Speckled Wood Butterfly

The Speckled Wood butterfly, Pararge aegeria, is a common sight in Bicknor Wood if you are looking for them. They love dappled shade, so the patches of Brambles where the light cuts through the canopy are perfect for them.

They become more apparent when defending their little patches of sunshine. Two males will circle around each other, catching the light until one flies off leaving the victor to bask in the warmth. 

They have a long flight season, but individuals are short-lived, flying as adults for little more than a week. There are three generations each year which hatch over a prolonged period thus, there is a succession of flying adults that might be seen from February until November. 

Eggs are laid on grasses which might include Yorkshire Fog and Cock's Foot, both present in Bicknor Wood. 

The species has recovered after a widespread decline during the 19th century. During last century, they began to recolonise the areas where they had become locally extinct and have now recovered to their previously large range. It is thought that the decline in coppicing has been to their advantage as few other butterflies are able to tolerate the high level of shade encountered in uncut woodland.