Insecta: Lepidoptera : Family Nymphalidae: Subfamily Nymphalinae : Genus Inachis: Species io:

One of our most beautiful butterflies, the Peacock can be seen at any time of the year, with warm weather waking them from hibernation. Most however emerge from hibernation at the end of March and beginning of April, breeding giving rise to the next generation that emerges at the end of July. Eggs are usually laid on the tips of nettles, the eggs hatch after 10 days, the vivid black spiky caterpillars feed on the nettles until they leave to pupate under nearby vegetation or trees. Adult butterflies emerge about 12 days later and hibernation takes place in hollow trees, garden sheds and other sheltered places.