Description
Because of the conspicuous eye-spots on both forewing and hindwing easy to be identified. Hibernates it cool dark places and there perfectly camouflaged due to the almost black underside.

Size
Wingspan 60 mm.

Colour
The wings are red to reddish brown in color. The leading edge of the wings have a golden shine. The eye-spots on the forewings are yellow and blue, dark red in the middle. The eye-spots on the hindwings are blue with a wide yellow margin. The caterpillar is black with white dots and long spines on its body.

Habitat
Can often found in gardens and parks basking in the sun or feeding on nectar, preferably on butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii). The eggs are deposited on foodplants such as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) or Pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria officinalis).

Flight season
Can be seen in the early year (when the weather is nice) because it hibernates as adult. The number of generations also depend on the weather condition. Usually there are 1 or 2 generations between june and september.

Distribution
Common in most parts of Europe with exception of the far north.