European peacock

About

The European peacock is one of the most well-known butterflies in Ukraine, and in the Carpathians, you can find it everywhere: on forest edges, meadows, in gardens, and near villages, especially where nettles grow. It is widespread throughout Ukraine.

Wingspan is about 45–62 mm. The wings are reddish-brown, and on each of the four, there is a large colorful 'eye' made up of blue, yellow, and black spots, resembling peacock feathers. However, the underside of the wings is almost black, so the butterfly with its wings closed looks like a dry leaf.

These 'eyes' are the butterfly's main defense. Sitting still, it hides thanks to the dark underside of its wings, and when a bird or mouse attacks, it suddenly opens its wings and shows its 'eyes'. Moreover, when opening its wings, the butterfly makes a quiet rustling sound. Studies have shown that the eye spots are the most effective at deterring birds.

The European peacock hibernates as an adult butterfly in cozy dark places—such as basements, caves, and attics. Therefore, it can be seen as early as the beginning of spring, as soon as the sun warms up: the hibernated butterflies emerge from their hiding places and lay eggs in clusters, up to 400 at a time. The caterpillar is black with small white dots, lives in colonies of several dozen individuals in a shared silken nest, and feeds on nettles and hops. In the south, two generations develop over the summer.

The European peacock is not listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. If you find a sleeping butterfly in the attic during winter, do not wake it or take it to warmth: it needs to wait for spring.

Where in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries

Hungary · Romania · Ukraine · Slovakia · Austria · Poland · Czechia · Serbia

Mountain ranges

Bükk, Mátra, Nemira and Bodoc Mountains, High Tatras, Maramureș Mountains, Bucegi Mountains, Börzsöny and Cserhát, Bihor-Vlădeasa Mountains, Zemplén Mountains, Low Tatras

Altitude belts

Foothills (below 600 m) · Beech forests (600–1200 m)

When to see it

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Protection and rules

Not listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of Ukraine

FAQ