Peacock Inachis io
Peacock, Monks Eleigh Garden, Suffolk, England, September 2007 - click for larger image

Monks Eleigh, Suffolk, England

The Peacock is distributed throughout the lowlands of the British Isles but is less common in Scotland. It is found in gardens, woodland and meadows where it can be seen feeding on knapweeds, thistles and other flowers.
Peacock, Monks Eleigh Garden, Suffolk, England, May 2008 - click for larger image The hibernating butterflies re-appear in February and March and are amongst the first butterflies to be seen in the spring. Eggs are laid on the underside of Common Nettle leaves around May with the black, hairy caterpillars being seen in large clusters on nettles from May to early July. Adults emerge from the chrysalis in late July and August and it is these butterflies that go into hibernation ready for the following spring.
Peacock, Monks Eleigh Garden, Suffolk, England, May 2008 - click for larger image Photos 2 and 3 were taken in May and show a worn adult at the end of its life. 

There is more information available at Butterfly Conservation.

Peacock, Monks Eleigh Garden, Suffolk, England, April 2010 - click for larger image
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