Canary speckled wood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canary speckled wood |
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The Canary speckled wood (scientific name: Pararge xiphioides) is a beautiful butterfly. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family, also known as brush-footed butterflies. You can find this special butterfly only on the Canary Islands. These islands include La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria.
About the Canary Speckled Wood
The Canary speckled wood is a medium-sized butterfly. Its wings can spread from about 40 to 50 millimeters wide. That's about 1.5 to 2 inches! These butterflies are active all year round, so you might spot them any time.
What It Looks Like
This butterfly looks a lot like another species called Pararge aegeria. However, the Canary speckled wood has some unique features. Its top side is usually darker. It also has smaller, more reddish-brown spots. The underside of its back wings is lighter. It has fewer marbled patterns and a clear band in the middle. This band often has a white shade near the front edge of the wing.
Life Cycle and Food
Like all butterflies, the Canary speckled wood starts its life as a larva, or caterpillar. These caterpillars eat different kinds of plants. Some of their favorite foods include Brachypodium sylvaticum, Agrostis capillaris, Carex divulsa, and Luzula forsteri. These plants help the caterpillars grow big and strong before they turn into butterflies.
