Speckled wood

The speckled wood prefers the dappled sunlight of woodland rides and edges, hedgerows and even gardens. Despite declines, its range has spread over recent years.

Scientific name

Pararge aegeria

When to see

March to October

Species information

Statistics

Wingspan: 4.6-5.6cm

Conservation status

Common.

Habitats

About

A medium-sized butterfly, the speckled wood is on the wing in two or three broods between the end of March and October. It is a common and widespread butterfly of woodland edges and rides, where it flies in the dappled sunlight, and can also be seen in hedgerows and gardens. Adults feed on honeydew, while the caterpillars feed on a variety of grasses, including false broom and cock's-foot.

How to identify

The speckled wood is dark brown with creamy yellow spots. The best way to identify the 'brown' butterflies is by looking at the eyespots on their wings. The speckled wood is the only brown butterfly with three small, cream-ringed eyespots on each hindwing and one on each forewing.

Distribution

Found throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and increasingly in Scotland.

Did you know?

There are a number of subspecies of speckled woods. Those in the north are dark brown with white spots, while those further south are dark brown with orange spots.