Speckled Wood

Pararge aegeria

TQ4792 20/04/2019 ©Raymond Small

Common woodland butterfly with a wingspan of about 45mm often seen resting on bramble along woodland paths. Adults fly in two broods from April to early June and again from July to September. Males normally bask in sunlight and chase away trespassers encroaching on their territory. Both sexes visit tree tops to feed on honeydew made by aphids. This species rarely visits flowers to feed except early and late in the year when supplies of honeydew are low. The caterpillars feed on various grasses including false brome, cock's-foot and Yorkshire fog.

TQ4792 03/04/2017 ©Raymond Small

TQ4792 18/06/2023 ©Raymond Small

TQ4793 24/04/2025 ©Raymond Small

TQ4692 15/09/2024 ©Raymond Small

Do you know? A butterfly has taste buds on its proboscis and antennae but the majority are located on the feet. These check leaves before eggs are laid helping to ensure that when their larvae emerge they will be on a suitable food plant.

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