Regional Species


Peacock
Inachis io

Photograph by Janet Graham

Regional Species

A very successful species capable of surviving even in sheep rearing districts provided that some nettle patches are tolerated and thistles and/or other flowers are available for nectaring. Both nettles and thistles are resistant to sheep grazing but are intensely disliked by farmers and are becoming less frequent due to the widespread use of herbicides.

The adult Peacock has an exceptionally long life for a butterfly. Having emerged from the pupa in late summer, the butterflies feed for the rest of the year, hibernate, and then lay their eggs the following spring. Some individuals live on, looking increasingly dowdy, as late as mid June. Thus, some adults may survive for almost a full year. The larvae are gregarious and are highly conspicuous on their nettle patches.

A beautiful butterfly, familiar to everyone.