Speckled wood
Pararge aegeria
Size: wingspan 46-52mm (male), 48-56mm (female).
Description: wings chocolatey-brown with creamy patches. Three black eye markings on hind-wing and one on the fore-wing. Underside is a patchwork of grey, cream and brown.
Habitat: widespread, favouring shady woodland and hedge conditions where larvae feed on a variety of grasses.
Distribution: common in Ireland, Wales and southern England, with a few colonies further north, although it is responding to temperature and extending its range.
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Upperwings of the speckled wood (Pete Holmes/WTML) -
Underwings of the speckled wood (northeastwildlife.co.uk)
