Nymphalids, Vanessids & Fritillaries
A diverse family of our largest, most striking and beautiful butterflies containing some well known migrants. Conical eggs, laid singly or in batches produce gregarious caterpillars often sporting long, protective spines. Chrysalises are suspended from the tail end by silken pads and are often attractively adorned with silvery, metallic spines and spots.
Peacock (Inachis io)
Peacock (Inachis io)

Peacock (Inachis io)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Tribe: Nymphalini
Genus: Aglais
Species: io

Key ID Features:
Upperside unmistakable with bold russets and purples and 'Peacock' eye markings at wingtips.
Underside rather plain and the darkest brown of all Vanessids when resting with wings closed.

Seen in UK: March -October

The Peacock is a familiar sight in gardens across the British Isles and is unmistakable, with quite spectacular eyes on the upperside of the hindwings that give this butterfly its name. These eyes must appear very threatening to predators, such as mice, that confront this butterfly head-on, where the body forming a "beak".

The underside is a different matter altogether, being almost black, providing perfect camouflage when the butterfly is at rest on a tree trunk, or when hibernating. In addition to camouflage and large eyes, the butterfly is able to make a hissing sound by rubbing its wings together that is audible to human ears. All in all, this butterfly must appear very threatening to any predator that might come across it. This is a highly mobile butterfly that occurs throughout the British Isles, including Orkney and Shetland, although it is not found in parts of northern Scotland. However, its range does seem to be increasing, with sightings from new areas being recorded every year.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Peacock (Inachis io)

Peacock (Inachis io)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Tribe: Nymphalini
Genus: Aglais
Species: io

Key ID Features:
Upperside unmistakable with bold russets and purples and 'Peacock' eye markings at wingtips.
Underside rather plain and the darkest brown of all Vanessids when resting with wings closed.

Seen in UK: March -October

The Peacock is a familiar sight in gardens across the British Isles and is unmistakable, with quite spectacular eyes on the upperside of the hindwings that give this butterfly its name. These eyes must appear very threatening to predators, such as mice, that confront this butterfly head-on, where the body forming a "beak".

The underside is a different matter altogether, being almost black, providing perfect camouflage when the butterfly is at rest on a tree trunk, or when hibernating. In addition to camouflage and large eyes, the butterfly is able to make a hissing sound by rubbing its wings together that is audible to human ears. All in all, this butterfly must appear very threatening to any predator that might come across it. This is a highly mobile butterfly that occurs throughout the British Isles, including Orkney and Shetland, although it is not found in parts of northern Scotland. However, its range does seem to be increasing, with sightings from new areas being recorded every year.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley