Peacock Butterflies are one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring. They can be seen in parks and gardens where there are lots of flowers.

The Peacock Butterfly is easily recognisable because it has a large ‘eye spot’ on each of its four wings. Each eye spot is situated on the outer edge of each wing and all have bright blue markings inside. The eye spots have other colours inside them such as black, cream, orange and white.

The eye spots look similar to the eye spots that can be seen on the tail of a Peacock. This is why this butterfly is called the ‘Peacock Butterfly’.

The main colour of the wings of the Peacock Butterfly is a brownish red colour with black markings. The tips of the wings are bordered with a light brown colour.

The Peacock Butterfly rests with its wings closed together in an upright position over its body. This position reveals the underside of the wings which is a dark brown colour. The dark underside acts as a good camouflage for the Peacock Butterfly when it rests or sleeps in dark places.

The forewings of the Peacock Butterfly are bigger than the hindwings. The hindwings look like the head of an owl if you look at them from an upside position!