Tortoiseshells

Aglais

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Tribe: Nymphalini
Genus: Aglais

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aglais: //ˈæɡlaɪəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Aglais urticae-01 (xndr) by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Nymphalis io Luc Viatour by Luc Viatour. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Aglais urticae by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Image-Aglais urticae lt 2 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) 2 by Charles J. Sharp
. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Milberts Tortoiseshell - Aglais milberti (6234624921) by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Aglais is a genus of colorful butterflies known for their distinctive eyespots and habitats across Europe and temperate Asia. Aglais io, the European peacock or peacock butterfly, features a vibrant rusty red coloration with large eyespots and has become a subject of interest due to its anti-predator adaptations and territorial behaviors.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan of 50 to 55 mm; base color rusty red with distinctive black, blue, and yellow eyespots at each wingtip; underside cryptically colored dark brown or black.

Identification Tips

Look for the large, colorful eyespots on the wings and the distinctive rusty red coloration.

Habitat

Found in woods, fields, meadows, pastures, parks, and gardens; ranges from lowlands up to 2,500 meters elevation.

Distribution

Primarily found across Europe and temperate Asia, reaching as far east as Japan; one resident species in North America (Aglais milberti).

Diet

Larvae feed on Urticaceae (stinging nettle, hop, small nettle); adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants, tree sap, and rotten fruits.

Life Cycle

Overwinters as adults; may produce one to several broods per year depending on the climate.

Reproduction

Mating occurs after overwintering; females lay eggs in early spring in batches of up to 400 on food plants.

Predators

Avian predators include blue tits, pied flycatchers, and other small passerine birds; rodent predators include small mice.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinator; larvae contribute to plant regulation by feeding on specific host plants.

Cultural Significance

The name 'Io' comes from Greek mythology, associated with a mythological figure.

Evolution

Aglais io was formerly classified as Inachis; closely related based on DNA studies, though visually distinguished by coloration.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with American peacocks in the genus Anartia due to similar common names, but they are not closely related.