Speckled Wood

Pararge aegeria

The Speckled Wood is a charming butterfly with brown wings and lovely spots. It enjoys sunny spots in the woods!

Habitat: Woodlands and gardens

Appearance

The Speckled Wood has dark brown wings with striking creamy-yellow to orange-brown 'eyespots' ringed in black, creating a dappled effect. Its underside often shows more intricate patterns. This camouflage helps it blend into shaded woodlands.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusPararge

Speckled Wood

Interesting facts

Speckled Wood males battle for sunlit patches to find mates!

Their caterpillars are bright green, perfectly camouflaged on grass!

They can hatch two or even three generations in one summer!

Unlike most butterflies, adults prefer tree sap to flower nectar!

Special abilities

Speckled Wood has dappled brown and yellow patterns that help them disappear into forest shadows.

Speckled Wood can quickly warm its body by basking in sunbeams to prepare for flight.

Speckled Wood has 'eyespots' on its wings that can confuse predators, protecting its vital body parts.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 40-52 mm
Size: 18-25 mm
Lifespan: 14-21 days
Flight Speed: 12 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adults mainly drink sweet tree sap, while caterpillars munch on fresh green grasses.

Age differences: Larvae eat grasses, while adults primarily feed on tree sap and honeydew, occasionally nectar.

Primary Foods

tree sap
honeydew
grasses
nectar

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

European Robin

Erithacus rubecula

Adult butterflies can be prey for small birds.

eaten by

Garden Cross Spider

Araneus diadematus

Spiders often catch Speckled Woods in their webs.

eats

Annual Meadow-grass

Poa annua

Caterpillars feed on the leaves of various grasses.

eats

Common Oak

Quercus robur

Adults feed on sweet sap that seeps from tree trunks.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Spotted

Discover animals and plants adorned with beautiful dots and splotches, making them unique and easy to spot!

Web Builder

Witness the incredible artistry of creatures that weave intricate, silken structures right before your eyes. They create amazing traps and homes using their own unique silk.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.