The Speckled Wood Butterfly
A Speckled Wood in Cloudforest One. Photo by Kim Lake
The Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria) is a delightful sight in Irish woodlands and hedgerows. Known for its distinctive markings and agile flight, it's a species that adds a touch of magic to the Irish countryside.
Appearance
The Speckled Wood is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 4.5-5.5 cm. Its wings are dark brown with creamy yellow or orange spots, with haloed eyes on its upper hindwing. The number and size of these spots can vary, giving each individual a unique pattern. The underside of the wings is a mix of brown with cream and grey blotches.
Habitat and Distribution
In Ireland, the Speckled Wood is commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows, and urban parks and gardens.
It thrives in areas with dappled sunlight and forest glades, where it can bask in sunspots and find shelter in the shade. Its distribution across Ireland is widespread, making it one of the more commonly seen butterfly species. In Cloudforest One, we often see it sunning itself along the gorse-lined path to the beehives.
Behaviour
These butterflies are known for their territorial behaviour. Males often perch in sunspots, waiting to intercept females or chase away rival males. Their flight is quick and erratic, darting through the trees and bushes.
Lifecycle
The Speckled Wood has multiple broods per year in Ireland, meaning it can be seen flying from spring to autumn. Its lifecycle includes:
Eggs: Laid singly on the underside of the leaves of grasses such as Cock's-foot, Yorkshire-fog, and False Brome. The first brood may be laid on the sunnier side of a hedge in Spring where it’s warmer. Subsequent broods may be laid in more shady areas to prevent the eggs from drying out in the heat.
Caterpillars: Green with dark stripes, feeding on the grass it was laid on. May overwinter as a caterpillar at the base of grasses and pop up to eat on warmer days.
Chrysalis: Attached to a stem or leaf, camouflaged among the foliage.
Adult Butterfly: Emerges to continue the cycle. Adults feed mostly on sap and honeydew, as well as nectar from plants such as Bramble, Gorse, Cuckooflower, Dandelion and Ragwort.
Conservation
The Speckled Wood is not currently considered a threatened species in Ireland, as its adaptability to different habitats and its multiple broods contribute to its stable population. However, like all wildlife, it benefits from the preservation of natural habitats, such as woodlands and hedgerows.
