Appearance: Spot this dazzling butterfly with a wingspan of 55 to 63mm and know what beauty is all about! The colourful �eyes� of the upper wings actually function as a large part of the self-defence of this butterfly. They may frighten off hungry predators such as birds. If you see the butterfly display the blue eyes of the hindwing, you�ll know the butterfly will be taking off in a second!
Geographical distribution/ habitat: Europe and the Northern part of Asia. Common in open fields, farmsteads, woodlands and gardens � where ever flowers grow.
Host plant: Common Nettle (urticaceae) only.
Food plants: Not very fussy on them, but particularly fond of Buddleia and thistles. Cirsium arvense �Creeping thistle� seems to be a big favourite of them � as well as of many other butterflies.
Flight time: Single brooded and flies in July-September in Europe. Hibernates as an adult, and is one of the first butterflies to appear around March to April.
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