Peacock

Special features: Peacock butterflies can be easily recognised by their four large eye spots, which look similar to those on a peacocks tail feathers.

In contrast the underside of the wings look almost black, allowing the peacock to remain well camouflaged in garden sheds and outbuildings during its winter hibernation.

When the bluebells start flowering, peacock butterflies are just starting to wake after their winter hibernation, and can take advantage of their plentiful supply of nectar.

Peacocks lay their green eggs, in batches of up to 500 on the underside of stinging nettle leaves - the favourite food plant of the caterpillars.

Latin name: Inachis io

Size: Wingspan approximately 60mms.

Distribution: Found throughout the UK. Less common in Scotland.

Months seen: March to October.

Habitat: Meadows, roadside verges and gardens.

Food: Nectar. The caterpillars feed on stinging nettles.