Peacock Butterfly - Aglais io
The proper name of this butterfly is more commonly known as the European Peacock and can be found in Europe and as far away as temperate Asia and even as far away as Japan. This species was formally classified as Inachis and was the only member of this genus with the name Inachis being derived from Greek mythology meaning lo, daughter of Inachus. The large peacock like eye spots on the upper wings are used to startle and frighten its predators. When resting the wings when closed will look very similar to a dead leaf and when felt threatened a quick flash of those eye spots is usually enough to scare its predator off. Can be seen on the wing from July- September, and after hibernation March-May.
Peacock Butterfly - Aglais io
The proper name of this butterfly is more commonly known as the European Peacock and can be found in Europe and as far away as temperate Asia and even as far away as Japan. This species was formally classified as Inachis and was the only member of this genus with the name Inachis being derived from Greek mythology meaning lo, daughter of Inachus. The large peacock like eye spots on the upper wings are used to startle and frighten its predators. When resting the wings when closed will look very similar to a dead leaf and when felt threatened a quick flash of those eye spots is usually enough to scare its predator off. Can be seen on the wing from July- September, and after hibernation March-May.