Speckled Wood

National Status

Found throughout most of England, Wales and parts of Scotland. Range expanding northwards. Population trend 10 years +4%; since 1976 +84%

West Midlands Status

Widespread with range stable. Population trend 10 years – increasing.

Habitat

Semi-shaded areas such as lanes, hedgerows, woodland edges and rides.

Flight Period

The Speckled Wood can pass the winter not only as a pupa, but also as a larva, unique for a UK butterfly. This gives rise to two distinct spring flight periods: one in March/April and the other May/June. Both of these may produce one or two later broods leading to more or less continuous sightings from March through to October or even November.

Hotspots

Many woodlands throughout the West Midlands

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplants are Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Common Couch (Elytrigia repens), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) and Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus).