Insect
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Size
63–75 mm wingspanAbout the width of a credit card
Weight
0.3 gLighter than a paperclip
Lifespan
11 months (overwinters as adult)
Rarity
Common
M vs F
Males and females look almost identical; males patrol sunny spots to find mates
Habitat
Gartens, woodland rides, meadows, wasteland — wherever Common Nettle grows
Best time
Spring (emerging from hibernation) and August–September (new brood)
Conservation
UK: Green
LC
💡 Did you know?
The Peacock's eye-spots aren't just decoration — when threatened it opens its wings with a sudden hiss, creating an owl-face illusion that startles predators
The caterpillars are entirely dependent on Common Nettle — one of the best reasons to leave an uncut nettle patch in your garden
Often confused with
Red Admiral (red bands
not eye-spots)
Small Tortoiseshell (orange with blue-spotted border)
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