Europe
Speckled wood
Scientific name Pararge aegeria
- Wingspan
- 40-48 mm
- Max age
- 4 weeks
- Rarity
- common
About this butterfly
The Speckled Wood is a butterfly of dappled woodland, rides and shady gardens. Brown wings are marked with cream or orange spots, varying across Europe. Males hold territories in sun-flecks and box with rivals in short spirals. Adults often feed on honeydew rather than sitting on flowers. Several generations fly through the warmer months. Typical larval grasses include False Brome, Cock's-foot, Yorkshire-fog and couch. Wood Fescue is a woodland grass in the same broad habitat, not a proven sole host. The species can overwinter as a larva or as a pupa. It has spread with warmer conditions in some northern regions. Look for it where sun breaks through the canopy, not on open downland.