Genus NYMPHALIS, Kluk , 1802 
THE PEACOCK BUTTERFLY 
Nymphalis io (Linn., 1758). 
(Plate XIV, facing page 173) 
Haunts and Distribution. This very beautiful butterfly is 
widely distributed and generally common throughout the 
greater part of England and Wales, becoming less frequent 
northwards. Over the southern half of Scotland it is un¬ 
common, but has at times occurred as far north as Moray. 
In Ireland it is abundant over the southern counties. Except 
for the polar regions, its range extends throughout the whole 
of Europe, Asia, Siberia, Armjrland and Japan. 
The chief haunts of the Peacock are flowery banks and 
waysides, borders of woods, gardens and especially Clover 
fields in bloom. Its favourite wild flowers are Knapweed, 
Thistles and different kinds of Scabious. Buddleia bloom is 
especially attractive to this butterfly. In the spring, the 
hibernated specimens are particularly fond of blossoming 
fruit-trees growing against the sunny side of walls, where 
they delight in basking in the sun and feasting on the nectar 
of the flowers. 
Time of Appearance. The Peacock is single brooded, 
appearing on the wing towards the end of July until the 
end of September or early in October, when it enters into 
hibernation. It makes its reappearance after hibernation 
about the end of March or early April. 
Hibernation. This species passes the winter in the butterfly 
state and usually takes up its winter quarters in October, 
but apparently some enter into hibernation much earlier. 
To pass its season of torpidity, it commonly resorts to barns 
and other buildings, especially those excluding bright day¬ 
light. Hollow trees are favourite retreats for it to pass the 
winter months, and in these, butterflies sometimes congregate 
in large numbers. The late Edward Newman on one occasion 
found over forty assembled togetner in a hollow Oak. Also 
the late A. B. Farn discovered a large assemblage of Pea¬ 
cocks in a hole in a tree. Thinking it might be a likely 
place for hibernating butterflies, he happened to look in and 
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