Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
European peacock

European peacock

Aglais io

A species of Tortoiseshells, Also known as Peacock, The peacock

European peacock (Aglais io) is a colorful butterfly that resides in temperate Asia and Europe – hence its common name. Its prominent eyespots deter would-be predators, who mistake them for the eyes of a bigger, more dangerous species. In recent years, this species appears to be expanding its range into previously uncolonized territory.

General Info About European peacock
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of European peacock
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Pink
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The European peacock is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The European peacock feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of European peacock
It is found in Europe and temperate Asia as far east as Japan.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of European peacock
Egg After mating, the adult european peacock lays eggs. These eggs are often round or oval and may be laid individually or in clusters, typically on host plants, where they will eventually hatch into larvae.
Larva The larva, or caterpillar, of the european peacock emerges from the egg. This stage is primarily focused on feeding and growth. The caterpillar will consume leaves voraciously and will molt several times, increasing in size with each molt.
Pupal After reaching a sufficient size, the european peacock caterpillar will form a chrysalis in a process known as pupation. During this stage, the european peacock undergoes a dramatic transformation, restructuring its body into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult european peacock displays distinct sexual dimorphism with wings that are brightly colored for mating displays. The wings are functional, and the insect is now mobile. It will seek out mates and host plants for laying eggs.
Rectangle
Adult Size of European peacock
7 - 7 cm
Rectangle
Predators of European peacock Larvae
Birds, rodents, insectivorous mammals, carnivorous insects, arachnids
Rectangle
Predators of Adult European peacock
Birds, bats, spiders, mantises, ants
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About European peacock
The european peacock can perceive a wider spectrum of light, including ultraviolet, which helps them in selecting mates and finding nectar.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of European peacock
Tips for Finding European peacock
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of European peacock
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of European peacock Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of european peacock are often found on the undersides of leaves of stinging nettle plants. As caterpillars, they predominantly reside on nettles in well-sunlit areas, forming tents out of silk for protection. Searching for them involves cautiously examining the host plants. Pupae can be discovered hanging from plant stems or leaves, often in less disturbed areas, requiring a thorough visual inspection of potential pupation sites. Adults frequently visit gardens, meadows, and woodland edges rich in flowers, especially during sunny conditions, making these habitats ideal to scout for them.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe European peacock
The best time to find european peacock is typically during late spring to late summer when they are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe European peacock
Warm and sunny days with little wind are ideal for finding european peacock, as these conditions are preferable for their flight and nectar feeding activities.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find European peacock at Different Life Stages
Egg European peacock eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, examine the leaves of nettles, which are their preferred food source.
Larva European peacock caterpillars can be identified by their black spiny appearance. Look for them on the host plants where they feed, such as nettles, by carefully inspecting the stems and leaves.
Pupal European peacock chrysalises are commonly attached to plant stems or leaves near their feeding sites. They can also be found on fences, walls, or other structures nearby. Look for their distinct angular shape and green or brown color that camouflages with vegetation.
Adult Adult european peacock can be spotted feeding on a variety of flowering plants. To find them, visit gardens, meadows, or other areas with abundant flowers during warm, sunny days, particularly in the late morning or early afternoon when they are most active.
Are European peacock harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

Usually, the european peacock won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

Rectangle

Are European peacock harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of European peacock
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
European peacock is drawn to flowers predominantly by their color and shape, engaging in pollination as a result of feeding on pollen. This incidental yet vital interaction ensures the continuation of both plant and insect species, highlighting the elaborate and interconnected nature of ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to European peacock
Rainforest brown
Rainforest brown

The wingspan is 3.5 - 4 cm for males and 3.5 - 4 cm for females.

Read More
Arrow
Isabella's longwing
Isabella's longwing

Eueides isabella is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 7 - 9 cm. The uppersides of the wings is dark brown, with orange bands and yellowish markings on the edges of the forewings. The undersides of the wings are quite similar to the uppersides, but the edges of the hindwings show a series of small blue spots.

Read More
Arrow
Blue-gray satyr
Blue-gray satyr

Magneuptychia libye is a butterfly from the subfamily Satyrinae of the family Nymphalidae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1767 by Carl Linnaeus.

Read More
Arrow
Two-Banded Satyr
Two-Banded Satyr

Pareuptychia ocirrhoe, the two-banded satyr or banded white ringlet, is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Mexico to the Guyanas, Paraguay and northern Argentina. The habitat consists of forests. The wingspan is about 37 mm. The larvae feed on Eleusine species.

Read More
Arrow
White-banded satyr
White-banded satyr

Pareuptychia metaleuca, the one-banded satyr, is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Mexico to Brazil.

Read More
Arrow
Common maplet
Common maplet

Chersonesia risa, the common maplet, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in South-East Asia.

Read More
Arrow
Wavy maplet
Wavy maplet

Chersonesia rahria is an Indomalayan butterfly of the family Nymphalidae (Cyrestinae). It is found from Manipur and Naga Hills to Burma then from Borneo to Celebes.

Read More
Arrow
Acontius firewing
Acontius firewing

Description of upperside about male is that antennae, head, thorax, and abdomen are black. Wings are fine velvety black. An orange-coloured bar, about ​6 mm broad, rises in the middle of the superior wings, running circularly and crossing the inferior ones, meeting about the middle of the abdominal edges. Underside of male is that palpi is white. Tongue is brown. Breast and legs are white. Abdomen is yellow brown. Wings are shining brown, exhibiting various shades of changeable colours; the tips are terminating in an ash colour. Wings scarcely dentated. Wingspan ​is 7 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow