European peacock vs Small tortoiseshell
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an European peacock from a small tortoiseshell, and whether either one bites or stings.
European peacock
Aglais io
Small tortoiseshell
Aglais urticae
≠The key differences
Smaller with more mottled orange and black pattern and less distinct round blue eye spots; wing edges more jagged.
Has large distinctive eye-spots on the upper wings; Small tortoiseshell lacks these eye-spots and has a more evenly patterned orange and black upper surface.
⚖︎Side by side
| European peacock | Small tortoiseshell | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Wingspan 50-70 mm | 45-62 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Red-orange, Black, Yellow, Blue (eyespots), Brown (underside) | Orange, Black, Cream, Blue |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Open habitats with nettles and nectar sources: gardens, meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges and roadside vegetation. | Open sunny habitats: gardens, meadows, roadside verges, hedgerows and disturbed ground; also woodland edges and parks. |
| Range | Native to Europe and temperate Asia, from the British Isles across continental Europe into parts of Russia, and eastwards into temperate Asia. | Widespread across Europe and temperate Asia, from the British Isles and Iberia across to Siberia and parts of East Asia. |
| Active | Spring to autumn for flight activity; adults are diurnal and most active on sunny days. Overwinters as adult (hibernation) in sheltered sites. | Spring through autumn; can be seen early in the year after overwintering and is active during daylight, especially on warm, sunny days. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot an European peacock
- Large, red-orange wings with four prominent blue-centered eye spots (one on each wing).
- Dark scalloped wing margins and a cryptic mottled underside when wings are closed.
- Wingspan about 50-70 mm; slow, direct flight and frequent sun-basking.
🔍How to spot a small tortoiseshell
- Bright orange wings with large black patches on the forewings and a dark marginal band containing blue lunules.
- Scalloped wing margins and a wingspan of about 45-62 mm.
- Underside of wings duller and cryptic—closed wings show a mottled brown pattern for camouflage.
- If seen on nettles, look for clustered black spiny caterpillars on the undersides of leaves.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an European peacock and a small tortoiseshell?
Smaller with more mottled orange and black pattern and less distinct round blue eye spots; wing edges more jagged. Has large distinctive eye-spots on the upper wings; Small tortoiseshell lacks these eye-spots and has a more evenly patterned orange and black upper surface.
Is an European peacock or a small tortoiseshell more dangerous?
European peacock: Non-toxic. Small tortoiseshell: Non-toxic. Does not bite or sting. Not dangerous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.