E2BN Gallery

Found throughout temperate Europe and Asia, this butterfly gets its name from its colourful wings, which resemble the tail of the peacock. The upper wing is mostly red with black markings and a large yellow and purple eye spot at the tip. Lower wings are red with a dark blue eye spot surrounded by a white ring. It has a wingspan of about 60mm. Its body is dark reddish brown and covered in shiny hairs. The Caterpillars are black with white spots and have shiny black spines. The caterpillars' feed mainly on nettles. The adults on nectar from flowers such as thistles. Adults hibernate through the winter in hollow trees or wall crevices. The Caterpillars pupate away from the foodplant. Picture taken 23rd July 2006 at Old Warden, Bedfordshire.