Brush-footed butterflies · Sweden

Peacock butterfly

Aglais io

One of the largest and most striking butterflies, with large blue-centred eyespots on its wings. It is established in southern and central Sweden and is spreading northwards. Adults overwinter and can be seen early in spring.

Status in this countryLeast concern in SwedenLC (Least concern)

Flight period

Overwintering butterflies fly from March to June; the new generation of the year can be observed from mid-July to the beginning of September.

Habitat

Gardens, meadow habitats, forest edges, and other richly flowering environments with stinging nettle.

Identifying features

Wingspan 55–65 millimetres. The wing upperside is dark red with four large blue-centred eyespots. The underside is dark and camouflaged. The eyespots make the species unmistakable among Swedish butterflies.

Similar species

No similar species are described in the sources consulted.

Distribution

An established population in southern and central Sweden, currently expanding northward.

Biology

The larvae live together on stinging nettle. The species overwinters as an adult butterfly.