Peacock Butterfly
Inachis Oi
Members adopting this butterfly: Hussain, Arif, Richard, Amarjit, Cathy, Netty
Peacock Butterfly
This pretty butterfly has two large eyes in the corner of both front and hind wings. If the sun is shining directly on it, the underside of the wing appears to be almost black. Numbers have increased since 1970 and are up by 17%. They are a widespread species continuing to extend its range northwards.
When you might see them
You may see this butterfly during the summer when they find food plants to feed on or they find hibernation sites.
Food
Peacock butterflies are attracted to Buddleia plants, as they like to feed on their nectar. They also feed on Wild Teasels. This is an adaptable species. They also feed on aubrechia, eupatorium, knapweed, marjoram sedums, stachys, thistles, water mint and yarrow.
Where – Habitat
Peacocks are found throughout the lowlands of England. To hibernate they choose places like dark and sheltered crevices, garden sheds, hollow trees, church towers or oak trees. Can be found in woodlands and clearings.
Peacock Eggs
Peacock eggs are green in colour. A Peacock butterfly can lay up to 300-500 sticky green eggs.
When
A peacock butterfly will lay massive batches of eggs. The eggs are mostly found on common nettle but can also be found on hops. They lay their eggs during midday and this happens in May.
Peacock Caterpillar
The caterpillar can grow up to 42mm long and is black with white speckles and long black spines found with silken webs until fully grown.
When
After the eggs have been laid. It takes the eggs one to two weeks to hatch. After hatching the mass of caterpillars will spin a silk web over the growing tip of the nettle plant. The peacock eggs will hatch during may and the caterpillar will grow during this time until June.
Food
Peacock caterpillars like feeding on Common Nettle, Small Nettle and Hop.
Where
Peacock caterpillars tend to live together however they separate before they are ready to pupate. They are ready to pupate from early June to mid July. This type of caterpillar can be found in open sunny woodlands that are rich in flowers and would also be found on their favoured food plant.
Peacock Chrysalis
The chrysalis can be 25-29mm long they are variable in colour, pale green to brownish grey and stippled with black. It is difficult to find them in the wild. They hang themselves upside down on the leaf around July.
When
A chrysalis will form during July.
Where
The chrysalis can be formed on dark tree trunks or fences.
Books used to find information
Britain’s Butterflies
A field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Ireland.
Written by David Newland, Robert Still, David Tomlinson and Andy Swash
The Butterflies of Britain and Ireland
Written by Jeremy Thomas and Richard Lewington
Guide to the butterflies of Britain
Written by John Bebbington
Usborne Spotter’s Guides – Butterflies
Written by George E. Hyde
BBC Gardeners World Magazine
Issue July 2011
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