{"id":1511,"date":"2025-06-05T11:56:54","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T11:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macrostock.karits.eu\/?p=1511"},"modified":"2025-06-05T11:56:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T11:56:54","slug":"european-peacock-aglais-io-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macrostock.karits.eu\/index.php\/2025\/06\/05\/european-peacock-aglais-io-8\/","title":{"rendered":"European peacock (Aglais io)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Download full size image<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The European Peacock<\/strong> (Aglais io) is one of the most recognizable and beautiful butterflies in Europe, famous for its spectacular eyespots and striking coloration. It belongs to the family Nymphalidae<\/strong>, commonly known as the brush-footed butterflies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83e\udd8b Identification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Wingspan<\/strong>: 50\u201360 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Upperside<\/strong>:\n
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    • Rich deep red<\/strong> background<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Large, colorful eyespots<\/strong> on each wing \u2014 vivid blue, yellow, and black rings resembling large “eyes” to deter predators<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Underside<\/strong>:\n
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      • Dark brown to almost black, resembling dead leaves when wings are closed, providing excellent camouflage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        The eyespots are its most distinctive feature and serve as a strong defense mechanism by startling or confusing predators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        \ud83c\udf3f Habitat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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        • Found in a variety of habitats including:\n
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          • Woodland clearings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Meadows<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Gardens and parks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Roadside verges<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Hedgerows and forest edges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Adaptable to both lowland and upland environments across its range<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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            \ud83c\udf31 Food Plants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Caterpillar host plants:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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            • Primarily stinging nettle (Urtica dioica<\/em>)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Occasionally on small nettle (Urtica urens<\/em>) and hop (Humulus lupulus<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Adult nectar sources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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              • Thistles, buddleia (butterfly bush), dandelions, willow blossoms, and many garden flowers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                \ud83d\udd01 Life Cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                • Broods<\/strong>: Typically one generation per year<\/strong> in northern regions; sometimes two in southern areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Eggs<\/strong>: Laid in large clusters on host plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Larvae<\/strong>: Black, spiny caterpillars that live communally on nettles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Pupation<\/strong>: Occurs in summer; chrysalis hangs from vegetation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Adults<\/strong>:\n
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                  • Emerge in late summer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Overwinter as adults in sheltered places such as hollow trees, sheds, attics, or caves<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Among the first butterflies seen in early spring when they emerge to feed and breed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                    \ud83c\udf0d Distribution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                    • Widespread across Europe<\/strong>, including:\n
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                      • The British Isles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Scandinavia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Eastern Europe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Extending into parts of temperate Asia<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                        \ud83e\uddec Interesting Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                        • The eyespots<\/strong> may mimic owl eyes or snake heads to scare off birds and small predators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • One of the few butterflies that hibernates as an adult<\/strong>, often seen flying very early in the year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • The name “Peacock” references its resemblance to the spectacular tail feathers of the peacock bird.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                          \ud83d\udee1\ufe0f Conservation Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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                          • IUCN Red List<\/strong>: Least Concern<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Population stable or increasing in many areas, aided by the abundance of nettles and widespread gardening practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                            The European Peacock<\/strong> is a true symbol of spring and summer in Europe, combining brilliant beauty with fascinating defensive adaptations. Its wide distribution and resilience make it one of Europe\u2019s most beloved butterflies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n