Speckled Wood Butterfly
Butterflies, in general, are struggling to survive and numbers are sadly decreasing. One species goes its own way and continues to reverse the trend. The Speckled Wood almost disappeared by the end of the nineteenth century. From a tiny stronghold in the south of England, a splendid revival has brought them back to most of the country.
There is a confusing array of mid-sized butterflies with varied shades of brown basic colourings. The Speckled Wood again stands out from the rest yet often remains unrecognized. Their chocolate brown wings are covered with numerous cream speckles which can be seen quite easily as both males and females like to rest on low vegetation with wings spread to absorb the sun. Only when their body heat becomes too high do they fold their wings in typical butterfly fashion. Few survive for more than a week but because there are three broods each year adults are seen on the wing from April to October.
Their favourite food is the honey-dew produced by aphids on the leaves of trees high in the canopy. Out of our sight at that height, only when well fed do they descend to our level. Here they often pick out a bramble leaf a mere three or four feet from the ground on which to take their ease. How fortunate for us!
Why this once common species declined to such an endangered level remains something of a mystery though many theories have been put forward. The reason for their return is equally puzzling and debated. We must be thankful that nature has brought them back.
Author:: Rex Hancy
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