Parage aegeria

Crete, June 2004

ssp aegeria

Vaud, Switzerland, July 2006

ssp. tircis

Hampshire, UK, September 2004

Speckled Wood
Pararge aegeria

Distribution: N Africa, most of Europe except northern Scandinavia and parts of Scotland. There are two subspecies distinguishable by the orange or cream colour of the upperside spotting, although there are intermediate forms and overlaps in many places so I wonder if these true subspecies:

ssp aegeria. The "southern" orange subspecies predominates in the south west Europe (including Spain, Italy, N Africa).

ssp. tircis. The "northern" cream subspecies is found in northern and eastern Europe (including N France, central Europe, Scandinavia, Balkans and Greece). Interestingly, the various Greek islands harbour one or other of the two subspecies, apparently even when close geographically.

Identification: Similar species exist on the Canary and Madeiran islands - I've never been there although reports are that these species are much larger and darker on the wing. It also resembles the Wall, Lasiommata megera but this has solid orange areas on both sides of the fw, rather than the spots of the present species.

Flight time: Just about all year! Often one of the first butterflies (apart from hibernating species) to fly so dates are highly dependant on location (latitude and altitude). They are continuously brooded so they can be found in all the warmer months. I've found them on 1st January in Tunisia and as late as the end of October in the UK. Populations may drop between broods but usually some representatives can be found. This is one of the few butterflies that can hibernate in more than one form - either larval or pupal.

Habitat: Associated with trees and scrub, it is rarely found in open grassland. From cool mountain or northern positions to very hot dry places in the south. Larvae feed on various grasses.

Behaviour: Flies particularly in the dappled shade of woodland paths or edges. In scrubby areas it will skulk around the lower parts of the taller bushes or even large rocks or outcrops. In woodland the males will often sit in a beam of sunlight on a prominent leaf or twig and defend a territory from any intruders. Usually he will return to the same spot. In more open places there is less of a premium on the "best" twig/ leaf in the sunshine but territorial behaviour is still displayed.

Additional notes: I've found this butterfly just about everywhere I've visited. It can be very common or in low numbers. I am convinced that its territorial habits in shady places make this butterfly sensitive to approach.

Vaud, Switzerland, July 2006

Var, France, April 2006

Crete, June 2004

Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2002

Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003

Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2002