The cream spots arranged in rows on the dark brown wings are classic for this species. They are one of our most familiar woodland-edge butterflies in Scotland and have adapted well to gardens and allotments.
- 🦋 The wings are open and basking, probably taking advantage of a sunny patch on the elder branch.
- 🌳 Elder is a favourite perch. Speckled Woods often choose tree trunks, fences, and branches where they can defend a sunny territory.
- ☀️ Unlike many butterflies that spend lots of time nectaring, male Speckled Woods often sit and wait, dashing out to investigate anything flying past—other butterflies, bees, and sometimes even people!
This handsome Speckled Wood butterfly paused for a while on one of our flowering elder branches today. Despite its name, this species is just as happy in gardens and allotments as it is in woodland.
Speckled Woods are territorial butterflies, often choosing a sunny perch on a tree trunk, fence, or branch and then darting off to inspect passing insects. Their rich brown wings, decorated with cream spots and eye markings, make them one of our most attractive and easily recognised butterflies.
The elder tree was already buzzing with pollinators, and the arrival of this butterfly was another reminder that even a small garden or allotment can provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
Garden tip: Leaving a few sheltered corners, flowering plants, and native shrubs such as elder can make your plot far more welcoming to butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Have you spotted any butterflies on your plot this week? 🦋🌿