Sussex Butterfly Conservation : Species

Butterfly Species in Sussex

Speckled Wood - photo by John Williams

Speckled Wood

Pararge aegeria

Description

As this is a woodland butterfly and Sussex has an abundance of woods and copses, it isn’t surprising that this species is both widespread and common. It is very tolerant of shade and its preference for dappled sunlight means it does well in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and conifer woodlands, mature hedgerows, parks and gardens. It’s widespread distribution is also helped by the variety of common, broad-stemmed grasses that are chosen for egg-laying, namely Cocksfoot, Couch-grass, False brome and Yorkshire-fog.

With its distinctive chocolate and cream markings, it should not be difficult to identify. It could be confused with a Wall Brown but as these species are usually found in very different habitats, it is not often that their paths will cross.

Uniquely amongst British butterflies, this species may over-winter as a caterpillar or a chrysalis, and this leads to a complex pattern of emergence. Between 2006-2024 the “average first sighting” was March 22nd but in recent years a February record is no longer considered unusual. Despite these early records, most of us will not see a Speckled Wood until April, or even May. There are often three summer peaks, the first in early June, the second in late July, and the third one in late August. With overlapping generations and three-to-four broods, this species has a very long flight period, with an “average last sighting date” of November 9th (range October 15th to December 23rd).

Where to find

During its flight period it is quite difficult to take a walk in the countryside and not see one. If you wish to see large numbers then good locations include, Eartham Wood at SU951114, Houghton Forest at SU9911, Rewell Wood at SU9808, Southwater Woods between TQ131257 and TQ140254 and St Leonard’s Forest at TQ2130.