Peacock, Inachis io

Inachis io
Mill Wood, Photo: Mike Pepler

Recorded sightings in 2009: 1376

Recorded sightings in 2010: 1189

Status in Rother: Resident and common in Rother.

Habitat: Peacock butterflies may be seen almost anywhere, searching for suitable breeding or nectaring sites. These are often open, sunny places in woodland where the preferred nectar plants are found, e.g. willows in spring and teasels, thistles, and Hemp-agrimony in late summer. Large nettle patches are normally chosen for egg laying and these too are often located in sunny positions in the shelter of woodland or hedgerows.

ID Tips: Our only butterfly with large metallic bright blue eye spots on the wings.

First sighting in Rother (2009): 31 January
Recorded by: Heather Martin

First sighting in Rother (2010): 15 March
Recorded by: Steve Wheatley

UK Distribution trend: 17%

Ten year UK Population trend (1995-2004): -40%

Long term UK population trend: 90%

Distribution map