A male Speckled Wood resting in a Blackthorn bush at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, Warwickshire. © 2017 - 2019 Steven Cheshire.
Speckled Wood
Pararge aegeria (59.003)
The Speckled Wood is a common species in our region and can be found in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens, anywhere where dappled sunlight and areas of lush grass grow in damper areas. The male will often be seen perched with wings wide open in areas of sunlight, chasing intruders and females which wander by. Both male and female butterflies feed on honeydew in the tree tops, only occsionally being seen feeding on flowers.
Habitat Requirements
The Speckled Wood breeds in woodland habitats, lanes and tracks between tall hedgerows, parks, gardens, and scrub. It seems to prefer slightly damp areas where there is tall grass and some dappled shade.
Larval Foodplants
The larvae of the Speckled Wood feed on False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus), Common Couch (Elytrigia repens) and Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata).
Distribution in Warwickshire
See maps below. Distribution text required.
1995-2004
2005-2009
2010-2014
2015-2019
Submit your records
Use our online recording system to submit your observations of butterflies and day-flying moths.