Wild Wednesday - Peacock butterfly
This beautiful, medium to large sized butterfly is a red velvet colour and patterned with 'eyespots' that have developed over time to scare or confuse predators - this makes it one of the more easily recognised species and where it gets its name. The underside of its wings is dark and look like dead leaves.
In mid to late summer, it is a common visitor to gardens where there are buddleias, with wandering instincts and powerful flight it will be seen in sheltered woodland clearings in the countryside and can be found widespread in the UK, anytime of the year.
They live for up to 11 months, some of that time in hibernation. If frightened, they can rub their wings together rapidly, which makes a hissing sound.
The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including thistle, bluebell, and dandelion. The caterpillar eats leaves of stinging nettles and hops.
It's good to know that they are not a threatened species.
Read more here: Peacock | The Wildlife Trusts