This looked a very faded worn butterfly, it's colours were pale and there were tears in it's wings. I read that peacock butterflies are probably the longest-lived butterflies in Britain, with adults surviving from late July, well into the following spring, perhaps into June. Therefore, contrary to popular belief that butterflies only live for a few days, some Peacocks may live to see their 11th month (albeit having spent five or six months of their adult lives asleep in hibernation). Maybe this butterfly belongs in the Guinness book of records and has survived thirteen months, that's what I want to believe.
You are right in the Peacock being one of our longest lived species. And this one, by its haggered appearance. may well be of last years vintage! I think there are a few others that are known to hibernate...the Tortoiseshell springs to mind.
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