The Peacock Butterfly

Description:

The Peacock butterfly has four distinct eye spots, one on each wing - the eye spots are set on a background of red or burgundy. The underside of the wing is a dark brown or black colour, when the butterfly is at rest it appears very dull and well camouflaged but when disturbed it uses the upper wings to shock and confuse any predator that might fancy it for lunch.

Habitat:

The Peacock butterfly feeds on nectar as an adult butterfly often seen feeding from Buddleia flowers, but as a caterpillar feeds on stinging nettles – the nettles act as a defence mechanism.

Notes:

I spotted the butterfly in the photograph in my back garden; they are relatively common as the year progresses. I also have a few photos of other common butterflies on my website – http://www.apexbusinesssupport.com/artic...