Head to head
Wall Brown vs Speckled Wood
Wall Brown
VS Speckled Wood
The wall brown and speckled wood are two European browns that rest on bare ground and sunny patches, but one seeks open, sun-baked places and the other the dappled light of woodland.
| Wall Brown | Speckled Wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lasiommata megera | Pararge aegeria |
| Pattern | Orange wings barred with dark markings like tiger stripes, with a large eyespot on each forewing and a row of smaller ones on the hindwings | Dark brown wings spotted with cream or yellow patches and eyespots, matching dappled light |
| Habitat | Dry grassland, sunny walls, quarries, and coastal ground | Shady woodland, hedgerows, and gardens |
| Behaviour | Basks with its wings open on bare ground, walls, and rocks, and males hold a sunny perch | Males defend patches of sunlight on the woodland floor in spiralling duels |
| Broods | Often two broods a year in Britain, with the caterpillars overwintering | Often several broods in a year |
| Overwintering | Caterpillars spend the winter among the grass | Can spend the winter either as a caterpillar or as a chrysalis |
| Range | Europe, North Africa, and western Asia | Europe and North Africa, extending east into western Asia |
| Conservation status | Least Concern overall, though it has declined sharply in Britain and parts of northern Europe | Least Concern, and expanding in parts of northern Europe |
Wall Brown vs Speckled Wood: common questions
Which one has declined in Britain?
The wall brown, which has disappeared from much of its inland range and now survives mainly along the coast.
Which one defends sunbeams?
The speckled wood, whose males defend patches of sunlight on the woodland floor and drive off rivals in spiralling flights.
Why is it called the wall brown?
It is named for its habit of basking with its wings open on sunny walls, as well as on bare ground and rocks.