How do they look?

Nymphalidae butterflies are butterflies with colorful wings: brown, yellow-brown, brick-red, or velvety black with lighter and vibrant spots. For most Nymphalidae butterflies, the underside of their wings is adapted to the color of dry leaves, forest undergrowth, and soil. For example, the upper side of the wings of peacock butterfly is orange-red with a relatively broad, decorative yellow-black stripe along the leading edge.

The larvae of Nymphalidae butterflies are covered with small spines and body outgrowths.

Where do they live?

The most common butterfly in Latvia is peacock butterfly. It can be observed in open landscapes and forest edges. It is one of the frequent visitors to city gardens and parks, where it is attracted by butterfly-bushes, Buddleia. During winter, it hibernates in unheated buildings, cellars, woodsheds, caves, and tree hollows. In spring, with the first warm days, they become active and are among the first butterflies to emerge. Peacock butterflies are typically observed from the beginning of April to the end of May. Then, generations change.

Red admiral is less common; it flies to Latvia in summer from the south. In late August or early September, the new generation of red admirals takes flight, later migrating southward.

What do they eat?

Typically found on herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees. The larvae of peacock butterflies develop and feed primarily on the large leaves of the stinging nettle. An alternative plant for feeding is the common hop.

Interesting and important facts

Peacock butterfly typically has one generation per season, but in warm summers, it can have two generations. Young butterflies usually emerge at the end of June or the beginning of July, while the second generation appears in early September. Peacock butterflies continue to fly until late autumn, and as the weather turns cold, they seek shelter in dark, cool places for hibernation.

Swallowtail butterfly is one of the protected butterfly species in Latvia.

Information sources: https://www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia, Kreslina L. ‘Insects in Latvia’

Photo: pixabay.com, redzet.eu