Speckled Wood

Parage aegeria

Description

Wingspan 46 - 56mm. A chocolate-brown butterfly patterned with pale creamy-lemon spots. Females have larger spots than the males and later broods are darker than earlier broods.

Habitat

Wooded areas and hedgerows. The adults like dappled sunlight, where they feed on honeydew and nectar from woodland flowers. The caterpillar feeds on grasses.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in southern Britain. Less common in Scotland. It is currently extending its range northwards. Common in Nottinhamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to October in three broods.

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - male - July 24th 2011

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - male - May 28th 2018

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - female - April 6th 2012

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - female - July 17th 2011

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - female - September 9th 2018

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - well worn individual - October 25th 2022

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - female - August 1st 2013

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - female - July 17th 2013

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - female - August 25th 2006

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - female - July 23rd 2023

  • Speckled Wood - Parage aegeria - pair - June 7th 2014