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- Peacock butterflies can be spotted on the grass verges of Cowbar Lane from March to September. Some females lay their eggs there in May which is why it is important the grasses are not mown then.
- They lay batches of up to 500 eggs and the caterpillars spin a communal web to live in for a couple of weeks after they emerge.
- Caterpillars are black with short spines and speckled with white spots. They are usually found on stinging nettles which they eat.
- The caterpillars pupate alone, attached to plant stems, and adults emerge from July.
- The adults feed on nectar from flowers including betony, dandelions and teasels.
- Their name comes from the large ‘eyes’ on each wing, similar to those on peacock feathers, designed to startle or confuse predators.
- When threatened, they make a hissing sound by rubbing the veins on their front and hind wings together.
- The underside of their wings is dark brown so they are well camouflaged. When wings are closed they look like dead leaves.
- They are strong flyers and need to be to battle the winds on Cowbar.
