Peacock butterfly, distinctive eye spots, species, Aglais io, European, colourful, Asia, Japan, large herds, deforestation, environmental, eyespots.
Red wings with black markings and distinctive eyespots on tips of fore and hind wings. The Peacock's spectacular pattern of eyespots, evolved to startle or confuse predators, make it one of the most easily recognized and best known species. It is from these wing markings that the butterfly gained its common name. Undersides of the wings are very dark and look like dead leaves. A fairly large butterfly and a strong flyer. Although a familiar visitor to garden buddleias in late summer, the Peacock's strong flight and nomadic instincts lead it to range widely through the countryside, often finding its preferred habitats in the shelter of woodland clearings, rides, and edges. Usually one generation is produced each year. Females lay eggs in groups underneath nettle leaves during May, after around two weeks the eggs hatch. The caterpillars live in groups, protected by a web of silk, before dispersing to pupate, hanging underneath vegetation. The adults emerge around two weeks later, in late July. They gather together at sources of nectar, building up reserves to see them through hibernation, which usually begins in September and occurs in hollow trees and other refuges, including attics. They do not mate until the following year, emerging from hibernation as early as February, with peak emergence occurring in April. Males defend territories in sunny locations, and chase any females that pass
Size: 5184px × 3456px
Location: Lincolnshire
Photo credit: © Steve Welsh / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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