Sussex Branch

Butterfly Species in Sussex

Description

As this is a woodland butterfly and Sussex has an abundance of woods and copses, it isn’t surprising that this species is both widespread and common. It is very tolerant of shade and its preference for dappled sunlight means it does well in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and conifer woodlands, mature hedgerows, parks and gardens.

With its distinctive chocolate and cream markings, it should prove to be a straightforward ID.

Uniquely amongst British butterflies, Speckled Wood may over-winter as a caterpillar or a chrysalis, and this leads to a complex pattern of emergence. It is not unusual for an early adult to be recorded in mid-February, although most of us will not see one until April or even May. There are often three summer peaks, the first in early June, the second in late July, and the third one in late August. With overlapping generations and three broods, this species has a very long flight period, usually extending to November and in some years, even December.

Where to find

During it's flight period its quite difficult to take a walk in the countryside and not see one. If you wish to see large numbers then favourable locations include, Eartham Wood at SU951114, Houghton Forest at SU9911, Rewell Wood at SU9808, Southwater Woods between TQ131257 and TQ140254 and St Leonard’s Forest at TQ2130.

Image gallery

Speckled Wood with open wings – photo by Martin Kalaher

With closed wings

With open wings

Nectaring on Hemp Agrimony

Nectaring on Hemp Agrimony

With open wings – photo by Dave Brown

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More information

Butterfly Conservation Speckled Wood