Canary Speckled Wood
Common NameCanary Speckled Wood
Scientific NamePararge xiphia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)47.5
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, black
HabitatLaurel forests, woodlands, shaded areas, gardens, ravines
Geographic RangeCanary Islands (endemic)
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round (multivoltine), with peaks in spring and autumn
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae are green and feed on grasses. Pupae are either green or brown and are suspended head-down. The species is multivoltine, producing multiple broods annually.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the mainland Speckled Wood (*Pararge aegeria*) by its generally larger size, more extensive and brighter orange markings, and its endemic range within the Canary Islands.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with rich dark brown wings extensively marked with bright orange-yellow spots and several prominent black eyespots, particularly on the hindwings.
