Peacock Butterfly

Habitat: Mainly rough grasslands, flower-rich edges of forest and heathland areas, dykes, parks and gardens.

Appearance: Widespread and common in large parts of Europe. Found throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.

Flying time: Late June to October and, after hibernation, from early March to late May, one generation.

Characteristics: Wingspan 50-55 mm.

Life cycle: Host plant is the Common nettle(Urtica dioica) on the European mainland. The females prefer to lay their eggs on nettles. The eggs are laid in groups. The caterpillars feed communally until they are fully grown. Hibernates as a butterfly in cool, dark places such as hollow trees, dense vegetation, sheds and crevices in rocks and stone walls, etc. The hibernating butterflies drink nectar from blooming willows in the spring. In summer, they can often be found on the flowers of the Summer lilac (Buddleja davidii).