Body length 35 mm, wingspan 50–55 mm. Its wings are intensely brown and red. The most distinctive feature of this species, which makes it easy to distinguish from other butterfly species, is the large multi-colored (blue-black) spots ("peacock eyes") at the ends of the front and rear wings. These spots are a defense mechanism; imitating eyes, they are supposed to suggest to a potential attacker that a dangerous predator is lurking here. <br />
It occurs in clearings and forest edges, in gardens, orchards, wastelands and many other places. It is very common everywhere. The adult form is present throughout the summer and can be found on various flowers from which it drinks nectar.
