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The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic ecozone.[1] The species is su...
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The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic ecozone.[1] The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria,[1] Pararge aegeria tricis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula.[2] The coloration of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline.[3] The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species.[2] The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling.[4] The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions.[4][5] The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.
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