Ringlet Butterfly (aphantopus hyperantus)

This chocolatey-brown butterfly loves woodland, hedgerows and meadows. They have been spotted at Scotswood Garden. 

It gets its name from the circles or rings on its wings. You can also identify it by the white edging on its wings.

The female lays her eggs usually in grassy areas as the caterpillar's favourite food is a range of grasses. 

The fact that this butterfly is a dark colour means that it can absorb the heat from the sun more effectively than lighter coloured butterflies. As a result it can fly on colder and cloudier days than other butterflies. 

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!