The European peacock, or simply Peacock (Inachis io) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe and Asia. It should not be confused or classified with any of the other butteflies known as "peacock" in the Anartia genus of butterflies. It is the only member of the genus Inachis. The species is resident in much of its range, often wintering in buildings or trees. It therefore often appears quite early in spring.
The butterfly measures about 5 cm (2 in) from wingtip to wingtip and is easily
identified by its striking eye pattern on a ruddy background, although with
wings closed the cryptically coloured dark underwings make it look like a dead
leaf. The eyespots are reminiscent of those on the feathers of the peacock,
hence the name. The eyespots are exposed when the butterfly is disturbed by
a potential predator (such as birds) in an antipredator display in which the
butterflies flick their wings open and make a hissing noise. The open wings
create a false perception of another predator (note how a glance at the image
can give the impression of a cat staring) and the effect is strong enough to
deter the predator from eating it.
The butterfly hibernates over winter before laying its eggs in early spring,
in batches of up to 500 at a time. The caterpillars, which are shiny black with
six rows of barbed spikes and a series of white dots on each segment, hatch
after about a week and feed on nettles and hops. The adult butterflies drink
nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, including buddleia, sallows,
dandelions, wild marjoram, danewort, hemp agrimony, and clover; they also utilize
tree sap and rotten fruit.
The Peacock can be found in woods, fields, meadows, pastures, parks, and gardens,
and from lowlands up to 8,200 feet elevation. It is a relatively common butterfly
seen in many European parks and gardens.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)