<< Previous Next >>

Peacock


Peacock
Photo Information
Copyright: Lenka Gondova (lgfoto) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 194 W: 13 N: 279] (1536)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-05
Categories: Insects
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-01-16 15:15
Viewed: 853
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Inachis io
(Linnaeus, 1758)
(SK) Babôčka pávooká
(CZ) Babočka paví oko
(GB) Peacock
(DE) Tagpfauenauge
(FR) Le paon du jour
(PL) Rusałka pawik
(HU) Nappali pávaszem
The European peacock, or simply Peacock (Inachis io) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe and Asia. It should not be confused or classified with any of the other butteflies known as "peacock" in the Anartia genus of butterflies. It is the only member of the genus Inachis. The species is resident in much of its range, often wintering in buildings or trees. It therefore often appears quite early in spring.

The butterfly measures about 5 cm (2 in) from wingtip to wingtip and is easily identified by its striking eye pattern on a ruddy background, although with wings closed the cryptically coloured dark underwings make it look like a dead leaf. The eyespots are reminiscent of those on the feathers of the peacock, hence the name. The eyespots are exposed when the butterfly is disturbed by a potential predator (such as birds) in an antipredator display in which the butterflies flick their wings open and make a hissing noise. The open wings create a false perception of another predator (note how a glance at the image can give the impression of a cat staring) and the effect is strong enough to deter the predator from eating it.

The butterfly hibernates over winter before laying its eggs in early spring, in batches of up to 500 at a time. The caterpillars, which are shiny black with six rows of barbed spikes and a series of white dots on each segment, hatch after about a week and feed on nettles and hops. The adult butterflies drink nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, including buddleia, sallows, dandelions, wild marjoram, danewort, hemp agrimony, and clover; they also utilize tree sap and rotten fruit.

The Peacock can be found in woods, fields, meadows, pastures, parks, and gardens, and from lowlands up to 8,200 feet elevation. It is a relatively common butterfly seen in many European parks and gardens.

Source: Wikipedia
Necipp, ramthakur has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Necipp: :-)lgfoto 1 01-16 16:33
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hi Lenka I recognise the flowers from the bee shot this butterfly was a nice catch too. nice matching natural background TFS best rgds Necip.

Hello Lenka,
A very good composition with those white blossoms for the background.
It is a charming butterfly, no doubt. The focus is a little soft in my opinion.
Regards,
Ram

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF