Taken with Canon Powershot A640
The Speckled Wood is a butterfly with a greater tolerance of shade than most butterflies and is found in dappled woodland glades, hence the name. This butterfly may also be found along lanes and wooded hedgerows and often visits gardens, infact these photo`s were taken in one of the larger gardens I work in. The Speckled Wood likes to feed on aphid honeydew from leaves, but does occasionally visit flowers late in the season.
Uniquely among British butterflies, the Speckled Wood can overwinter as a caterpillar or a chrysalis, which can mean up to three broods, the first of which appears in late March and the last mid-October.
This butterfly had been in decline, but in the 1930`s their range has greatly increased and is now a common butterfly throughout the Midlands and southwards, as well as Wales, Ireland and certain parts of Scotland.
Two cracking Images John,i think Speckled Wood
ReplyDeleteare a stunning butterfly.
John.
Thanks John,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, they are stunning, a much underated butterfly!
J
Definitely an underated species. Starting to see more each day down south.
ReplyDeleteThey are a great subject to photograph John, but often overlooked.
ReplyDeleteThey do have really nice markings on closer inspection.
Nice photos John. A lovely little butterfly I think. I was taking photos of them in my garden yesterday, there seem to be more than I have ever seen before probably due to the fact that the garden is rather wild at the moment!
ReplyDeleteHi John. I recognise this chap and now I can put a name to him! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Frank,
ReplyDeleteOnly the other day I was moaning about not seeing a Speckled Wood yet and then I see several in one go!
J
Hi Roy,
ReplyDeleteYes, a lot of people just see a `brown` butterfly, but their beauty is subtle! Much like many `brown` birds, not just L.B.J`s
J
Hi ShySongbird,
ReplyDeleteThankyou for that. Your garden sounds ideal for butterflies, as well as other wildlife. Mine is a bit of a mess at the moment too, that`s the problem with being a gardener, I just don`t want to garden in my own little patch! ;)
J
Hi bazza,
ReplyDeleteThe pleasure is mine!
J
I've seen quite a few of these recently. Hopefully a good year for butterflies.
ReplyDeleteHi Keith,
ReplyDeleteYes, we can but hope for a good year! I am seeing more and more, but with the weather changing next week things may change!
J