Peacock

Peacock butterfly

Peacock ©Rachel Scopes

Peacock butterfly

Peacock ©Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

Peacock

Enw gwyddonol: Aglais io
The markings of the peacock are unmistakeable - big, blue 'eyes' just like a peacock's tail feathers. It can be seen feeding on flowers all year-round during warm spells, and overwinters as an adult.

Species information

Ystadegau

Wingspan: 6.3-7.5cm

Statws cadwraethol

Common.

Pryd i'w gweld

January to December

Ynghylch

A strikingly beautiful, red butterfly, so-named for the large blue and yellow 'eyes' on each upperwing that bare a marked resemblance to the tail feathers of a peacock. It is on the wing throughout the year, having a single brood, and overwinters as an adult. A very common butterfly, the peacock is a regular visitor to our gardens where it feeds on buddleia and other flowers. It ranges far, however, and can also be found in the shelter of woodland rides and clearings. The caterpillars feed on common nettles.

Sut i'w hadnabod

Perhaps our most familiar butterfly, the peacock is deep-red with black spots and blue 'eyespots' on both the forewings and hindwings. Its underside is dark brown, making the wings look like dead leaves.

Dosbarthiad

Widespread.

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

When alarmed, the peacock is able to make a hissing noise by rubbing its wings quickly together. Coupled with its huge eyespots, it becomes a scary prospect for would-be predators.

Sut y gall bobl helpu

To attract butterflies, such as the peacock, into your garden, plant nectar-rich borders for them to feed along and climbing Ivy and shrubs for overwintering insects.

Gwyliwch

Peacock butterfly on blossom ©Tom Hibbert