Peacock butterfly (Inachis io)

Description

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Peacock butterfly fact file

• Description
• Biology
• Range
• Habitat
• Status
• Threats
• Conservation
• Find out more
• Glossary
• References
• Print factsheet

Peacock butterfly description

The beautiful peacock butterfly (Inachis io) is a well-known and instantly recognisable species thanks to its unique patterning. The stunning eyespots, which earn this species its common name, frighten predators, or divert birds from attacking the body ⁽¹⁾. In stark contrast to the brightly coloured upper surfaces, the undersides of the wings are dull brown ⁽¹⁾. The sexes are similar in appearance, but females are slightly larger ⁽⁴⁾. The caterpillar, which grows to 4.2 centimetres in length, has a black, spine-covered body freckled with fine white spots ⁽³⁾.

Size

Wingspan: 5.5-6 cm ⁽¹⁾

Peacock butterfly biology

Usually one generation is produced each year. Females lay eggs in groups underneath nettle leaves during May, after around two weeks the eggs hatch. The caterpillars live in groups, protected by a web of silk, before dispersing to pupate, hanging underneath vegetation ⁽³⁾. The adults emerge around two weeks later, in late July. They gather together at sources of nectar, building up reserves to see them through hibernation, which usually begins in September ⁽²⁾ and occurs in hollow trees and other refuges, including attics ⁽⁴⁾. They do not mate until the following year, emerging from hibernation as early as February, with peak emergence occurring in April. Males defend territories in sunny locations, and chase any females that pass by ⁽²⁾.

Peacock butterfly range

This butterfly is widespread and common in the southern half of Britain, but becomes scarcer further north ⁽²⁾. It is widespread in Ireland, and occurs throughout much of temperate Europe, extending northwards to southern Scandinavia, but is absent from many areas of the extreme south. The peacock butterfly also occurs in Asia, reaching Japan ⁽²⁾.

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Peacock butterfly habitat

Peacock butterflies occur in a wide range of habitats, and are familiar garden visitors to buddleias (Buddleja davidii). The adults prefer to feed in open areas in woodlands, and breeding habitat typically consists of large patches of nettles (Urtica dioica and Urtica urens), in sunny areas sheltered by woodland or hedges ⁽²⁾.

Peacock butterfly status

The widespread and common peacock butterfly is not threatened. It is not listed under any conservation designations ⁽²⁾.

Peacock butterfly threats

The peacock butterfly is not currently threatened.

Peacock butterfly conservation

No conservation action is targeted at the widespread and common peacock butterfly.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Find out more

For more on this species see: The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Europe (2001). By Asher, J., et al. Published by Oxford University Press. For more on butterflies and their conservation see the Butterfly Conservation website:
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
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Glossary

Hibernation

A winter survival strategy characteristic of some mammals in which an animal's metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. Whilst hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer. In insects, the correct term for hibernation is 'diapause', a temporary pause in development and growth. Any stage of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) may enter diapause, which is typically associated with winter.

Pupate

The process of forming a pupa, the stage in an insect's development, when huge changes occur that reorganise the larval form into the adult form. In butterflies the pupa is also called a chrysalis.

References

1. Carter, D. (1992) Butterflies and moths. Dorling Kindersley, London.
2. Asher, J., Warren, M., Fox, R., Harding, P., Jeffcoate, G. & Jeffcoate, S. (2001) The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
3. Animal Diversity Web (30/10/02)
   http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/inachis/i._io$narrative.html
4. Carter, D. & Hargreaves, B. (1986) A field guide to caterpillars of butterflies and moths in Britain and Europe. William Collins & Sons Ltd, London.