Speckled Wood
Key facts
- Latin name
- Pararge aegeria
- Family
- Nymphalidae
- Wingspan
- 36-48 mm
- Flight season
- March — October
- Host plants
- Wood bluegrass, Couch grass, Wood false-brome, Cock's-foot
- Conservation status
- LC
Appearance
The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 36–48 mm. The upper side has a mosaic of orange-yellow and dark brown patches. One eyespot on the forewing; three or four smaller ones on the hindwing.
The underside of the hindwings is finely marbled gray and brown — ideal bark camouflage.
Range and habitat
Widespread from Western Europe to Western Siberia. In Russia it occurs in the European part.
Strictly tied to forest: shady paths, edges, rides, parks. Unlike many satyrids, it avoids fully open habitats.
Life cycle
2–3 generations per year. First adults appear in March–April. Flight continues into October.
Eggs on leaves of woodland grasses. The caterpillar is green and feeds on grasses at night. Caterpillar or pupa overwinters.
Territoriality
Male speckled woods are among the most territorial day-flying butterflies. They occupy sun flecks on paths and attack all intruders, including other butterfly species and insects. Encounters end in spiral chases; the winner returns to its spot. These interactions are classic studies in behavioral ecology.