Speckled wood butterflies are relatively new arrivals in North East England, first appearing in Durham city three years ago. The species has been gradually advancing northwards for decades - perhaps in response to climate change. There are four known colonies on the university estate - in the Botanic Garden, along the footpath on the east side of John Snow House (sunlit footpaths are a favourite haunt) on the Science Site, on the east side of the hedgerow opposite the Botanic Garden car park entrance and at the southern end of the North American arboretum, on the southern edge of the university estate. Speckled wood butterflies thrive in woodland glades, where the caterpillars feed on common grasses like cock's foot and Yorkshire fog. There are two broods each year and in a good summer occasionally three, so look out for this attractive butterfly in spring, summer and autumn.
