
Conservation Status of the Peacock Butterfly
The Peacock butterfly seems to be one species that is benefitting from climate change. From the late 1970's to the present day, its numbers have been increasing and its range spreading. It is now much more common in Northern Ireland than previously. Its food supply for the caterpillars (nettles) is widespread throughout the British isles and with their habit of clustering together on the leaves, the caterpillars are not so greatly affected by any cooler weather.
Peacock Butterfly
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