The Peacock butterfly (Inachis io) is one of the easiest to identify with its strong flight and peacock tail "eyes" on the wings. But when it folds its wings up over its back it is hard to spot as it is almost black You will probably have seen them on buddleia bushes where they gorge themselves on nectar.
This one was photographed by Martin Bradford at Filnore, feeding on a teasel.
Peacocks appear quite early in spring after hibernating in hollow trees, garden sheds and similar dark crevices. The eggs are laid on nettles and the black spiny caterpillars feed in groups under a silken web until they are nearly mature.
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