Canary Speckled Wood
Image: Raikantopini (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCanary Speckled Wood
Scientific NamePararge xiphia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, yellow, black
HabitatWoodland edges, clearings, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeCanary Islands (La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro)
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodFebruary to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are green with a darker dorsal line and pale lateral stripes, feeding on grasses. Pupae are green or brown, often suspended upside down.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with yellowish-orange spots and a row of eyespots on the hindwing. Often seen resting with wings open on sunlit patches in shaded areas, typically in the Canary Islands.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings adorned with numerous yellowish-orange spots and distinct black eyespots, particularly prominent on the hindwings.
