Speckled Wood Butterfly (pararge aegeria)

This species has become increasingly common in the North of England over the last 20 years, possibly as a result of global warming. The caterpillars feed on grasses, especially couch grass – a good reason to leave a part of your garden “wild”. The males often find a sunny spot and defend their territory, flying at other males entering the area, and flying upwards with them. So if you see two flying upwards together, it’s probably not a courtship dance!