Suspended animation

Winterwatch 2017 saw presenter Gillian Burke explore a World War II pillbox. She was searching for overwintering peacock butterflies but, closer to home, you can spot them in the dark corners of sheds, garages, lofts and unheated spare rooms. Even when torpid, a resting peacock has the amazing ability to flick its wings open, flashing its fake ‘eyes’ to startle would-be attackers. Only a few British butterflies survive winter as adults – most species sit it out as eggs, caterpillars or pupae.

FIND OUT MORE

Visit butterflyconservation.org and ukbutterflies.co.uk