The peacock butterfly is a strikingly patterned noble butterfly that we often encounter in the wild in this country. But it also flutters from flower to flower far beyond our national borders. Its range is surprisingly large, even including cold regions.
The beautiful peacock butterfly loves the sun and warmth
Loves warmth, tolerates cold
Across the northern hemisphere, flowers bloom in shades of purple, the favorite color of this butterfly, which is distinctive with multicolored eyes on its wings. That would take care of his food. But the different climatic conditions do not make life feasible everywhere.
The cold is tolerated because the adult butterfly looks for shelter in winter, hibernates and overwinters. But it would not survive very icy temperatures over long periods of the year.
The currently much-discussed global warming could lead to a change in its habitat. At least it can already be observed that the peacock butterfly now manages to send two generations out into the world every year.
Geographic Distribution
Geographically, Europe and Asia are home to the peacock butterfly. However, the closer a region is to the North Pole, the less suitable it is as its habitat. For example, the north of Scandinavia is much too inhospitable for him. The butterfly is also not native to Greece and parts of the Iberian Islands. Maybe because it's way too hot for him there.
Flowering Habitats
In our mountainous country, the peacock moth can be found up to an altitude of 2,500 m. It's too cold higher up, the rest of the country is at his free disposal. He flies to where the table is richly set for him. He can be found:
- in light, sunny forests
- on colorful flower meadows
- in cemeteries, in parks and gardens
- in populated areas, gardens
- near flowering hedges
tips
You can get caterpillars of this butterfly species from butterfly breeders and the BUND to breed it at home, so your habitat becomes its habitat too. At least until the moth hatches.
Fodder plant nettle
The wide range of this butterfly is also due to the fact that its caterpillars specialize on a food plant that grows everywhere and is "ineradicable": the stinging nettle.
If you want to turn your own garden into a place for butterflies, you should therefore leave a few nettles hidden somewhere. The lifespan of the butterfly is between 1-2 years. Nettles ensure the emergence of new generations. You can read more interesting information about the peacock butterfly in our profile.
tips
Also provide the adult peacock butterfly with plenty of nectar by planting the following plants in the garden: blue cushion, dahlias, thistles, summer lilac, sweet pea and thyme.