Speckled Wood Butterfly

Pararge aegeria

Photos have been downgraded in size and quality for Internet bandwidth; copyright e-barrett

For identification of butterflies, both the top and side views are shown.

All the above photographed in Mill Hill/Totteridge, NW London: considerable variation in the pale spots' size and colour (white, cream, very pale yellow, pale pinky-yellow)

 and in the size and "openness" of the black spots. Females have brighter and sharper markings than males.

The Speckled Wood butterfly likes sunny clearings in shady woodland and aphid honeydew rather than flower nectar
           
       
Link to Canary Speckled Wood and Madeira Speckled Wood