Peacock Butterflies are one of the first species of butterflies to be first seen in spring.  They are commonly seen in parks and gardens where there are lots of flowers.  They are one of the longest lived butterflies in England because they hibernate over winter, just like the Brimstone Butterfly.  Peacock Butterflies hibernate in large groups in hollow trees, wall crevices, sheds, barns and lofts. 

The Peacock Butterfly is easily recognised because of its four brownish coloured wings which have an eye spot on each wing.   The eye spots have bright blue markings as well as black, cream, orange and white markings.  Peacock Butterflies are very colourful butterflies that like to sunbathe on the ground with their wings open. 

Peacock Butterflies often lay their eggs on nettle leaves.  A shiny black caterpillar with lots of white spots all over its body emerges from each egg and each caterpillar has long black spines running along the sides and the top of its body.   The caterpillar forms a chrysalis by spinning a silk case around itself.  Inside the chrysalis the caterpillar transforms itself into a beautiful Peacock Butterfly.