Suffolk Argus 10, Feb 1997

Suffolk Branch Contacts

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JamesMann, The Old School, The Street, Darsham, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3QA (01728 668532)

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SUFFOLK AR6US

Membership Secretary Paul Giuon, 18 Cheltenham Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP! 4LN (01473 253276) Newsletter Editor SteveGod,iard,47 C'..olchesterRoad, Ipswich, Suffolk 1~4 3BT (01473 252598)

February1997

Programme Secretary

AlanJohmon, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701)

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Volunteers Needed If you feel you could run a small sales operation or just help out now and then with the growing work of the Branch, please contact

Steve Goddardon 01473 252598.

Conservation Officer &:County Recorder (Butterfties) RichardStewart, 'Valezina', 112 Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2X:W (01473 216518)

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A.G.M.

Constervation Officer (Moths) TonyPrichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047) County Recorder (Moths)

Arthur Watchman,Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP7 7BA

Thedate: 22nd,March.

Thetime: 7.00pmfor7.30pm

Secretary

Tony Prichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9JR (01473 270047) Treasurer GrahamBull, Oakbank, Ardleigh Road, Dedham, Essex CO7 6EG (01206 323530)

Publishedby the Suffolk Branchof ButterflyConservation(The British ButterflyConservationSociety Ltd.) 11,g.No. 2206468 11,g.Charity No. 254937 H....t Oftica P.O. Box222. Dcdharn, Es,,x OJ7 6EY. Td. (01206) 322342 Edited by 5,,,,, Goddard Pri■rod by Grrt: H,rbm & Som. Logo (Silva➔tuddod 8(..,) Doui Hammrnky Dcsiped ... d produced by St,phm Ion, Car & Mouse De.sign(01473 729423 answer phont') © 1996 all rights re.served

Publicity Officer StevenGoss,Yaxley Manor House, Yaxley, Eye, Suffolk IP23 8DG (01379 783386) Committee Members

Michael&Jenny Kelsey,25 Prospect Place, Leiscon, Suffolk IP16 4AL (01728 830975) President

Theplace: The0ddfellows Hall,37, HighStreet,Ipswich (just beforetheMuseum as yougouphill).

CarParking in nearby Charles Street(behind Crown Pools).

Our fourth Annual General Meeting takes place on the evening of Saturday 22nd, March 1997 and we.are very pleased to have Julian Roughton, Conservation Manager, Suffolk Wildlife Trust as our guest speaker.

Please come along and listen to Julian as well as to hear about Branch activities.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for open discussion over a cup of coffee with Julian and your committee on any subject that interests you. Any views or comments from our members either on the night or beforehand, will always be very important to us.

Please make sure this date goes in your diary, a key event which heralds what promises to be a very exciting year ahead.

See separate sheet for full programme details.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation

HowardMendel, c/o Ipswich Museum, High Sr., Ipswich, Suffolk IP! 3QH (01473 213761)

Volume 10

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BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

The Suffolk Argus

February 1997

Contents . . .. . . . ................................

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A.G.M ........................................................................... Cover

Newsletter Details 9

Contents .................................................. :............................. 2

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Copy Dates Contributions for our newslener should reach the Editor (address on back page) no later than: •

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January May October

Christmas Eve April Fools Day August Bank Holiday

Members Evening, 16th November 1996 ............................... 3 Notes form the Editor ........................................................ 4-5 Regional Action Plan (RAP) ................................................... 5 1996 Field Trips ................................................................ 6-9 My Butterfly Trips to Cumbria ...................................... 10-11

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The Suffolk Argus is your magazine, so j please let us hear from you.

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A Report on Suffolk Butterflies 1996 ............................. 12-15

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Moth Evenings..................................................................... 16

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Watching Purple Hairstreaks ................................................ 17

Butterfly

Chalkhill Blue Butterfly in Suffolk ....................................... 18 Newsletter Details & General Information ........................... 19

HOTELS

Suffolk BranchrC<iiuacts............ 1,. ........................ Back Cover

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Regular Updates & Latest News All profits are used for the conservation of butterflies and their habitats.

Calls charged at 50p per min. peak and 45p per min. at other times

Butterfly Hotel, A45 Bury East Exit.

Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds

01284 760884

19

The Suffolk Argus

Chalk Hill Blue Butterfly in

Suffolk

.. ..... .. ........ . . . byJean Garrod On Thursday August 8th, Will Brame a fellow birder and keen general naturalist had seen 14 Clouded Yellows including a var. helice at Peewit Hill, Felixstowe. The next day Ken and I were preparing to travel and see them for ourselves when the phone rang.

It was Will again but this rime telling us that the site had now turned up a male Chalk Hill Blue and could we come down with a camera.

We met up oq the rough ground behind 'Mcdonalds'on what had become a lovely summer's day with butterflies abounding everywhere. We soon foimd the male Chalk Hill Blue nectaring on common fleabane and Ken was able co capture it with our instamatic camera! We noted that it had a nick in the edge of its left forewing otherwise, it was in excellent condition and very active flying from the flowers ro nearby ; bramble and back again.

We watched it for 20 minutes or more · keeping a careful watch whilst awaiting the arrival of other enthusiasts who Will had • contacted. U nfortunacely, before che first person had arrived the butterfly had • disappeared and despite a thorough search , we were unable to relocate it. We had no ' trouble seeing Common Blue, Small

February 1997

Copper, Painted Lady or Silver Y's not to mention the Clouded Yellows which flew back and forth! More people arrived and joined in the search but to no avail. On Bank Holiday Monday, August 26th, we heard from Will again. Incredibly, he had found yet another Chalk Hill Blue at the same site. le was not the same insect since it did not have a nick in it's left forewing and was in perfect condition. When Paul Gilson and I arrived there were already several keen individuals scouring the area in brilliant sunshine. Will had only seen this second butterfly for a short time before it flew towards and over a fairly high bank of rough grass bordering Peewic Hill Caravan Site.

Although we all searched the area for quite some time the Chalk Hill Blue was not seen again. When Steve Piotrowski saw our photograph he kindly arranged to have a portion of it enlarged to show the butterfly feeding on the common fleabane. We are delighted with the result. Thank you very much Steve. We also owe our thanks as ever, to Will Brame for passing on the news of his ,,, sightings.

ChalkHill Blue

Mentbers Evening,

16th November,

1996 Our Chairman welcomed some 25 members to what promised to be an enjoyable evening. In his introduction he outlined the programme and gave a warm welcome to Michael Chinery who had joined us for the evening to judge the photographic competition.

Richard Stewart gave an update on the second. year of recording for the Millennium Atlas. He highlighted the additional cecrads chat had been covered this year and the increase in records of some species. Richard suggested chat we should all sec ourselves a target of looking upwards far more often in 1997 to improve recording of Purple Hairstreak and Whice-leccer Hairstreak for that matter. He also expressed the need for greater effort to find Dingy Skipper sites which will be reflected in our 1997 Field Trips. On the subject of migrants, there was the inevitable mention of Painted Ladies and the Silver Y and even more exciting, the hopes for Queen of Spain Fritillary which seem keen on visiting Suffolk each year lately.

Tony Prichard's talk on moths outlined the plans for moth recording in the coming years. He talked about the 23 moth

species found in Suffolk that are of national importance and their particular habitat requirements. Tony also outlined how these species feature in the Regional Action Plans.

Moths almost always cake second place to butterflies and as a result are underrecorded. The Branch is making plans to increase considerably the recording, knowledge and interest in moths.

Whilst we were all enjoying midevening refreshments, Michael Chinery continued with his judging of the photographs. Directly we were all re-seated he lee us into the secrets of what he looked for in a good picture and derailed the points that had led to his decision. The outcome was a total success for Tony Prichard our Conservation Officer (Moths) winning both Butterfly and Moth categories. Well done Tony.

Our Chairman then went on to explain our work with the Regional Action Plan of which more can be read in a separate item in this newsletter.

The evening drew to a close with a general discussion followed by thanks to the Butterfly Hotel who again were our sponsors for the occasion.

PaintedLady

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February 1997

The Suffolk Argus

Notes from the Editor • • • • • ••••

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Forthcomingtalk on Butterfliesand Moths It is not very often that we have the opportunity to go along to talks on Butterflies and Moths so a forthcoming talk

by Rafe Eley, one of the county's leading lepidopterists, muse surely be too good to miss.

Organised by The Friends of St. Nicholas' Hospice, this event deserves our support. It will take place on Wednesday 12th March at the Hospice, Bury St. Edmunds (behind West Suffolk Hospital) at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available on the night at £3 each including refreshments but if you would prefer to book in advance, they may be obtained from the following outlets: St. Nicholas' Hospice - 01284 766133 Croydons, Jewellers, Comhill, Bury St. Edmunds Landers Bookshop, Hall Street, Long Melford Lavenham Newsagent, High Street, Lavenham and St. Nicholas, Hospice shops in Bridge Street, Thetford Gainsborough Street, Sudbury and Market Place, Mildenhall

Watching Purple Hairstreaks

by Paul Gilson

PurpleHairstreak

Dingy Skipper Our rarest breeding butterfly is to come under the spotlight this year. Two weekend visits are planned for June in an endeavour to survey as much of its known preferred habitat as possible. Please help by attending, the more people present the more areas covered. See your 1997 Programme for details.

Moth Recording

Having spent an enjoyable mid-August afternoon relaxing on the foreshore of the river Aide at lken we made our way back to the picnic site car park. Our car was just to the left of the lken footpath display board at the lower end of the car park. The time was approaching 5.00 pm and with the sun still shining it was still pleasantly warm; just perfect for the picnic we had brought with us.

To the left of the display board are two oak trees, about 20-25 feet high. le was whilst eating that I noticed movement in one of the oaks. Reaching for the binoculars it soon became apparent chat the silvery movement at the top of the tree were Purple Hairstreaks. Having packed away our picnic, I decided to look at the other tree for signs of life. It was not long before movement was detected. My wife and I were soon able to observe these beautiful insects at head height as they alighted forthe, down the tree.

A perfect end to a perfect afternoon in a beautiful part of Suffolk. I wonder if any of our readers have seen Purple Hairstreaks on shorter oak trees?

by AngieSteele

With 1997 seeing a greater focus on moth recording, if anyone would like copies of articles on moths from past editions of the Suffolk Argus please contact the editor. The subjects concerned are: Light Trap Construction: January 1995 Identification of Moths - Making Field Notes: May 1995

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The Suffolk Argus

Moth Evenings . . . . ...............

by TonyPrichard

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February 1997

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This year the Branch Programme of Events includes several moth evenings. These are being held not only to enable you to experience moth light trapping but to visit sites where we hope to obtain records of our rarer Suffolk moths for our part of the Regional Action Plan.

We will start around dusk with two to three lights running. One of these will be suspended over a ground sheet to let everyone have a clearer view of the moths that are attracted to the light. The traps will be run until sometime after midnight; finishing time will largely depend on the number of moths turning up.

The weather, although affecting the number of moths which will be seen, is not as important as it is for butterflies. So please, do not be put off if the day has been dull. In fact, good cloud cover tends to produce the best moth nights by keeping up the temperature which is more important for good moth activity. The event is only likely to be cancelled if there is heavy rain.

To ensure a comfortable evening, do bring along such items as glasses, sunglasses or a wide brimmed hat, a chair, torch and refreshments. The sunglasses will prevent glare from the UV lamps. If you wear glasses with plastic lenses you will probably find that they will filter out the UV light anyway.

The Suffolk Moth Group also runs moth evenings every Friday night through most of the spring, summer and early autumn. Contact Arthur Watchman for derails.

May Newsletter Due to an anticipated publishing delay the next Suffolk Argus will not be issued until June.

1997 Programme of Events For those of you who attended the November Member's Evening, please accept our apologies for not being able to present our programme for 1997 as publicised. I'm afraid that there was a bit of a misunderstanding - mainly on my part I have to say! However, we are now delighted to be issuing our Programme with this issue of the Suffolk Argus. We hope you like the new presentation and moreover, that it proves to be of real interest to you and that you will enjoy attending as many events as possible.

The Suffolk Show

-28/29 May The Branch is pleased to be attending the County Show for the fourth successive year again thanks to the Suffolk Naturalists' Society with whom we shall be sharing a tent. We have made appeals for help on each previous occasion and this time is no different. This is a marvellous opportunity to promote Butterfly Conservation as well as the activities of our own Branch. If you feel you can help in any way please contact a member of the committee. See you there!

A 'weekend in the West' 31st May/lstJune As we expected this field trip aroused a lot of interest and numbers reached an optimum level well before the year end dead-line. If this event proves successful perhaps we can consider something similar for next year.

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Regional Action Plan (RAP) Following on from the article in the last newsletter, 'Biodiversity & Suffolk Branch', we aim to brief our members regularly about this high profile initiative since it is to become a vital part of Branch work over the coming months.

Regional Action Plans have developed from the national Action for Butterflies project which began in 1994 funded by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF-UK) and the Country Agencies (English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Council for Wales). The project aims to place the conservation work of Butterfly Conservation within a firm basis, aiding our Society at national and local level to develop priorities for action. Action plans for each of I 4 regions of Butterfly Conservation are planned as well as national Species Action Plans for 25 of the most threatened species.

Our own region consists of the Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex branches as well as our own. However, all the initial work which will consist primarily of a butterfly, moth and habitat audit, will be done on a county basis to be amalgamated at a later stage. Liaison with other groups such as English Nature, SWT, SNS, R.S.P.B., and many others will be vital for its success.

Work on the RAP is in progress as we write so if anyone feels they would like to help please contact any committee member now.

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1996

Field Trips ....................

Kenton Hills and Westleton Common, 13th July, 1996, a joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire and &sex Branch of Butterfly Conservation byJennyKelsey On a slightly more promising day than most in the previous two or three weeks, about twenty people gathered for what had been advertised as a Field Trip for White Admiral, Purple Hairscreak, Grayling and Silver-scudded Blue. Lured by this, folk came from all over the three counties including a young couple from Bexley Heath, Kent on their first field trip.

It was disappointing that the target butterflies had not read the publicity! Nor had most other bunerflies which are normally abundant in mid-July. But their relative absence did not spoil our enjoyment and there were compensations. Kenton Hills produced four moths - a splendid Poplar Hawk, Brown Silver-line, Cinnabar and Small Magpie. Wilfred George was our authority on these. A lady from Essex showed us numbers of Mullein moth caterpillars gorging themselves on their foodplant.

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February 1997

The Suffolk Argus

Kenton Hills also gave us some firsts for the season: 3 Essex and 5 Small Skippers, 1 Comma and 2 White Admirals, which although not seen by all, were seen by chose on their first Field Trip. We also saw 2 lace Green Hairstreaks tangling with each other, many Meadow Browns, 2 Large Skippers, 8 Small T onoiseshells, 2 Green-veined Whites, 2 Red Admirals, 4 Small Whites, 2 Speckled Woods and 1 Ringlet, making 13 species in all.

Moving on co Wesdeton common, butterfly life livened up, at lease as far as Silver-scudded Blues were concerned. There muse have been several hundred, in concentrations in various areas of the common and even across the road about a quarter of a mile away, round the edges of the football pitch. If you want to visit in early July next year go up one of the little roads from Wesdecon cowards Minsmere and park on the Common just off the road at TM 454 687.

Surprisingly, there was an absence of other buuerflies, apart from Meadow Browns. We saw 1 Small Heath, 1 Red Admiral and a few Green Hairscreaks, co the delight of chose for whom ic was a new butterfly. All in all a satisfying outing.

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by B:;l Johnson 15

The Suffolk Argus

Two weekend visits next year, in the hope of covering as much of the possible habitat area as can be achieved, have been arranged for next June.

The glorious second-half of the season was enormously enriched by a vast wave of migrants. The Camberwell Beauty records started back in May when John Dolman recorded a tattered post-hibernation specimen along the Icknield Way in the King's Forest and there were funher sightings of fresher specimens at Melton (Richard Dolan 6th, September) Shotley (Dawn Girling 16th, September) and Rushmere (Michael Metcalf 17th, August) and I am currently chasing up one more.

The two at Minsmere were seen by, hundreds of visitors who, depending on when they went, were also able to see some of the six (minimum) Queen of Spain Fritillaries. A seventh was found dead in a pitfall trap. Again, the Branch would like to record thanks to Geoff Welch and his wardens for the amount of time, work and organisation involved in giving several hundred visitors good close views of these rare migrants. Two more, at Carlton Marshes (Ricky Fairhead 15th, August) and Westleton Walks (Roy Edmunds 19th, August) brought the total to an amazing nine.

According to Howard Mendel it was a 'CloudedYellowyear': records from 10 I tetrads and var. helice from at least six iocations plus 26 separate records from Minsmere support this. Undoubtedly though it was the 'Yearof the Painted Lady' and many recorders had the possible once in a lifetime experience of seeing these in great numbers, often the most common species.

Surprisingly, I have so far received only two reports of very large numbers - Stan Dumican at Eriswell and John Walshe at Battisford, both estimating over 2,000.

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February 1997

Any more records of this nature would be much appreciated. Many observers noted the great variety of size and condition in the initial wave of migrants compared to the superb condition of most of the home-bred generation.

My own thoughts about 1996 and the next few years are fully reflected in a comment on the recording sheer sent in by Dave Riley ofWrentham. I'm in no position ro substantiate his claim that it was the best season since 1947 but fully support his theory that This may well be global warming coming home to roost and it would not surprise me to see this pattern being repeated and continental species starting to breed here and over-wintering becoming possible... in terms of butterflies we may well be moving into very exciting times'.

CamberwellBeauty ....................

Martlesham Heath for annual Silver-studded Blue count, 14th July, 1996 Conditions were certainly different to past years for this regular event organised by the Martlesham Conservation Group. Drizzle and overcast skies dominated but nevertheless, 1576 butterflies were counted which was an increase on the 1186 for 1995 recorded in more usual summer weather!

Redlingfield Wood, near Eye, 20th, July 1996

by RichardStewart David Mitchell, the mid-Suffolk Tree Officer, explained his management of this wood to 25 interested members. The walk that followed produced two new species for the site, Purple Hairstreak and Essex Skipper. Good views were also enjoyed of2 White Admirals and a Bank Vole.

Moving on from here, some members visited the private meadows of Wingfield Priory and later walked along thefootpath at Horham. Here, (TM 2272) a large larval web was encountered containing a single remaining larva which was later identified as that of the Small Eggar, one of the rarer Suffolk moths and a nationally scarce species.

Holywells Park, Ipswich, July 27th, 1996, a joint meeting with Ipswich Borough Council Rangers Greenways Project

by A/,anJohnson A fine sunny and very warm afternoon saw a total of 18 people including several children, meet at the old Stable Block in the park.

Gary Lowe of the Park Ranger Service our leader for the day, introduced us to the walk which was to concentrate around the perimeter of the park and through the adjacent conservation area. The proposed visits to Landseer Park and Bridge Wood were cancelled in favour of an extended time at the Holywells site.

Of the 'species encountered, Holly Blue was pleasingly abundant throughout.

Brown Argus were closely observed in a grassy meadow within the conservation area, this location having been first recorded the previous year. Other butterflies seen were: Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White, Green-veined White, Painted Lady, Small Skipper and Small Tortoiseshell.

Eggs& Larva of Small Eggar

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The Suffolk Argus

WolvesWoodR.S.P.B. Reserve,August3rd,1996

by TonyPrichard A warm yet overcast afternoon greeted the fourteen people who assembled for this high summer field trip. As people were arriving, several Holly Blues were noted flying around the trees in the car park. The walk followed at a leisurely pace and the first point at which the group stopped was by a nearly dried-up pool in a clearing. A Red Admiral was observed resting on the mud and both Peacock and Painted Lady were noted feeding on thistles.

The walk then moved on to a wide woodland ride. This was bordered on one side by a large area of flowering thistle which were covered in a profusion of butterflies; mainly Painted Ladies, Peacocks and Meadow Browns.

February 1997

A 'b/ue'was caught and boxed and initially identified as a female Common Blue but on further examination, it turned out to be a Brown Argus - a new species for the site. An extensive discussion ensued on the various features used to distinguish the two species to dispel the doubts of one or two who initially thought it unlikely to be a Brown Argus.

The walk then returned back to the car park passing a large clump of Bramble on which Comma, Painted Ladies and Peacocks were seen.

The final species list was: Holly Blue, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Large White, Small White, Ringlet, Brown Argus, Green-veined White, Silver Y moth and Blood-vein moth.

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Peewit Hill, a rich source of recording over the years, with ten plus Clouded Yellows including one var. helice in 1996, is due for further development in the near future.

Two Swallowtails were also recorded, again with origin unknown. Janice and Will Pritchard recorded one on buddleja in Leopold Road, Ipswich (10th, August) and Peter Carter was able ro closely examine one in his garden at Campsea Ashe (26th, August). As with all rarities, special record sheets were completed and in both cases photographs were taken.

One significant development in 1996 was the systematic coverage of new tetrads in the TI part of Suffolk from a number of recorders and at the other end of the county Ricky Fairhead and Robert Wilron's recording in the vice-county area around and above Lowestofi:has revealed new sites for White Admiral, Brown Argus and Purple Hairstreak plus an extension of range for the Essex Skipper. Glynnis Jenner also recorded this species in her garden at St. Olaves.

'I have not sem so many butterflies around sinceI was a child', the childhood being in the 1940' s, was an accurate reflection of the second half of the season and colonists included the White Admiral (recorded in 35 tetrads during the two initial years of the survey) and Speckled Wood, though this species is slowing down in comparison to recent years. The most spectacular increase, which will hopefully continue in 1997, is for Brown Argus. lbis reflects a trend already noted in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Llncolnshire.

I would particularly welcome reports of egglaying on a food plant other than rock rose, storkbill or cranesbill. I am of the opinion that this butterfly is exploiting another food source and this view is shared by others who have reported this species from sites not containing any of the recognised food plants.

Holly Blues have also been noted egg-laying on buddleja (Mike Dean at lxworth) and similar information about egg-laying on unusual food plants would be welcomed.

This species had a very successful year: on one day of recording just beyond Purdis Heath I could not accurately count the numbers but I anticipate it will peak in 1997. Steve Goddard reported a very late specimen at Landguard on 21 st October, probable evidence of a partial third brood.

One consequence of the poor weather earlier in the year was that plants like buddleja were still flowering late into October. With the present climatic changes it is likely that overwintering adult butterflies will not just include the normal four but increasing numbers of Red Admiral, Camberwell Beauty, Clouded Yellow (one in Cornwall, 1996) and even Painted Lady (one in Hampshire, 1996).

Silver-studded Blue had another good year: peak emergence count of 1880 in all the Minsmere colonies, small numbers recorded on the Ipswich golf course close ro Purdis Heath and a relict colony at the Ransomes Industrial site, thanks to a visit arranged for me by Eric Parsons. The colony at Blackheath, Wenhaston was visited by at least four recorders and had a maximum count of 50 plus, much higher than expected.

There is always a debit side, with some species being affected by the larval food plant dying early in a hot summer and certainly Common Blue was absent from many records and patchy in others. Large White seemed to be scarce in West Suffolk and Wall Brown had a bad year - one of several in the last few years such that it is becoming a matter for concern. Dingy Skipper was recorded at two more sites in 1996 but has only been seen in 3 tetrads in both 1995 and 1996.

13

February 1997

The Suffolk Argus

A report on Suffolk Butterflies •

1n

1996

. . . . . . . ............

by RichardStewart

Cloutkd Yellow

12

.

It was certainly a season of two halves.

Despite the very early records from January (Red Admiral at Holbrook - Jon Nicholls, Red Admiral at Foxhall - Betty and 'Curly' Curtis, Peacock at Purton Green - Carl Chapman, all 14th, Peacock at Melton Mr. Brand on 7th) the ensuing months were disappointing, especially May which must have been one of the worst for insect recording. The only compensation was a longer flight period which did lead to many new records for the single-brooded Orange Tip and Green Hairstreak.

Purple Hairstreak records are slowly improving but it is still absent from too many recording sheets and a complete article about this lovely butterfly will hopefully be ready before the 1997 emergence. Thankfully, White-letter Hairscreak records rose from 8 tetrads in 1995 to 19 by the end of l 996. Pride of place goes to Adrian Richards who found three new colonies in quick succession, including one well within the Ipswich boundary. One future recording tip is to look closely along any hedgerows associated with places like 'ElmCottage'or 'ElmFann: Since the Millennium survey started no less than 31 sp!!Cieshave been recorded· within the Ipswich'boundary and a total of 36 f,c>f all of Suffolk. Two unexpected additions were a Large Tortoiseshell, its identity confirmed by a national expert from a photograph and Chalk Hill Blue at Peewit Hill, Felixstowe, Qean and Ken G;i.rrod, 9th August). The location for the Large Tortoiseshell is not being revealed at present so that the area can be surveyed in 1997 for the possibility of a breeding colony. The . origin of the Chalk Hill Blue is also unknown, the nearest colony being on the Devil's Dyke near Newmarket. Nick Bowles of Butterfly Conservation is of the opinion that it could have been a migrant but that this was unlikely. It is sad to note that

Monks Wood N.N.R., nr.

Alconbury, Cambs., 4th August, 1996

by Alan] ohnson

I'

A total of fifteen members attended this meeting on a very warm and sunny day. The early arrivals could be found busy 'quartering'the grass verge area where we had parked our cars which resulted in the finding of both Small Copper and Brown Argus.

The next few hours were spent taking a 'grand tour' of the wood via the many paths and rides which criss-cross it. The wood has been a National Nature Reserve since 1953 occupying an area of l 57 hectares and is a remnant of a much larger area of woodland which once extended further westwards across the route of what is now the Al Trunk Road. Monks Wood has a wide range of trees and shrubs including a number of ancient woodland indicators - the wild Service trees.

The Black Hairstreak was first discovered here in 1828, the first time in Britain. It is still found in the wood though local in distribution and always associated with Blackthorn.

Our target species for the day was the White-letter Hairstreak but it remained elusive even though the location had been pinpoi~ted by the warden. However, we were all well satisfied with the twenty species recorded which are listed below. Our thanks go to David and Christine Orme for the identification of the dragonflies and damselflies.

Butterflies: Peacock, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, Brimstone, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Purple Hairstreak, Ringlet, Meadow Brown,

Painted Lady, White Admiral, Speckled Wood, Large White, Small White, Greenveined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue and Small Copper.

Dragonflies: Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter.

Dan1selfly: Azure Blue.

Bawdsey College Estate, 10th August, 1996

by RichardStewart Only ten members were present to enjoy this, our last field trip of the year. Fifteen species of butterfly were noted on the estate walk with Peacock, Red Admiral and Painted Lady in abundance. These were in addition to Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, ac least 12 Large White, many Holly Blues, Common Blue, Small Copper, Comma and Gatekeeper. One Wall Brown was a welcome sighc having been so scarce this season together with a new species for the site, Brown Argus, which was observed in the longer grassy area fringing the main 'lawn'.

We thank Mr. Toectdier, the Estate Manager, for allowing us to visit this private location. The only disappointment was no sighting of Clouded Yellows.

9

The SuffolkArgus

My Butterfly • trips to Cumbria

... .. .. .. ... .... .. ..

byJamesMann

High BrownFritil/,ary • • Iii • • • • • • • • • • • •••

10

February 1997

On 23rd July, 1996 we travelled to Barrowin-Furness to collect our granddaughter. I decided to make a detour to visit Smardale Gill to see Scotch Argus. Unfonunately, the weather had deteriorated by the time we arrived with the rain coming down in stair rods! After a while it did stop so having made the journey I decided to walk the old railway, at least I would be able to see the famous viaduct. Before long the rain staned to fall heavily again but undaunted, I continued my walk to be rewarded by splendid views from the top of the viaduct.

With the rain easing, I walked on to the far side and on coming across some brown bunerflies in the wet grass no matter how much I willed it to be otherwise, they remained as Meadow Browns and not Scotch Argus. I then spotted and photographed a small brown butterfly but on shaping for a dose up shot the lens revealed a Chimney Sweeper moth and not the hoped for Northern Brown Argus!

However, my luck improved quite remarkably when having staned my return walk I saw a flash of orange-brown which on settling, I recognised as a High Brown Fritillary. I saw three in all, they were not keen on the weather either as one was even happy to sit on my hand for warmth. I returned to the car with a light-hearted step.

The next day, despite the threatening weather, I decided to do the rounds and my first stop was Gait Barrows in the hope of finding Scotch Argus.

On talking to the English Nature warden he informed me that Scotch Argus had never been seen here but that I would be able to see them in a few weeks time at Arnside Knott. I was also told that Large Heath could have been seen a week or two earlier at Meathop Moss. Having thanked him for his help, I did a 'GaryRoberts'and sat down on the limestone pavement and sure enough, I was soon joined by several High Brown Fritillaries which were searching for a warm place to bask. In a grassy area dose by, I was delighted to see a solitary Northern Brown Argus which obliged me by posing for photographs with both open and dosed wings.

Arnside Knott was my next destination to see at least where I might find Scotch Argus later on. More High Brown Fritillaries were encountered at the top of the Knott but it was too late for other F ritillaries.

I drove back towards Barrow via Meathop Moss.

Having parked and followed a meandering route I arrived at the site whereupon I came across a sign indicating where I should park and telling me how to get from whence I had came to reach this sign! I am still confused but the two L\rge Heaths made my day particularly when one eventually posed for photo's. I had now seen three species that were new to me including High Brown Fritillary at three sites in two days, marvellous!

On 20th August, we returned one granddaughter to Barrow. En route the weather

was most promising that is, until we were within 20 miles of Arnside Knott!

Fonunately however, the rain held off so up we climbed to the top of the Knott to find but not one Scotch Argus. Retracing our steps we were greatly relieved to see two of these lovely little butterflies on the way down and ultimately we were to find ten just above the road to the car park.

They appeared oblivious to the weather and seemed to delight in settling in the trees rendering my photographic opponunities as most difficult indeed!

My target for Cumbria was four species. I managed to see them all making my trips well worthwhile and also proving that it is possible to see butterflies in even the most inclement weather.

ScotchArgus •

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

,I

!fa

;

-/

/.· i/

'

11

The SuffolkArgus

My Butterfly • trips to Cumbria

... .. .. .. ... .... .. ..

byJamesMann

High BrownFritil/,ary • • Iii • • • • • • • • • • • •••

10

February 1997

On 23rd July, 1996 we travelled to Barrowin-Furness to collect our granddaughter. I decided to make a detour to visit Smardale Gill to see Scotch Argus. Unfonunately, the weather had deteriorated by the time we arrived with the rain coming down in stair rods! After a while it did stop so having made the journey I decided to walk the old railway, at least I would be able to see the famous viaduct. Before long the rain staned to fall heavily again but undaunted, I continued my walk to be rewarded by splendid views from the top of the viaduct.

With the rain easing, I walked on to the far side and on coming across some brown bunerflies in the wet grass no matter how much I willed it to be otherwise, they remained as Meadow Browns and not Scotch Argus. I then spotted and photographed a small brown butterfly but on shaping for a dose up shot the lens revealed a Chimney Sweeper moth and not the hoped for Northern Brown Argus!

However, my luck improved quite remarkably when having staned my return walk I saw a flash of orange-brown which on settling, I recognised as a High Brown Fritillary. I saw three in all, they were not keen on the weather either as one was even happy to sit on my hand for warmth. I returned to the car with a light-hearted step.

The next day, despite the threatening weather, I decided to do the rounds and my first stop was Gait Barrows in the hope of finding Scotch Argus.

On talking to the English Nature warden he informed me that Scotch Argus had never been seen here but that I would be able to see them in a few weeks time at Arnside Knott. I was also told that Large Heath could have been seen a week or two earlier at Meathop Moss. Having thanked him for his help, I did a 'GaryRoberts'and sat down on the limestone pavement and sure enough, I was soon joined by several High Brown Fritillaries which were searching for a warm place to bask. In a grassy area dose by, I was delighted to see a solitary Northern Brown Argus which obliged me by posing for photographs with both open and dosed wings.

Arnside Knott was my next destination to see at least where I might find Scotch Argus later on. More High Brown Fritillaries were encountered at the top of the Knott but it was too late for other F ritillaries.

I drove back towards Barrow via Meathop Moss.

Having parked and followed a meandering route I arrived at the site whereupon I came across a sign indicating where I should park and telling me how to get from whence I had came to reach this sign! I am still confused but the two L\rge Heaths made my day particularly when one eventually posed for photo's. I had now seen three species that were new to me including High Brown Fritillary at three sites in two days, marvellous!

On 20th August, we returned one granddaughter to Barrow. En route the weather

was most promising that is, until we were within 20 miles of Arnside Knott!

Fonunately however, the rain held off so up we climbed to the top of the Knott to find but not one Scotch Argus. Retracing our steps we were greatly relieved to see two of these lovely little butterflies on the way down and ultimately we were to find ten just above the road to the car park.

They appeared oblivious to the weather and seemed to delight in settling in the trees rendering my photographic opponunities as most difficult indeed!

My target for Cumbria was four species. I managed to see them all making my trips well worthwhile and also proving that it is possible to see butterflies in even the most inclement weather.

ScotchArgus •

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

,I

!fa

;

-/

/.· i/

'

11

February 1997

The Suffolk Argus

A report on Suffolk Butterflies •

1n

1996

. . . . . . . ............

by RichardStewart

Cloutkd Yellow

12

.

It was certainly a season of two halves.

Despite the very early records from January (Red Admiral at Holbrook - Jon Nicholls, Red Admiral at Foxhall - Betty and 'Curly' Curtis, Peacock at Purton Green - Carl Chapman, all 14th, Peacock at Melton Mr. Brand on 7th) the ensuing months were disappointing, especially May which must have been one of the worst for insect recording. The only compensation was a longer flight period which did lead to many new records for the single-brooded Orange Tip and Green Hairstreak.

Purple Hairstreak records are slowly improving but it is still absent from too many recording sheets and a complete article about this lovely butterfly will hopefully be ready before the 1997 emergence. Thankfully, White-letter Hairscreak records rose from 8 tetrads in 1995 to 19 by the end of l 996. Pride of place goes to Adrian Richards who found three new colonies in quick succession, including one well within the Ipswich boundary. One future recording tip is to look closely along any hedgerows associated with places like 'ElmCottage'or 'ElmFann: Since the Millennium survey started no less than 31 sp!!Cieshave been recorded· within the Ipswich'boundary and a total of 36 f,c>f all of Suffolk. Two unexpected additions were a Large Tortoiseshell, its identity confirmed by a national expert from a photograph and Chalk Hill Blue at Peewit Hill, Felixstowe, Qean and Ken G;i.rrod, 9th August). The location for the Large Tortoiseshell is not being revealed at present so that the area can be surveyed in 1997 for the possibility of a breeding colony. The . origin of the Chalk Hill Blue is also unknown, the nearest colony being on the Devil's Dyke near Newmarket. Nick Bowles of Butterfly Conservation is of the opinion that it could have been a migrant but that this was unlikely. It is sad to note that

Monks Wood N.N.R., nr.

Alconbury, Cambs., 4th August, 1996

by Alan] ohnson

I'

A total of fifteen members attended this meeting on a very warm and sunny day. The early arrivals could be found busy 'quartering'the grass verge area where we had parked our cars which resulted in the finding of both Small Copper and Brown Argus.

The next few hours were spent taking a 'grand tour' of the wood via the many paths and rides which criss-cross it. The wood has been a National Nature Reserve since 1953 occupying an area of l 57 hectares and is a remnant of a much larger area of woodland which once extended further westwards across the route of what is now the Al Trunk Road. Monks Wood has a wide range of trees and shrubs including a number of ancient woodland indicators - the wild Service trees.

The Black Hairstreak was first discovered here in 1828, the first time in Britain. It is still found in the wood though local in distribution and always associated with Blackthorn.

Our target species for the day was the White-letter Hairstreak but it remained elusive even though the location had been pinpoi~ted by the warden. However, we were all well satisfied with the twenty species recorded which are listed below. Our thanks go to David and Christine Orme for the identification of the dragonflies and damselflies.

Butterflies: Peacock, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, Brimstone, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Purple Hairstreak, Ringlet, Meadow Brown,

Painted Lady, White Admiral, Speckled Wood, Large White, Small White, Greenveined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue and Small Copper.

Dragonflies: Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter.

Dan1selfly: Azure Blue.

Bawdsey College Estate, 10th August, 1996

by RichardStewart Only ten members were present to enjoy this, our last field trip of the year. Fifteen species of butterfly were noted on the estate walk with Peacock, Red Admiral and Painted Lady in abundance. These were in addition to Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, ac least 12 Large White, many Holly Blues, Common Blue, Small Copper, Comma and Gatekeeper. One Wall Brown was a welcome sighc having been so scarce this season together with a new species for the site, Brown Argus, which was observed in the longer grassy area fringing the main 'lawn'.

We thank Mr. Toectdier, the Estate Manager, for allowing us to visit this private location. The only disappointment was no sighting of Clouded Yellows.

9

The Suffolk Argus

WolvesWoodR.S.P.B. Reserve,August3rd,1996

by TonyPrichard A warm yet overcast afternoon greeted the fourteen people who assembled for this high summer field trip. As people were arriving, several Holly Blues were noted flying around the trees in the car park. The walk followed at a leisurely pace and the first point at which the group stopped was by a nearly dried-up pool in a clearing. A Red Admiral was observed resting on the mud and both Peacock and Painted Lady were noted feeding on thistles.

The walk then moved on to a wide woodland ride. This was bordered on one side by a large area of flowering thistle which were covered in a profusion of butterflies; mainly Painted Ladies, Peacocks and Meadow Browns.

February 1997

A 'b/ue'was caught and boxed and initially identified as a female Common Blue but on further examination, it turned out to be a Brown Argus - a new species for the site. An extensive discussion ensued on the various features used to distinguish the two species to dispel the doubts of one or two who initially thought it unlikely to be a Brown Argus.

The walk then returned back to the car park passing a large clump of Bramble on which Comma, Painted Ladies and Peacocks were seen.

The final species list was: Holly Blue, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Large White, Small White, Ringlet, Brown Argus, Green-veined White, Silver Y moth and Blood-vein moth.

if .!

PaintedLa.dy

. . . . ... .,

I

I

I

opposite Wall Brown

..... ii ..... . both by Doug/,asHammersley

8

Peewit Hill, a rich source of recording over the years, with ten plus Clouded Yellows including one var. helice in 1996, is due for further development in the near future.

Two Swallowtails were also recorded, again with origin unknown. Janice and Will Pritchard recorded one on buddleja in Leopold Road, Ipswich (10th, August) and Peter Carter was able ro closely examine one in his garden at Campsea Ashe (26th, August). As with all rarities, special record sheets were completed and in both cases photographs were taken.

One significant development in 1996 was the systematic coverage of new tetrads in the TI part of Suffolk from a number of recorders and at the other end of the county Ricky Fairhead and Robert Wilron's recording in the vice-county area around and above Lowestofi:has revealed new sites for White Admiral, Brown Argus and Purple Hairstreak plus an extension of range for the Essex Skipper. Glynnis Jenner also recorded this species in her garden at St. Olaves.

'I have not sem so many butterflies around sinceI was a child', the childhood being in the 1940' s, was an accurate reflection of the second half of the season and colonists included the White Admiral (recorded in 35 tetrads during the two initial years of the survey) and Speckled Wood, though this species is slowing down in comparison to recent years. The most spectacular increase, which will hopefully continue in 1997, is for Brown Argus. lbis reflects a trend already noted in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Llncolnshire.

I would particularly welcome reports of egglaying on a food plant other than rock rose, storkbill or cranesbill. I am of the opinion that this butterfly is exploiting another food source and this view is shared by others who have reported this species from sites not containing any of the recognised food plants.

Holly Blues have also been noted egg-laying on buddleja (Mike Dean at lxworth) and similar information about egg-laying on unusual food plants would be welcomed.

This species had a very successful year: on one day of recording just beyond Purdis Heath I could not accurately count the numbers but I anticipate it will peak in 1997. Steve Goddard reported a very late specimen at Landguard on 21 st October, probable evidence of a partial third brood.

One consequence of the poor weather earlier in the year was that plants like buddleja were still flowering late into October. With the present climatic changes it is likely that overwintering adult butterflies will not just include the normal four but increasing numbers of Red Admiral, Camberwell Beauty, Clouded Yellow (one in Cornwall, 1996) and even Painted Lady (one in Hampshire, 1996).

Silver-studded Blue had another good year: peak emergence count of 1880 in all the Minsmere colonies, small numbers recorded on the Ipswich golf course close ro Purdis Heath and a relict colony at the Ransomes Industrial site, thanks to a visit arranged for me by Eric Parsons. The colony at Blackheath, Wenhaston was visited by at least four recorders and had a maximum count of 50 plus, much higher than expected.

There is always a debit side, with some species being affected by the larval food plant dying early in a hot summer and certainly Common Blue was absent from many records and patchy in others. Large White seemed to be scarce in West Suffolk and Wall Brown had a bad year - one of several in the last few years such that it is becoming a matter for concern. Dingy Skipper was recorded at two more sites in 1996 but has only been seen in 3 tetrads in both 1995 and 1996.

13

The Suffolk Argus

Two weekend visits next year, in the hope of covering as much of the possible habitat area as can be achieved, have been arranged for next June.

The glorious second-half of the season was enormously enriched by a vast wave of migrants. The Camberwell Beauty records started back in May when John Dolman recorded a tattered post-hibernation specimen along the Icknield Way in the King's Forest and there were funher sightings of fresher specimens at Melton (Richard Dolan 6th, September) Shotley (Dawn Girling 16th, September) and Rushmere (Michael Metcalf 17th, August) and I am currently chasing up one more.

The two at Minsmere were seen by, hundreds of visitors who, depending on when they went, were also able to see some of the six (minimum) Queen of Spain Fritillaries. A seventh was found dead in a pitfall trap. Again, the Branch would like to record thanks to Geoff Welch and his wardens for the amount of time, work and organisation involved in giving several hundred visitors good close views of these rare migrants. Two more, at Carlton Marshes (Ricky Fairhead 15th, August) and Westleton Walks (Roy Edmunds 19th, August) brought the total to an amazing nine.

According to Howard Mendel it was a 'CloudedYellowyear': records from 10 I tetrads and var. helice from at least six iocations plus 26 separate records from Minsmere support this. Undoubtedly though it was the 'Yearof the Painted Lady' and many recorders had the possible once in a lifetime experience of seeing these in great numbers, often the most common species.

Surprisingly, I have so far received only two reports of very large numbers - Stan Dumican at Eriswell and John Walshe at Battisford, both estimating over 2,000.

14

February 1997

Any more records of this nature would be much appreciated. Many observers noted the great variety of size and condition in the initial wave of migrants compared to the superb condition of most of the home-bred generation.

My own thoughts about 1996 and the next few years are fully reflected in a comment on the recording sheer sent in by Dave Riley ofWrentham. I'm in no position ro substantiate his claim that it was the best season since 1947 but fully support his theory that This may well be global warming coming home to roost and it would not surprise me to see this pattern being repeated and continental species starting to breed here and over-wintering becoming possible... in terms of butterflies we may well be moving into very exciting times'.

CamberwellBeauty ....................

Martlesham Heath for annual Silver-studded Blue count, 14th July, 1996 Conditions were certainly different to past years for this regular event organised by the Martlesham Conservation Group. Drizzle and overcast skies dominated but nevertheless, 1576 butterflies were counted which was an increase on the 1186 for 1995 recorded in more usual summer weather!

Redlingfield Wood, near Eye, 20th, July 1996

by RichardStewart David Mitchell, the mid-Suffolk Tree Officer, explained his management of this wood to 25 interested members. The walk that followed produced two new species for the site, Purple Hairstreak and Essex Skipper. Good views were also enjoyed of2 White Admirals and a Bank Vole.

Moving on from here, some members visited the private meadows of Wingfield Priory and later walked along thefootpath at Horham. Here, (TM 2272) a large larval web was encountered containing a single remaining larva which was later identified as that of the Small Eggar, one of the rarer Suffolk moths and a nationally scarce species.

Holywells Park, Ipswich, July 27th, 1996, a joint meeting with Ipswich Borough Council Rangers Greenways Project

by A/,anJohnson A fine sunny and very warm afternoon saw a total of 18 people including several children, meet at the old Stable Block in the park.

Gary Lowe of the Park Ranger Service our leader for the day, introduced us to the walk which was to concentrate around the perimeter of the park and through the adjacent conservation area. The proposed visits to Landseer Park and Bridge Wood were cancelled in favour of an extended time at the Holywells site.

Of the 'species encountered, Holly Blue was pleasingly abundant throughout.

Brown Argus were closely observed in a grassy meadow within the conservation area, this location having been first recorded the previous year. Other butterflies seen were: Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White, Green-veined White, Painted Lady, Small Skipper and Small Tortoiseshell.

Eggs& Larva of Small Eggar

7

1996

Field Trips ....................

Kenton Hills and Westleton Common, 13th July, 1996, a joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire and &sex Branch of Butterfly Conservation byJennyKelsey On a slightly more promising day than most in the previous two or three weeks, about twenty people gathered for what had been advertised as a Field Trip for White Admiral, Purple Hairscreak, Grayling and Silver-scudded Blue. Lured by this, folk came from all over the three counties including a young couple from Bexley Heath, Kent on their first field trip.

It was disappointing that the target butterflies had not read the publicity! Nor had most other bunerflies which are normally abundant in mid-July. But their relative absence did not spoil our enjoyment and there were compensations. Kenton Hills produced four moths - a splendid Poplar Hawk, Brown Silver-line, Cinnabar and Small Magpie. Wilfred George was our authority on these. A lady from Essex showed us numbers of Mullein moth caterpillars gorging themselves on their foodplant.

6

I

February 1997

The Suffolk Argus

Kenton Hills also gave us some firsts for the season: 3 Essex and 5 Small Skippers, 1 Comma and 2 White Admirals, which although not seen by all, were seen by chose on their first Field Trip. We also saw 2 lace Green Hairstreaks tangling with each other, many Meadow Browns, 2 Large Skippers, 8 Small T onoiseshells, 2 Green-veined Whites, 2 Red Admirals, 4 Small Whites, 2 Speckled Woods and 1 Ringlet, making 13 species in all.

Moving on co Wesdeton common, butterfly life livened up, at lease as far as Silver-scudded Blues were concerned. There muse have been several hundred, in concentrations in various areas of the common and even across the road about a quarter of a mile away, round the edges of the football pitch. If you want to visit in early July next year go up one of the little roads from Wesdecon cowards Minsmere and park on the Common just off the road at TM 454 687.

Surprisingly, there was an absence of other buuerflies, apart from Meadow Browns. We saw 1 Small Heath, 1 Red Admiral and a few Green Hairscreaks, co the delight of chose for whom ic was a new butterfly. All in all a satisfying outing.

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The Suffolk Argus

Moth Evenings . . . . ...............

by TonyPrichard

Deaths HeadHawk-moth

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16

February 1997

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This year the Branch Programme of Events includes several moth evenings. These are being held not only to enable you to experience moth light trapping but to visit sites where we hope to obtain records of our rarer Suffolk moths for our part of the Regional Action Plan.

We will start around dusk with two to three lights running. One of these will be suspended over a ground sheet to let everyone have a clearer view of the moths that are attracted to the light. The traps will be run until sometime after midnight; finishing time will largely depend on the number of moths turning up.

The weather, although affecting the number of moths which will be seen, is not as important as it is for butterflies. So please, do not be put off if the day has been dull. In fact, good cloud cover tends to produce the best moth nights by keeping up the temperature which is more important for good moth activity. The event is only likely to be cancelled if there is heavy rain.

To ensure a comfortable evening, do bring along such items as glasses, sunglasses or a wide brimmed hat, a chair, torch and refreshments. The sunglasses will prevent glare from the UV lamps. If you wear glasses with plastic lenses you will probably find that they will filter out the UV light anyway.

The Suffolk Moth Group also runs moth evenings every Friday night through most of the spring, summer and early autumn. Contact Arthur Watchman for derails.

May Newsletter Due to an anticipated publishing delay the next Suffolk Argus will not be issued until June.

1997 Programme of Events For those of you who attended the November Member's Evening, please accept our apologies for not being able to present our programme for 1997 as publicised. I'm afraid that there was a bit of a misunderstanding - mainly on my part I have to say! However, we are now delighted to be issuing our Programme with this issue of the Suffolk Argus. We hope you like the new presentation and moreover, that it proves to be of real interest to you and that you will enjoy attending as many events as possible.

The Suffolk Show

-28/29 May The Branch is pleased to be attending the County Show for the fourth successive year again thanks to the Suffolk Naturalists' Society with whom we shall be sharing a tent. We have made appeals for help on each previous occasion and this time is no different. This is a marvellous opportunity to promote Butterfly Conservation as well as the activities of our own Branch. If you feel you can help in any way please contact a member of the committee. See you there!

A 'weekend in the West' 31st May/lstJune As we expected this field trip aroused a lot of interest and numbers reached an optimum level well before the year end dead-line. If this event proves successful perhaps we can consider something similar for next year.

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Regional Action Plan (RAP) Following on from the article in the last newsletter, 'Biodiversity & Suffolk Branch', we aim to brief our members regularly about this high profile initiative since it is to become a vital part of Branch work over the coming months.

Regional Action Plans have developed from the national Action for Butterflies project which began in 1994 funded by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF-UK) and the Country Agencies (English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Council for Wales). The project aims to place the conservation work of Butterfly Conservation within a firm basis, aiding our Society at national and local level to develop priorities for action. Action plans for each of I 4 regions of Butterfly Conservation are planned as well as national Species Action Plans for 25 of the most threatened species.

Our own region consists of the Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex branches as well as our own. However, all the initial work which will consist primarily of a butterfly, moth and habitat audit, will be done on a county basis to be amalgamated at a later stage. Liaison with other groups such as English Nature, SWT, SNS, R.S.P.B., and many others will be vital for its success.

Work on the RAP is in progress as we write so if anyone feels they would like to help please contact any committee member now.

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February 1997

The Suffolk Argus

Notes from the Editor • • • • • ••••

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Forthcomingtalk on Butterfliesand Moths It is not very often that we have the opportunity to go along to talks on Butterflies and Moths so a forthcoming talk

by Rafe Eley, one of the county's leading lepidopterists, muse surely be too good to miss.

Organised by The Friends of St. Nicholas' Hospice, this event deserves our support. It will take place on Wednesday 12th March at the Hospice, Bury St. Edmunds (behind West Suffolk Hospital) at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available on the night at £3 each including refreshments but if you would prefer to book in advance, they may be obtained from the following outlets: St. Nicholas' Hospice - 01284 766133 Croydons, Jewellers, Comhill, Bury St. Edmunds Landers Bookshop, Hall Street, Long Melford Lavenham Newsagent, High Street, Lavenham and St. Nicholas, Hospice shops in Bridge Street, Thetford Gainsborough Street, Sudbury and Market Place, Mildenhall

Watching Purple Hairstreaks

by Paul Gilson

PurpleHairstreak

Dingy Skipper Our rarest breeding butterfly is to come under the spotlight this year. Two weekend visits are planned for June in an endeavour to survey as much of its known preferred habitat as possible. Please help by attending, the more people present the more areas covered. See your 1997 Programme for details.

Moth Recording

Having spent an enjoyable mid-August afternoon relaxing on the foreshore of the river Aide at lken we made our way back to the picnic site car park. Our car was just to the left of the lken footpath display board at the lower end of the car park. The time was approaching 5.00 pm and with the sun still shining it was still pleasantly warm; just perfect for the picnic we had brought with us.

To the left of the display board are two oak trees, about 20-25 feet high. le was whilst eating that I noticed movement in one of the oaks. Reaching for the binoculars it soon became apparent chat the silvery movement at the top of the tree were Purple Hairstreaks. Having packed away our picnic, I decided to look at the other tree for signs of life. It was not long before movement was detected. My wife and I were soon able to observe these beautiful insects at head height as they alighted forthe, down the tree.

A perfect end to a perfect afternoon in a beautiful part of Suffolk. I wonder if any of our readers have seen Purple Hairstreaks on shorter oak trees?

by AngieSteele

With 1997 seeing a greater focus on moth recording, if anyone would like copies of articles on moths from past editions of the Suffolk Argus please contact the editor. The subjects concerned are: Light Trap Construction: January 1995 Identification of Moths - Making Field Notes: May 1995

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17

The Suffolk Argus

Chalk Hill Blue Butterfly in

Suffolk

.. ..... .. ........ . . . byJean Garrod On Thursday August 8th, Will Brame a fellow birder and keen general naturalist had seen 14 Clouded Yellows including a var. helice at Peewit Hill, Felixstowe. The next day Ken and I were preparing to travel and see them for ourselves when the phone rang.

It was Will again but this rime telling us that the site had now turned up a male Chalk Hill Blue and could we come down with a camera.

We met up oq the rough ground behind 'Mcdonalds'on what had become a lovely summer's day with butterflies abounding everywhere. We soon foimd the male Chalk Hill Blue nectaring on common fleabane and Ken was able co capture it with our instamatic camera! We noted that it had a nick in the edge of its left forewing otherwise, it was in excellent condition and very active flying from the flowers ro nearby ; bramble and back again.

We watched it for 20 minutes or more · keeping a careful watch whilst awaiting the arrival of other enthusiasts who Will had • contacted. U nfortunacely, before che first person had arrived the butterfly had • disappeared and despite a thorough search , we were unable to relocate it. We had no ' trouble seeing Common Blue, Small

February 1997

Copper, Painted Lady or Silver Y's not to mention the Clouded Yellows which flew back and forth! More people arrived and joined in the search but to no avail. On Bank Holiday Monday, August 26th, we heard from Will again. Incredibly, he had found yet another Chalk Hill Blue at the same site. le was not the same insect since it did not have a nick in it's left forewing and was in perfect condition. When Paul Gilson and I arrived there were already several keen individuals scouring the area in brilliant sunshine. Will had only seen this second butterfly for a short time before it flew towards and over a fairly high bank of rough grass bordering Peewic Hill Caravan Site.

Although we all searched the area for quite some time the Chalk Hill Blue was not seen again. When Steve Piotrowski saw our photograph he kindly arranged to have a portion of it enlarged to show the butterfly feeding on the common fleabane. We are delighted with the result. Thank you very much Steve. We also owe our thanks as ever, to Will Brame for passing on the news of his ,,, sightings.

ChalkHill Blue

Mentbers Evening,

16th November,

1996 Our Chairman welcomed some 25 members to what promised to be an enjoyable evening. In his introduction he outlined the programme and gave a warm welcome to Michael Chinery who had joined us for the evening to judge the photographic competition.

Richard Stewart gave an update on the second. year of recording for the Millennium Atlas. He highlighted the additional cecrads chat had been covered this year and the increase in records of some species. Richard suggested chat we should all sec ourselves a target of looking upwards far more often in 1997 to improve recording of Purple Hairstreak and Whice-leccer Hairstreak for that matter. He also expressed the need for greater effort to find Dingy Skipper sites which will be reflected in our 1997 Field Trips. On the subject of migrants, there was the inevitable mention of Painted Ladies and the Silver Y and even more exciting, the hopes for Queen of Spain Fritillary which seem keen on visiting Suffolk each year lately.

Tony Prichard's talk on moths outlined the plans for moth recording in the coming years. He talked about the 23 moth

species found in Suffolk that are of national importance and their particular habitat requirements. Tony also outlined how these species feature in the Regional Action Plans.

Moths almost always cake second place to butterflies and as a result are underrecorded. The Branch is making plans to increase considerably the recording, knowledge and interest in moths.

Whilst we were all enjoying midevening refreshments, Michael Chinery continued with his judging of the photographs. Directly we were all re-seated he lee us into the secrets of what he looked for in a good picture and derailed the points that had led to his decision. The outcome was a total success for Tony Prichard our Conservation Officer (Moths) winning both Butterfly and Moth categories. Well done Tony.

Our Chairman then went on to explain our work with the Regional Action Plan of which more can be read in a separate item in this newsletter.

The evening drew to a close with a general discussion followed by thanks to the Butterfly Hotel who again were our sponsors for the occasion.

PaintedLady

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The Suffolk Argus

February 1997

Contents . . .. . . . ................................

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A.G.M ........................................................................... Cover

Newsletter Details 9

Contents .................................................. :............................. 2

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Copy Dates Contributions for our newslener should reach the Editor (address on back page) no later than: •

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January May October

Christmas Eve April Fools Day August Bank Holiday

Members Evening, 16th November 1996 ............................... 3 Notes form the Editor ........................................................ 4-5 Regional Action Plan (RAP) ................................................... 5 1996 Field Trips ................................................................ 6-9 My Butterfly Trips to Cumbria ...................................... 10-11

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The Suffolk Argus is your magazine, so j please let us hear from you.

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A Report on Suffolk Butterflies 1996 ............................. 12-15

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Moth Evenings..................................................................... 16

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Watching Purple Hairstreaks ................................................ 17

Butterfly

Chalkhill Blue Butterfly in Suffolk ....................................... 18 Newsletter Details & General Information ........................... 19

HOTELS

Suffolk BranchrC<iiuacts............ 1,. ........................ Back Cover

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Butterfly Hotel, A45 Bury East Exit.

Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds

01284 760884

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Suffolk Branch Contacts

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JamesMann, The Old School, The Street, Darsham, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3QA (01728 668532)

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SUFFOLK AR6US

Membership Secretary Paul Giuon, 18 Cheltenham Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP! 4LN (01473 253276) Newsletter Editor SteveGod,iard,47 C'..olchesterRoad, Ipswich, Suffolk 1~4 3BT (01473 252598)

February1997

Programme Secretary

AlanJohmon, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701)

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Volunteers Needed If you feel you could run a small sales operation or just help out now and then with the growing work of the Branch, please contact

Steve Goddardon 01473 252598.

Conservation Officer &:County Recorder (Butterfties) RichardStewart, 'Valezina', 112 Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2X:W (01473 216518)

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

A.G.M.

Constervation Officer (Moths) TonyPrichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047) County Recorder (Moths)

Arthur Watchman,Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP7 7BA

Thedate: 22nd,March.

Thetime: 7.00pmfor7.30pm

Secretary

Tony Prichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9JR (01473 270047) Treasurer GrahamBull, Oakbank, Ardleigh Road, Dedham, Essex CO7 6EG (01206 323530)

Publishedby the Suffolk Branchof ButterflyConservation(The British ButterflyConservationSociety Ltd.) 11,g.No. 2206468 11,g.Charity No. 254937 H....t Oftica P.O. Box222. Dcdharn, Es,,x OJ7 6EY. Td. (01206) 322342 Edited by 5,,,,, Goddard Pri■rod by Grrt: H,rbm & Som. Logo (Silva➔tuddod 8(..,) Doui Hammrnky Dcsiped ... d produced by St,phm Ion, Car & Mouse De.sign(01473 729423 answer phont') © 1996 all rights re.served

Publicity Officer StevenGoss,Yaxley Manor House, Yaxley, Eye, Suffolk IP23 8DG (01379 783386) Committee Members

Michael&Jenny Kelsey,25 Prospect Place, Leiscon, Suffolk IP16 4AL (01728 830975) President

Theplace: The0ddfellows Hall,37, HighStreet,Ipswich (just beforetheMuseum as yougouphill).

CarParking in nearby Charles Street(behind Crown Pools).

Our fourth Annual General Meeting takes place on the evening of Saturday 22nd, March 1997 and we.are very pleased to have Julian Roughton, Conservation Manager, Suffolk Wildlife Trust as our guest speaker.

Please come along and listen to Julian as well as to hear about Branch activities.

There will also be plenty of opportunity for open discussion over a cup of coffee with Julian and your committee on any subject that interests you. Any views or comments from our members either on the night or beforehand, will always be very important to us.

Please make sure this date goes in your diary, a key event which heralds what promises to be a very exciting year ahead.

See separate sheet for full programme details.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation

HowardMendel, c/o Ipswich Museum, High Sr., Ipswich, Suffolk IP! 3QH (01473 213761)

Volume 10

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BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION