Suffolk Argus 11, July 1997

Suffolk Branch Contacts

Chairman

JamesMam,, The Old School, The Street, Darsham, Saxrnundham, Suffolk, !PI? 3QA (01728668532)

TH£

SUFFOLK

Membership Secretary Paul Gilson,18 Cheltenham Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk !PI 4LN (01473 253276)

ARGUS July

Newsletter Editor SteveGoddard,47 Colchester Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3BT (01473 252598) Programme Secretary

1997

Ala11Joh11so11, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701)

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 Goddard on

01473 252598.

County Recorder (Butterflies) RichardStewart,'Valezina', 112 Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2XW (01473 216518) Conservation Officer (Butterflies)

fames Mann, The Old School, The Street, Darsham, Saxrnundham, Suffolk, IP! 7 3QA (01728 668532)

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

Arthur Watchman,Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP? ?BA

Secretary

TonyPrichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9JR (01473 270047)

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation (The British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd.) Rcg. No. 2206168 Rcg.Clurity No. 254937

HeadOffice P.O. Box 222. Dcdh,m, EssexC07 GEY. Tel. (01206) 322342 Edited by Steve Goddard Printed by Wt'StonMarlun·ng Logo (Silver-studded Blue) DougHammmlq Designed and produced by Suphm Ion, Ca, & Mouse Design (01473 729423 after7pm) © 1997 all righn reserved

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Member's Evening Invitation Thedate:

Saturday 15th November 1997

TheTime: 7pmfor 7.30pm -10pm.

Theplace: TheButterflyHotel, BurySt. Edmunds (seemaponpage15)

We are delighted to be able to invite you to our fourth Members Evening to be held later this year.

Our guest speaker on the night is Dr Roger Key an Invertebrate Ecologist with English Nature who specialises in the conservation ecology of invertebrates associated with trees and woodland. Dr Roger Key is a most entertaining speaker and the committee hope as many members as possible can attend.

The evening will also include an update on the Regional Action Plans for butterflies and Moths. Members can also look forward to taking part in an interesting quiz to finish the evening.

See you there!

Treasurer

GrahamB11ll,Oakbank, Asdleigh Road, Dedham, Essex CO? 6EG (01206 323530) Publicity Officer StevenGoss,Yaxley Manor House, Yaxley, Eye, Suffolk IP23 8DG (01379 783386)

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

President

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

Volume 11

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BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

The Suffolk Argus

July 1997

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

Members Evening Invitation .......................................... Cover Contents ................................................................................

Newsletter Details

Contributions for our newsletter should reach the Editor (address on back page) no later than: January May

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October

Notes from the Editor ............................................................ 3

Christmas Eve April Fools Day August Bank Holiday

Any piece of writing that is considered to be of interest will be published together with line drawings/prints/photographs.

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

1997 Annual General Meeting .............................................. .4 The Future of the Branch ....................................................... 5 1996 Field Trips ................................................................. 6-8

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

Spotlight on the Purple Hairstreak ......................................... 9 1997 Field Trips ...................................................................

Copy Dates

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Eastern Region FWAG Conference ...................................... 11 Sugaring for Moths ........................................................ 12-13 Apology ................................................................................

Butterfly

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Suffolk Moth Group/List ..................................................... 14

HOTELS

Newsletter Details & General Information ........................... 15 Suffolk Branch Contacts ........................................ Back Cover

ButterflyLine 0891 884505 / ·--

Green Hairstreak (Callophrysrubi)

,~ Regular Updates & Latest News

/,

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All profits are used for the conservation of butterflies and their habitats.

I

by DouglasHammersley

Calls charged at 50p per minute at all times

A purposebuilt Hotel with all the facilities that today'stravellersrequire yet in a rustictraditionalenvironment that is welcomingand comfortable.

Butterfly Hotel, A45 Bury East Exit.

Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds

01284 760884 15

The Suffolk Argus

Suffolk Moth Group

by Tony Prichard

July 1997

In case you were unaware the Suffolk Mnth Group run moth trap nights (led by Arthur Watchman) almost every Friday from May to September at various localities around the county. The evenings are quite informal and new people interested in turning up are most welcome: If you are interested in attending either contact myself on 0 1473 270047 or Arthur Watchman on 01449 740728 to find out details of the events list.

Suffolk Moth List

by Tony Prichard Jon Nicholls of the Suffolk Moth Group has just produced a pamphlet 'The Current Status of Moths in Suffolk'. The pamphlet includes a foreword by Jon about moth recording in Suffolk and then lists the current known species in Suffolk, grouped by family, with national and local distribution status. Jon has collated records from 1990 onwards from known moth recorders within the county to produce an up-to-date list. The list covers microlepidoptera and macrolepidoptera (butterflies are not included in the list), although the micros are almost certainly under-represented due to lack of recorders of this group.

14

The current list can be viewed as a starting point and is not meant to be a definitive list of species that occur in Suffolk. It is expected that the list will continue to grow significantly in the years to come. The pamphlet will be of most interest to moth recorders in helping them determine the status of a particular moth species in Suffolk. If you do identify a species not included in the list then it is important that the identification is confirmed with the county moth recorder - Arthur Watchman.

The species will then be added to the existing list.

The pamphlet can be obtained from Jon Nicholls at most Suffolk Moth Group nights for the price of £1 or alternatively by writing to Jon at 18 Berners Road, Felixstowe, IP! 1 7LF, enclosing £1 and a stamped addressed envelope.

Notes from the Editor . . .. . . . . . . . ..... ....

Early Season for Butterflies With spring arriving two to three weeks early the butterflies seemed to be out and about early as well.

The star of the show in Suffolk must be the Green Hairstreak, with good numbers being seen at existing locations and new records from other locations including an Ipswich allotment.

There is also good news on the Wall, after its virtual absence in 1996, reports from coastal areas in Suffolk like Minsmere tell of good numbers seen.

It is quite possible that all butterfly species in Suffolk could be on the wing at least three weeks early this year. Remember, if you have any interesting early encounters, why not write and tell us, we can include it in an edition of the Argus.

Wall Brown (Lasiommatamegera)

.......

Suffolk Water Park, Bramford Saturday, August 9th Change to Map reference Unfortunately we gave an incorrect map reference in our 1997 outdoor programme for the above event. The map reference should now read TM120485 (Landranger 169).

Forest Enterprise Annual Festival at Rendlesham Forest. Sunday, 17th August This years event will mark the l 0th anniversary of the 1987 storm with VIP guest Michael Fish planting a time capsule.

The branch would very much like to attend the event with our display stands and promote the work of Butterfly Conservation. If any member(s) can help our at this event please contact Steven Goss or James Mann (see back cover for telephone numbers).

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by DouglasHammersley'

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The Suffolk Argus

1997 Annual General Meeting The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30 pm by welcoming everybody, in particular Julian Roughton from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. He briefly commented on how early the season was compared with last year and how much people enjoyed seeing butterflies.

On the biodiversity front a lot had happened with English Nature producing draft natural area profiles for:- East Anglian Plains, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths, Suffolk Coast Maritime, The Broads and East Anglian Chalk. The branch had been invited to comment on these. To follow were the Brecklands and Fenlands.

East Anglian RSPB had produced a draft species list for all species under threat, it was explained how the branch would become a partner in this.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust had produced an updated recovery plan for the Silver-studded Blue on the Sandlings. It was explained how we would be working with S.W.T. on this and on the recommendations of the Recovery of Butterflies in Suffolk which was close to completion. The chairman also mentioned his other meetings with the National Trust, RSPB, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and correspondence with English Nature and various local authorities.

On the Butterfly Conservation front the branch was working on the Regional Action Plan. We have produced a species list of butterflies which will have to be placed into priority order in conjunction with our

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July 1997

partners in the Norfolk and Essex and Cambridgeshire branches. Work would also have to be done in surveying likely Dingy Skipper and Silver-studded Blue habitats.

This year the branch had already attended the Eastern Region FWAG conference anq the Chairman had also been invited to talk on BBC Radio Suffolk about ICI sponsorship for the national recovery of the Large Blue and Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Each officer of the Committee then gave a brief report on their work during the year. Richard Stewart, County Recorder (butterflies) hoped that the remaining unrecorded tetrads in the county could be covered this year. The Treasurer's report will be included in the next addition of the Argus.

The election of the committee was disappointing in so far as no new names came forward but the current committee expressed their willingness to continue with the exception of Michael and Jenny Kelsey who had decided to stand down from the committee. At this point the Chairman thanked Michael and Jenny for all their hard work in support of the branch since it was formed in 1993.

Julian Roughton, Conservation Manager for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, then gave a very interesting talk and slide show presentation on biodiversity and how in particular it affected Suffolk. The Chairman thanked Julian for an excellent talk and hoped that the branch would be working together with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust particularly on the recovery plan for the Silver-studded blue and the Recovery of Butterflies in Suffolk.

At this point refreshments were taken which gave members the opportunity to raise questions with the committee. The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking our speaker and the members who had attended.

It is a good idea, whether you are using the treacle method or wine ropes, to take some water to rinse the brush and/ or your hands, otherwise you'll be in for a sticky night of moth watching. When inspecting the sugar strips/wine ropes a torch with a red light is preferred , as red light is invisible to moths.

Some of the moths which are attracted to sugar shun the light and will drop to the ground if a white light is shone on them.

Results can be variable when sugaring, some nights moths can be found jostling for position where as on other nights, nothing will turn up. Regularly sugaring in the same locations seems to produce better results.

The weather also has an impact on how many moths will visit the sugar, the best nights being warm and muggy with little wind. It is however a very cheap method of attracting moths without the need for expensive equipment and moths feeding at the sugar are easier to identify.

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Apology .......................................... byJamesMann, Chairman The article on my butterfly trip to Cumbria appears ro have been widely read. I had a telephone call from the North ofEngland branch saying that if correct my sighting of High Brown Fritillary at Smardale Gill was a first. I spent a long time thecking my photographs and have to admit that as suggested they were Dark Green Fritillaries. My apology to all those I have misinformed and my thanks to Ian Waller of the North of England branch for pointing out my mistake. The only good thing is that I saw one more species than I first thought and yes I now know the difference.

Dark GreenFritillary (Argynnisaglaja) ,-<· /.

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by DouglasHammersley

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The Suffolk Argus

Sugaring for Moths

by TonyPrichard Present day Moth enthusiasts invariably use a light source as their main method of attracting moths.

Before the advent of electric lamps and portable generators moth collectors of the past used other means to attract moths, the main method being the use of a sugar bait.

The practice of sugaring has fallen into relative disuse with the powerful MV lamps now being used in moth traps and their more consistently larger catches, although sugaring still has its place as some species are not attracted to light but may be attracted to sugar bait.

The classic method used was to make up a thick treacly mixture which was then painted onto tree trunks, fence posts, thistle heads, and other suitable vertical surfaces at around dusk. The painted strips were then patrolled into the night waiting for hungry moths to arrive. Various recipes exist for making up this type of sugar bait these invariably contain some form of beer/cider and treacle/ molasses sugar. The one I use (which is adapted from Roger Kendrick's) is as follows: 0.5 pints (250ml) of good stout One over-ripe banana One ripe mango, with the flesh stripped off the stone 2 dessert spoons of black molasses lib (450g) of the stickiest/darkest sugar you can find

12

July 1997

The mixture needs to be heated and the saucepan used should be at least twice the volume of the ingredients, as the mixture is prone to froth up when it is boiled. Mash or liquidise the banana (including the skin) and the mango flesh. Place the banana, stout, molasses, sugar, and mango flesh in the pan.

Heat very gently, stirring frequently for 15 to 20 minutes until all the ingredients have dissolved and the mixture is starting to come to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally, making sure that the mixture does not solidify at the edges or overflow.

Allow to cool, again stirring occasionally.

Bottle while still lukewarm. Before use stir in a little spirit (e.g. rum). Apply with a paintbrush.

There are numerous variants on the above recipe, I have even heard of people using just an overripe water melon, breaking the melon open and smearing the pulp on tree trunks. Some of the older recipes say that essence of jargonelle pear or amyl acetate are the best attractants but I have never used them nor found where they could be purchased.

An alternative to this method is to use the more recent method of wine roping which I first read about in an article by Paul Waring in Butterfly Conservation News Autumn 1995. Wine roping consists of heating up a cheap bottle of red wine in a pan and at the same time dissolving as much sugar as you can in the wine. The mixture is then left to cool after which 1 metre long strips of thick absorbent rope (washing line cut up is good for this) are immersed in the wine. The wine ropes are then placed on various bushes and branches of trees and you simply wait for the moths to appear. Using this method is cheaper than the treacle method but you have to remember where you put all the ropes when you go to collect them at the end of the night!

The Future of the Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... byJames Mann, Chairman

After the Annual General Meeting I spent some time thinking about the future of the branch and the direction we want it to take.

I will share my thought with you. I was disappointed by the low A.G.M. attendance but that is A.G.M.'s for you. When it came to the election of the committee there were no extra nominations and after serving the committee very well since the founding of the branch Michael and Jenny Kelsey have decided not to seek re-election. The remainder of the committee will continue to serve but due to the small numbers most will have two or more jobs.

The branch has been running well.

We always have a full and interesting programme of field trips all of which are well attended. We have one of the best recording networks in the country which was emphasized to me when Richard Stewart explained that he had already had promises to fill in many of the empty tetrads.

A sea of change is now taking place in the name of Biodiversity. Julian Roughton of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust talked about this at the A.G.M., his talk highlighted the enormous task in front of us. What is happening in Suffolk of interest to us?

The Biodiversity Action Plan for Suffolk and East Anglia is being produced. We are working on our own Regional Action Plan.

A recovery programme for the Silverstudded Blue on the Sandlings has been produced and the recovery of Butterflies in Suffolk will be published shortly.

To carry out the recommendations of all these initiatives will need a great deal of work. Taking the Silver-studded Blue in the Sandlings as an example. This July a survey is to be carried out on all likely habitats between and around the known colonies including places like forest rides. This will determine exactly where Silver-studded Blues are present and will enable us to determine where colonisation may take place naturally and where relocation is necessary. There are probably around 30 kilometres of rides etc. to check so if we have five volunteers that's only about three miles each in old English! The other initiatives will in their turn require input to make them work.

We must decide whether we want ro be full partners in these projects and have our name appearing alongside the other participants or whether we want to carry on as we are and keep a low profile.

I would like us to be full partners and get the name of the branch much more widely known. If you agree with me please let me know by putting your name fotward to take part in the Silver-studded Blue survey this year. If it comes to it I will do the work myself but there is a limit to what one man can do.

If you prefer to have the branch carry on as at the present also let me know to enable the committee to run the branch in the way the membership would like.

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The Suffolk Argus

1996 Field Trips

July 1997

As mentioned Roger ran different lamps at each trap these being: I) actinic 2) white fluorescent 3) green phosphorescent 4) blue phosphorescent 5) MBF Mercury Vapour

Moth Night at Groton Wood Nature Reserve Friday, 19th April

by Tony Prichard This event was run by Roger Kendrick who has since moved to sunnier climes in Hong Kong. I am providing a write up of the event in his absence with a species list he has supplied.

About 12-15 people turned up for this first field event of 1996. Roger was running five moth traps with different lamps to see if there was any difference in the efficiency of the lamps to attract moths. The evening started with checking the sallow blossom for feeding moths. On this occasion this was not very successful in yielding any moths.

On hearing from the reserve warden that some trees had recently been felled the group moved to this area to see if any moths could be found on sap rising from the cut tree trunks - unfortunately again this yielded very little in the way of moth species.

On returning to the moth traps things started to be come more active as moths turned up at the lights. The rest of the night was spent moving between the lights noting the various species at the different lamps.

The best performing lamps in terms of the numbers of different species turning up were the green phosphorescent and the MV lamps. The advantage of the actinic and phosphorescent lamps is that they require less than 10% of the power of the MV lamps which means that more traps can be run from the one generator using these lights.

The most notable of the species found were a couple of localised species - Leadcoloured Drab and Oak Nycteoline.

The full species list for the night was:Frosted Green, March Moth, Shoulder Stripe, Brindled Pug, Early Thorn, Purple Thorn, Dotted Border, The Engrailed, Small Square-spot, Red Chestnut, Small Quaker, Lead-coloured Drab, Clouded Drab, Common Quaker, Twin-spotted Quaker, Hebrew Character, Early Grey, The Satellite, The Chestnut, Oak Nycteoline and a couple of micros Micropterix calthella and Diurnea fagella.

Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria)

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Eastern Region

FWAG Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

by Stephen Goss

White-letterHairstreak (Strymoni,li<Lw-a!bum)

Suffolk Branch were invited to represent Butterfly Conservation at the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Conference, held at Centre Pares in February.

James Mann and I attended the conference, which was opened by Professor David Bellamy and featured in both the local and national media. It was very well attended with over 400 delegates from a very varied range of conservation groups. There were ten speakers during the day who covered a broad range of conservation topics, from the role of game shooting in conservation to reservoir management.

The quality of these speakers was excellent throughout, and I am delighted to learn that one of the most interesting (and entertaining), Dr Roger Key, has agreed to speak at our members evening later this year.

Our display stand was extremely well received with crowds of people eager to find out more about the role we play and to purchase books. At one point I had six people all waving money at me for books and wallcharts. Very exciting stuff and, because everybody at the conference was already interested in conservation, we feel sure that we managed to recruit several new members without too much difficulty.

Finally, I must tell you about something that happened whilst we were setting up the display material. I picked up one of the BC booklets on the White-letter hairstreak and said to James 'Doyo11think we'll eversell these?I reckonwe'restuck with themforever'.

Well, you've guessed it. .. just a few minutes later the very first person to visit our stand wanted to know all about White-letter hairstreaks - where and when to search for eggs, what the caterpillars look like and so on.

James and I smiled at each other, answered her questions and sold her a book!

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The Suffolk Argus

1997 Field Trips Moth Night at Wolves Wood, Saturday, 10th May 1997

by Tony Prichard This was the first Moth night for the branch of 1997 and was held as a joint event with the RSPB at Wolves Wood. The weather in the afternoon was not very promising with heavy showers and a fresh wind, however, towards the evening the rain stopped and things looked more promising although there was still a rather cold wind.

Eleven people rook a chance on the weather and turned up for the event which started at 9pm. Two traps were run; one in an open ride consisting of a MV light over a sheet and the second, a Skinner trap with a phosphorescent lamp, was placed in among a stand of beech trees. Sugar mixture was applied to several tree trunks away from the lamps in the hope that this would attract a different set of moths.

I had already had a walk around the wood around dusk before we set up the lights and had seen a couple of microlepidoptera (small moths); a tortrix - Clepsis spectrana and a longhorn moth which is still to be identified and could be a new species to the newly produced county list.

Initially the moths were quite slow in turning up. The first moth to appear was the Common Swift (Hepialus lupulinus) which flies at dusk. As the night went on more

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July 1997

species started to arrive at the light and a reasonable number of species were seen considering the cold weather. The second trap, the Skinner, producing a slightly different list of species to the MV light suspended over the sheet. The sugar bait on the other hand failed to attract any moths at all but I'll keep on trying it at the other moth nights.

Several Chocolate-tip (Clostera cur.tula) moths turned up during the evening which are pretty species. This moth is local throughout the UK but appears to be common in Suffolk. As we were clearing up at the end of the evening, around midnight, we also found a Poplar Lutestring (Tethea or or) which is another local species.

Considering the time of year and the weather, the species list for the night was quite good.

The species of most interest, as they are of local distribution were: Poplar Lutestring (Tethea or or), Barred Umber (Plagodis plueveraria), Small White Wave (Asthena albulata), Chocolate-tip (Clostera cartula) and Light Brocade (Lacanobia wlatinum).

The other, more common, species seen on the night were Scoparia ambigualis (a pyralid moth), Blood-vein (Timandra grisata), Shoulder Stripe (Anticlea badiata), The Streamer (Anticlea derivata), Small Phoenix (Ecliptopera silaceata), Brokenbarred Carpet (Electrophaes corylata), Brindled Pug (Eupithecia abbreviata), Double-striped Pug (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata), Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata), Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata), Scalloped Hazel (Odontopera bidentata ), Common Wave (Caberia exanthemata), Pebble Prominent (Eligmodonta ziczac), Pale Tussock (Calliteara pudibunda), Poplar Grey (Acronicta megacephala).

Glapthorn Cow Pastures & Ketton Quarry, Northants.

July 13th 1996.

by PaulJohnson Blustery and overcast conditions prevailed as eleven members filed into Glapthorn Cow Pastures, a 28 ha woodland reserve managed specifically for the rare, discreet, and largely arboreal Black Hairstreak.

Initially, the path follows the deciduous standards bordering the woodland and some distance along this ride, dwarfed by the umbellifer flower head in which it sought shelter, a Black Hairstreak was encountered.

It ~emained in this uncharacteristic perch only bnefly, soon lost from view in its rapid ascent towards the canopy.

The group turned up a narrow ride to be engulfed by the banks of Blackthorn (the larval foodplant of the Back Hairstreak) which are cut at this site on a forty year rotation. The lull in the winds at this point was tangible, indeed, on a cloudless afternoon the sunlight positively streams into this area of the reserve, the hairstreaks jink erratically above the scrub and there is a sense of warmth and shelter I have yet to encounter elsewhere. Today there was no such activity and searching was conducted at ground level. Presently, Black Hairstreaks were located on bramble. Further investigation of the more inaccessible flowers and a total of eight hairstreaks had been identified in an area comprising a few square metres. Brambles flowering deep amidst the Blackthorn were favoured allowing the butterfly to drop from s~rub to flowerhead with the upmost discretion. A similar ~reference can be observed amongst the White-letter hairstreaks at Rushmere.

The cool conditions had rendered the butterflies immobile, and the ceaseless rotation which typically accompanies low level feeding expeditions was not noted. The only appreciable movement was that of the insects' proboscis lazily taking nectar.

Features of the underwings were scrutinized, the black spots inset from the edge of the hindwing which distinguish this species from the White-letter arousing interest.

We moved on, exploring further Blackthorn stands, the glades cut into them to create suntraps and growths of Privet, a favoured nectar source. Large Skippers squatting in a damp flush were unearthed whilst Speckled Woods engaged in aerial combat at a ride junction were disturbed.

We returned to the bramble growth to watch and enjoy the hairstreaks further, as one crawled along an outstretched finger.

We also mused upon their extreme localisation within the wood; the latter point, in many respects a microcosm of their present status within Britain.

BlackHairstreak (Strymonid.io.pruni)

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,, by GregHerbert

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The

SuffolkArgus

Onto the contrasting habitat at Ketton, abandoned limestone workings now supporting a characteristically rich flora and fauna. The sun had broken through, this becoming increasingly apparent as we pushed through scrub into the shelter of a steep sided excavation. Marbled whites were active along the valley sides, instantly recognisable by their miking markings and colouration. Maybe amongst their number, females unfussily depositing eggs into the sward below. The butterflies would periodically drop onto bramble or knapweed to nectar although they were to invariably prove unapproachable.

The Marbled Whites were accompanied by Small Heaths, Meadow Browns and vivacious Small Skippers, with Speckled Woods and Ringlets amongst the shade afforded by encroaching scrub. A faded male Brimstone powered along at greater altirude.

Marbled White (Melanargia galath~

July 1997

- Quercusia quercus

by Richard Stewart

Picture by Angie Steele

Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae)

\.

Size: Usually about 38mm (l l/2ins) i.e. slightly larger than a small copper.

by DouglarHammersley

We moved from the confines of the gorge, pausing by immaculate Small Tortoisehells gathered at an extensive nettle bed, into a more exposed working dominated by pioneer flora such as Wild Strawberry and Bids-foot Trefoil. Striking male and richly coloured female Common Blues were numerous, testament to the suitability of the trefoil for the development of the larval stage of this species. We lingered a little longer, before trailing back, distracted by the spectacle of Marbled Whites as they flitted past and perhaps reflecting upon the diversity of an area not generally noted for a rich butterfly fauna.

The S11jfolkBranchwould like to thank NorthamptonshireWildlife Tmstfor allowing 11saccessto GlapthornCow Pastures- Ed.

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Spotlight on the Purple Hairstreak

Further along the valley, an unexpected reminder of a bitingly cold spring; amongst the vegetation, the mottled underwings of what appeared to be a Grizzled Skipper. The wings were gradually opened to reveal an intricate chequer board pattern and confirm the insects ideptity. This little butterfly, basking amidst an incongruous backdrop of high summer species, a measure of the fickleness of the British summer.

Description: 'P11rple hairstreakswill often

bask in the mn with wingsspread,exposing the iridescentdark p11rple-bl11e 11pper-side of the males,or the morebrilliantpurplepatches on thefore wingsof thefemales'.(The Butterflies of Suffolk: Mendel and Piotrowski p.58). The only likely confusion is with the rarer white-letter hairstreak which never opens its wings at rest and has close ·up a white 'w' and a browny colour.

Season: single brood usually mid-July to mid-August.

Habitat: Latin name reveals the close affinity with oaks where it feeds on honeydew secreted by aphids. It also can often be seen on ash and is partial to sweet chestnut flowers.

Activity: often basks with wings open on leaves and can only be detected by close

scanning with binoculars. Tends to be most active from mid-afternoon to early evening and occasionally is attracted to moth traps. I have had two separate accounts of earlymorning activity.

Recent behaviour changes(?): most books refer to activity and feeding high up in trees with individuals noted lower down on other nectar sources being classified as weak and aged. Recent hot summers seem to have increased repons from lower levels. One noted last year (outside Suffolk) was skipping along a woodland ride just in front of me at grass height. See also page 17, last issue-article by Paul Gilson.

Present Suffolk Status (1995/6 records): noted in 102 tetrads i.e. just under I O per cent of Suffolk total.

Recording position: grossly under-recorded and not noted on the vast majority of returned recording sheets.

Problems of recording: activity later in the day often coincides with 'thinking about going home' and most butterfly recorders don't look upwards into trees - doing so for any length of time can induce neck-ache!

Suggestions: Stay out longer during July and August. Scan trees with binoculars earlier in the day - a single oak can support a colony and I have noted them in oaks of only about 15-20 ft. in ):i.eight.

Look for the dancing flight between clumps of leaves where the sky can silhouette them.

The bright 'flash'is often noted, described

by Jeremy Thomas as being like 'a handful of silver coins that has been tossed into the sunlight'. Give particular attention to oak/ ash close proximity. At least one seasoned recorder suggests 'inducedactivity'by means of a short stick!

9

The

SuffolkArgus

Onto the contrasting habitat at Ketton, abandoned limestone workings now supporting a characteristically rich flora and fauna. The sun had broken through, this becoming increasingly apparent as we pushed through scrub into the shelter of a steep sided excavation. Marbled whites were active along the valley sides, instantly recognisable by their miking markings and colouration. Maybe amongst their number, females unfussily depositing eggs into the sward below. The butterflies would periodically drop onto bramble or knapweed to nectar although they were to invariably prove unapproachable.

The Marbled Whites were accompanied by Small Heaths, Meadow Browns and vivacious Small Skippers, with Speckled Woods and Ringlets amongst the shade afforded by encroaching scrub. A faded male Brimstone powered along at greater altirude.

Marbled White (Melanargia galath~

July 1997

- Quercusia quercus

by Richard Stewart

Picture by Angie Steele

Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae)

\.

Size: Usually about 38mm (l l/2ins) i.e. slightly larger than a small copper.

by DouglarHammersley

We moved from the confines of the gorge, pausing by immaculate Small Tortoisehells gathered at an extensive nettle bed, into a more exposed working dominated by pioneer flora such as Wild Strawberry and Bids-foot Trefoil. Striking male and richly coloured female Common Blues were numerous, testament to the suitability of the trefoil for the development of the larval stage of this species. We lingered a little longer, before trailing back, distracted by the spectacle of Marbled Whites as they flitted past and perhaps reflecting upon the diversity of an area not generally noted for a rich butterfly fauna.

The S11jfolkBranchwould like to thank NorthamptonshireWildlife Tmstfor allowing 11saccessto GlapthornCow Pastures- Ed.

8

Spotlight on the Purple Hairstreak

Further along the valley, an unexpected reminder of a bitingly cold spring; amongst the vegetation, the mottled underwings of what appeared to be a Grizzled Skipper. The wings were gradually opened to reveal an intricate chequer board pattern and confirm the insects ideptity. This little butterfly, basking amidst an incongruous backdrop of high summer species, a measure of the fickleness of the British summer.

Description: 'P11rple hairstreakswill often

bask in the mn with wingsspread,exposing the iridescentdark p11rple-bl11e 11pper-side of the males,or the morebrilliantpurplepatches on thefore wingsof thefemales'.(The Butterflies of Suffolk: Mendel and Piotrowski p.58). The only likely confusion is with the rarer white-letter hairstreak which never opens its wings at rest and has close ·up a white 'w' and a browny colour.

Season: single brood usually mid-July to mid-August.

Habitat: Latin name reveals the close affinity with oaks where it feeds on honeydew secreted by aphids. It also can often be seen on ash and is partial to sweet chestnut flowers.

Activity: often basks with wings open on leaves and can only be detected by close

scanning with binoculars. Tends to be most active from mid-afternoon to early evening and occasionally is attracted to moth traps. I have had two separate accounts of earlymorning activity.

Recent behaviour changes(?): most books refer to activity and feeding high up in trees with individuals noted lower down on other nectar sources being classified as weak and aged. Recent hot summers seem to have increased repons from lower levels. One noted last year (outside Suffolk) was skipping along a woodland ride just in front of me at grass height. See also page 17, last issue-article by Paul Gilson.

Present Suffolk Status (1995/6 records): noted in 102 tetrads i.e. just under I O per cent of Suffolk total.

Recording position: grossly under-recorded and not noted on the vast majority of returned recording sheets.

Problems of recording: activity later in the day often coincides with 'thinking about going home' and most butterfly recorders don't look upwards into trees - doing so for any length of time can induce neck-ache!

Suggestions: Stay out longer during July and August. Scan trees with binoculars earlier in the day - a single oak can support a colony and I have noted them in oaks of only about 15-20 ft. in ):i.eight.

Look for the dancing flight between clumps of leaves where the sky can silhouette them.

The bright 'flash'is often noted, described

by Jeremy Thomas as being like 'a handful of silver coins that has been tossed into the sunlight'. Give particular attention to oak/ ash close proximity. At least one seasoned recorder suggests 'inducedactivity'by means of a short stick!

9

The Suffolk Argus

1997 Field Trips Moth Night at Wolves Wood, Saturday, 10th May 1997

by Tony Prichard This was the first Moth night for the branch of 1997 and was held as a joint event with the RSPB at Wolves Wood. The weather in the afternoon was not very promising with heavy showers and a fresh wind, however, towards the evening the rain stopped and things looked more promising although there was still a rather cold wind.

Eleven people rook a chance on the weather and turned up for the event which started at 9pm. Two traps were run; one in an open ride consisting of a MV light over a sheet and the second, a Skinner trap with a phosphorescent lamp, was placed in among a stand of beech trees. Sugar mixture was applied to several tree trunks away from the lamps in the hope that this would attract a different set of moths.

I had already had a walk around the wood around dusk before we set up the lights and had seen a couple of microlepidoptera (small moths); a tortrix - Clepsis spectrana and a longhorn moth which is still to be identified and could be a new species to the newly produced county list.

Initially the moths were quite slow in turning up. The first moth to appear was the Common Swift (Hepialus lupulinus) which flies at dusk. As the night went on more

10

July 1997

species started to arrive at the light and a reasonable number of species were seen considering the cold weather. The second trap, the Skinner, producing a slightly different list of species to the MV light suspended over the sheet. The sugar bait on the other hand failed to attract any moths at all but I'll keep on trying it at the other moth nights.

Several Chocolate-tip (Clostera cur.tula) moths turned up during the evening which are pretty species. This moth is local throughout the UK but appears to be common in Suffolk. As we were clearing up at the end of the evening, around midnight, we also found a Poplar Lutestring (Tethea or or) which is another local species.

Considering the time of year and the weather, the species list for the night was quite good.

The species of most interest, as they are of local distribution were: Poplar Lutestring (Tethea or or), Barred Umber (Plagodis plueveraria), Small White Wave (Asthena albulata), Chocolate-tip (Clostera cartula) and Light Brocade (Lacanobia wlatinum).

The other, more common, species seen on the night were Scoparia ambigualis (a pyralid moth), Blood-vein (Timandra grisata), Shoulder Stripe (Anticlea badiata), The Streamer (Anticlea derivata), Small Phoenix (Ecliptopera silaceata), Brokenbarred Carpet (Electrophaes corylata), Brindled Pug (Eupithecia abbreviata), Double-striped Pug (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata), Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata), Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata), Scalloped Hazel (Odontopera bidentata ), Common Wave (Caberia exanthemata), Pebble Prominent (Eligmodonta ziczac), Pale Tussock (Calliteara pudibunda), Poplar Grey (Acronicta megacephala).

Glapthorn Cow Pastures & Ketton Quarry, Northants.

July 13th 1996.

by PaulJohnson Blustery and overcast conditions prevailed as eleven members filed into Glapthorn Cow Pastures, a 28 ha woodland reserve managed specifically for the rare, discreet, and largely arboreal Black Hairstreak.

Initially, the path follows the deciduous standards bordering the woodland and some distance along this ride, dwarfed by the umbellifer flower head in which it sought shelter, a Black Hairstreak was encountered.

It ~emained in this uncharacteristic perch only bnefly, soon lost from view in its rapid ascent towards the canopy.

The group turned up a narrow ride to be engulfed by the banks of Blackthorn (the larval foodplant of the Back Hairstreak) which are cut at this site on a forty year rotation. The lull in the winds at this point was tangible, indeed, on a cloudless afternoon the sunlight positively streams into this area of the reserve, the hairstreaks jink erratically above the scrub and there is a sense of warmth and shelter I have yet to encounter elsewhere. Today there was no such activity and searching was conducted at ground level. Presently, Black Hairstreaks were located on bramble. Further investigation of the more inaccessible flowers and a total of eight hairstreaks had been identified in an area comprising a few square metres. Brambles flowering deep amidst the Blackthorn were favoured allowing the butterfly to drop from s~rub to flowerhead with the upmost discretion. A similar ~reference can be observed amongst the White-letter hairstreaks at Rushmere.

The cool conditions had rendered the butterflies immobile, and the ceaseless rotation which typically accompanies low level feeding expeditions was not noted. The only appreciable movement was that of the insects' proboscis lazily taking nectar.

Features of the underwings were scrutinized, the black spots inset from the edge of the hindwing which distinguish this species from the White-letter arousing interest.

We moved on, exploring further Blackthorn stands, the glades cut into them to create suntraps and growths of Privet, a favoured nectar source. Large Skippers squatting in a damp flush were unearthed whilst Speckled Woods engaged in aerial combat at a ride junction were disturbed.

We returned to the bramble growth to watch and enjoy the hairstreaks further, as one crawled along an outstretched finger.

We also mused upon their extreme localisation within the wood; the latter point, in many respects a microcosm of their present status within Britain.

BlackHairstreak (Strymonid.io.pruni)

. >-l ~ '

_,.':,

,, by GregHerbert

7

The Suffolk Argus

1996 Field Trips

July 1997

As mentioned Roger ran different lamps at each trap these being: I) actinic 2) white fluorescent 3) green phosphorescent 4) blue phosphorescent 5) MBF Mercury Vapour

Moth Night at Groton Wood Nature Reserve Friday, 19th April

by Tony Prichard This event was run by Roger Kendrick who has since moved to sunnier climes in Hong Kong. I am providing a write up of the event in his absence with a species list he has supplied.

About 12-15 people turned up for this first field event of 1996. Roger was running five moth traps with different lamps to see if there was any difference in the efficiency of the lamps to attract moths. The evening started with checking the sallow blossom for feeding moths. On this occasion this was not very successful in yielding any moths.

On hearing from the reserve warden that some trees had recently been felled the group moved to this area to see if any moths could be found on sap rising from the cut tree trunks - unfortunately again this yielded very little in the way of moth species.

On returning to the moth traps things started to be come more active as moths turned up at the lights. The rest of the night was spent moving between the lights noting the various species at the different lamps.

The best performing lamps in terms of the numbers of different species turning up were the green phosphorescent and the MV lamps. The advantage of the actinic and phosphorescent lamps is that they require less than 10% of the power of the MV lamps which means that more traps can be run from the one generator using these lights.

The most notable of the species found were a couple of localised species - Leadcoloured Drab and Oak Nycteoline.

The full species list for the night was:Frosted Green, March Moth, Shoulder Stripe, Brindled Pug, Early Thorn, Purple Thorn, Dotted Border, The Engrailed, Small Square-spot, Red Chestnut, Small Quaker, Lead-coloured Drab, Clouded Drab, Common Quaker, Twin-spotted Quaker, Hebrew Character, Early Grey, The Satellite, The Chestnut, Oak Nycteoline and a couple of micros Micropterix calthella and Diurnea fagella.

Early Thorn (Selenia dentaria)

6

Eastern Region

FWAG Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

by Stephen Goss

White-letterHairstreak (Strymoni,li<Lw-a!bum)

Suffolk Branch were invited to represent Butterfly Conservation at the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Conference, held at Centre Pares in February.

James Mann and I attended the conference, which was opened by Professor David Bellamy and featured in both the local and national media. It was very well attended with over 400 delegates from a very varied range of conservation groups. There were ten speakers during the day who covered a broad range of conservation topics, from the role of game shooting in conservation to reservoir management.

The quality of these speakers was excellent throughout, and I am delighted to learn that one of the most interesting (and entertaining), Dr Roger Key, has agreed to speak at our members evening later this year.

Our display stand was extremely well received with crowds of people eager to find out more about the role we play and to purchase books. At one point I had six people all waving money at me for books and wallcharts. Very exciting stuff and, because everybody at the conference was already interested in conservation, we feel sure that we managed to recruit several new members without too much difficulty.

Finally, I must tell you about something that happened whilst we were setting up the display material. I picked up one of the BC booklets on the White-letter hairstreak and said to James 'Doyo11think we'll eversell these?I reckonwe'restuck with themforever'.

Well, you've guessed it. .. just a few minutes later the very first person to visit our stand wanted to know all about White-letter hairstreaks - where and when to search for eggs, what the caterpillars look like and so on.

James and I smiled at each other, answered her questions and sold her a book!

11

The Suffolk Argus

Sugaring for Moths

by TonyPrichard Present day Moth enthusiasts invariably use a light source as their main method of attracting moths.

Before the advent of electric lamps and portable generators moth collectors of the past used other means to attract moths, the main method being the use of a sugar bait.

The practice of sugaring has fallen into relative disuse with the powerful MV lamps now being used in moth traps and their more consistently larger catches, although sugaring still has its place as some species are not attracted to light but may be attracted to sugar bait.

The classic method used was to make up a thick treacly mixture which was then painted onto tree trunks, fence posts, thistle heads, and other suitable vertical surfaces at around dusk. The painted strips were then patrolled into the night waiting for hungry moths to arrive. Various recipes exist for making up this type of sugar bait these invariably contain some form of beer/cider and treacle/ molasses sugar. The one I use (which is adapted from Roger Kendrick's) is as follows: 0.5 pints (250ml) of good stout One over-ripe banana One ripe mango, with the flesh stripped off the stone 2 dessert spoons of black molasses lib (450g) of the stickiest/darkest sugar you can find

12

July 1997

The mixture needs to be heated and the saucepan used should be at least twice the volume of the ingredients, as the mixture is prone to froth up when it is boiled. Mash or liquidise the banana (including the skin) and the mango flesh. Place the banana, stout, molasses, sugar, and mango flesh in the pan.

Heat very gently, stirring frequently for 15 to 20 minutes until all the ingredients have dissolved and the mixture is starting to come to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally, making sure that the mixture does not solidify at the edges or overflow.

Allow to cool, again stirring occasionally.

Bottle while still lukewarm. Before use stir in a little spirit (e.g. rum). Apply with a paintbrush.

There are numerous variants on the above recipe, I have even heard of people using just an overripe water melon, breaking the melon open and smearing the pulp on tree trunks. Some of the older recipes say that essence of jargonelle pear or amyl acetate are the best attractants but I have never used them nor found where they could be purchased.

An alternative to this method is to use the more recent method of wine roping which I first read about in an article by Paul Waring in Butterfly Conservation News Autumn 1995. Wine roping consists of heating up a cheap bottle of red wine in a pan and at the same time dissolving as much sugar as you can in the wine. The mixture is then left to cool after which 1 metre long strips of thick absorbent rope (washing line cut up is good for this) are immersed in the wine. The wine ropes are then placed on various bushes and branches of trees and you simply wait for the moths to appear. Using this method is cheaper than the treacle method but you have to remember where you put all the ropes when you go to collect them at the end of the night!

The Future of the Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... byJames Mann, Chairman

After the Annual General Meeting I spent some time thinking about the future of the branch and the direction we want it to take.

I will share my thought with you. I was disappointed by the low A.G.M. attendance but that is A.G.M.'s for you. When it came to the election of the committee there were no extra nominations and after serving the committee very well since the founding of the branch Michael and Jenny Kelsey have decided not to seek re-election. The remainder of the committee will continue to serve but due to the small numbers most will have two or more jobs.

The branch has been running well.

We always have a full and interesting programme of field trips all of which are well attended. We have one of the best recording networks in the country which was emphasized to me when Richard Stewart explained that he had already had promises to fill in many of the empty tetrads.

A sea of change is now taking place in the name of Biodiversity. Julian Roughton of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust talked about this at the A.G.M., his talk highlighted the enormous task in front of us. What is happening in Suffolk of interest to us?

The Biodiversity Action Plan for Suffolk and East Anglia is being produced. We are working on our own Regional Action Plan.

A recovery programme for the Silverstudded Blue on the Sandlings has been produced and the recovery of Butterflies in Suffolk will be published shortly.

To carry out the recommendations of all these initiatives will need a great deal of work. Taking the Silver-studded Blue in the Sandlings as an example. This July a survey is to be carried out on all likely habitats between and around the known colonies including places like forest rides. This will determine exactly where Silver-studded Blues are present and will enable us to determine where colonisation may take place naturally and where relocation is necessary. There are probably around 30 kilometres of rides etc. to check so if we have five volunteers that's only about three miles each in old English! The other initiatives will in their turn require input to make them work.

We must decide whether we want ro be full partners in these projects and have our name appearing alongside the other participants or whether we want to carry on as we are and keep a low profile.

I would like us to be full partners and get the name of the branch much more widely known. If you agree with me please let me know by putting your name fotward to take part in the Silver-studded Blue survey this year. If it comes to it I will do the work myself but there is a limit to what one man can do.

If you prefer to have the branch carry on as at the present also let me know to enable the committee to run the branch in the way the membership would like.

5

The Suffolk Argus

1997 Annual General Meeting The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30 pm by welcoming everybody, in particular Julian Roughton from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. He briefly commented on how early the season was compared with last year and how much people enjoyed seeing butterflies.

On the biodiversity front a lot had happened with English Nature producing draft natural area profiles for:- East Anglian Plains, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths, Suffolk Coast Maritime, The Broads and East Anglian Chalk. The branch had been invited to comment on these. To follow were the Brecklands and Fenlands.

East Anglian RSPB had produced a draft species list for all species under threat, it was explained how the branch would become a partner in this.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust had produced an updated recovery plan for the Silver-studded Blue on the Sandlings. It was explained how we would be working with S.W.T. on this and on the recommendations of the Recovery of Butterflies in Suffolk which was close to completion. The chairman also mentioned his other meetings with the National Trust, RSPB, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and correspondence with English Nature and various local authorities.

On the Butterfly Conservation front the branch was working on the Regional Action Plan. We have produced a species list of butterflies which will have to be placed into priority order in conjunction with our

4

July 1997

partners in the Norfolk and Essex and Cambridgeshire branches. Work would also have to be done in surveying likely Dingy Skipper and Silver-studded Blue habitats.

This year the branch had already attended the Eastern Region FWAG conference anq the Chairman had also been invited to talk on BBC Radio Suffolk about ICI sponsorship for the national recovery of the Large Blue and Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Each officer of the Committee then gave a brief report on their work during the year. Richard Stewart, County Recorder (butterflies) hoped that the remaining unrecorded tetrads in the county could be covered this year. The Treasurer's report will be included in the next addition of the Argus.

The election of the committee was disappointing in so far as no new names came forward but the current committee expressed their willingness to continue with the exception of Michael and Jenny Kelsey who had decided to stand down from the committee. At this point the Chairman thanked Michael and Jenny for all their hard work in support of the branch since it was formed in 1993.

Julian Roughton, Conservation Manager for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, then gave a very interesting talk and slide show presentation on biodiversity and how in particular it affected Suffolk. The Chairman thanked Julian for an excellent talk and hoped that the branch would be working together with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust particularly on the recovery plan for the Silver-studded blue and the Recovery of Butterflies in Suffolk.

At this point refreshments were taken which gave members the opportunity to raise questions with the committee. The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking our speaker and the members who had attended.

It is a good idea, whether you are using the treacle method or wine ropes, to take some water to rinse the brush and/ or your hands, otherwise you'll be in for a sticky night of moth watching. When inspecting the sugar strips/wine ropes a torch with a red light is preferred , as red light is invisible to moths.

Some of the moths which are attracted to sugar shun the light and will drop to the ground if a white light is shone on them.

Results can be variable when sugaring, some nights moths can be found jostling for position where as on other nights, nothing will turn up. Regularly sugaring in the same locations seems to produce better results.

The weather also has an impact on how many moths will visit the sugar, the best nights being warm and muggy with little wind. It is however a very cheap method of attracting moths without the need for expensive equipment and moths feeding at the sugar are easier to identify.

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

Apology .......................................... byJamesMann, Chairman The article on my butterfly trip to Cumbria appears ro have been widely read. I had a telephone call from the North ofEngland branch saying that if correct my sighting of High Brown Fritillary at Smardale Gill was a first. I spent a long time thecking my photographs and have to admit that as suggested they were Dark Green Fritillaries. My apology to all those I have misinformed and my thanks to Ian Waller of the North of England branch for pointing out my mistake. The only good thing is that I saw one more species than I first thought and yes I now know the difference.

Dark GreenFritillary (Argynnisaglaja) ,-<· /.

1/

f

by DouglasHammersley

13

The Suffolk Argus

Suffolk Moth Group

by Tony Prichard

July 1997

In case you were unaware the Suffolk Mnth Group run moth trap nights (led by Arthur Watchman) almost every Friday from May to September at various localities around the county. The evenings are quite informal and new people interested in turning up are most welcome: If you are interested in attending either contact myself on 0 1473 270047 or Arthur Watchman on 01449 740728 to find out details of the events list.

Suffolk Moth List

by Tony Prichard Jon Nicholls of the Suffolk Moth Group has just produced a pamphlet 'The Current Status of Moths in Suffolk'. The pamphlet includes a foreword by Jon about moth recording in Suffolk and then lists the current known species in Suffolk, grouped by family, with national and local distribution status. Jon has collated records from 1990 onwards from known moth recorders within the county to produce an up-to-date list. The list covers microlepidoptera and macrolepidoptera (butterflies are not included in the list), although the micros are almost certainly under-represented due to lack of recorders of this group.

14

The current list can be viewed as a starting point and is not meant to be a definitive list of species that occur in Suffolk. It is expected that the list will continue to grow significantly in the years to come. The pamphlet will be of most interest to moth recorders in helping them determine the status of a particular moth species in Suffolk. If you do identify a species not included in the list then it is important that the identification is confirmed with the county moth recorder - Arthur Watchman.

The species will then be added to the existing list.

The pamphlet can be obtained from Jon Nicholls at most Suffolk Moth Group nights for the price of £1 or alternatively by writing to Jon at 18 Berners Road, Felixstowe, IP! 1 7LF, enclosing £1 and a stamped addressed envelope.

Notes from the Editor . . .. . . . . . . . ..... ....

Early Season for Butterflies With spring arriving two to three weeks early the butterflies seemed to be out and about early as well.

The star of the show in Suffolk must be the Green Hairstreak, with good numbers being seen at existing locations and new records from other locations including an Ipswich allotment.

There is also good news on the Wall, after its virtual absence in 1996, reports from coastal areas in Suffolk like Minsmere tell of good numbers seen.

It is quite possible that all butterfly species in Suffolk could be on the wing at least three weeks early this year. Remember, if you have any interesting early encounters, why not write and tell us, we can include it in an edition of the Argus.

Wall Brown (Lasiommatamegera)

.......

Suffolk Water Park, Bramford Saturday, August 9th Change to Map reference Unfortunately we gave an incorrect map reference in our 1997 outdoor programme for the above event. The map reference should now read TM120485 (Landranger 169).

Forest Enterprise Annual Festival at Rendlesham Forest. Sunday, 17th August This years event will mark the l 0th anniversary of the 1987 storm with VIP guest Michael Fish planting a time capsule.

The branch would very much like to attend the event with our display stands and promote the work of Butterfly Conservation. If any member(s) can help our at this event please contact Steven Goss or James Mann (see back cover for telephone numbers).

I

\\

by DouglasHammersley'

I

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~\

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3

The Suffolk Argus

July 1997

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

Members Evening Invitation .......................................... Cover Contents ................................................................................

Newsletter Details

Contributions for our newsletter should reach the Editor (address on back page) no later than: January May

2

October

Notes from the Editor ............................................................ 3

Christmas Eve April Fools Day August Bank Holiday

Any piece of writing that is considered to be of interest will be published together with line drawings/prints/photographs.

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

1997 Annual General Meeting .............................................. .4 The Future of the Branch ....................................................... 5 1996 Field Trips ................................................................. 6-8

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

Spotlight on the Purple Hairstreak ......................................... 9 1997 Field Trips ...................................................................

Copy Dates

10

Eastern Region FWAG Conference ...................................... 11 Sugaring for Moths ........................................................ 12-13 Apology ................................................................................

Butterfly

13

Suffolk Moth Group/List ..................................................... 14

HOTELS

Newsletter Details & General Information ........................... 15 Suffolk Branch Contacts ........................................ Back Cover

ButterflyLine 0891 884505 / ·--

Green Hairstreak (Callophrysrubi)

,~ Regular Updates & Latest News

/,

,t

2

All profits are used for the conservation of butterflies and their habitats.

I

by DouglasHammersley

Calls charged at 50p per minute at all times

A purposebuilt Hotel with all the facilities that today'stravellersrequire yet in a rustictraditionalenvironment that is welcomingand comfortable.

Butterfly Hotel, A45 Bury East Exit.

Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds

01284 760884 15

Suffolk Branch Contacts

Chairman

JamesMam,, The Old School, The Street, Darsham, Saxrnundham, Suffolk, !PI? 3QA (01728668532)

TH£

SUFFOLK

Membership Secretary Paul Gilson,18 Cheltenham Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk !PI 4LN (01473 253276)

ARGUS July

Newsletter Editor SteveGoddard,47 Colchester Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3BT (01473 252598) Programme Secretary

1997

Ala11Joh11so11, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701)

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 Goddard on

01473 252598.

County Recorder (Butterflies) RichardStewart,'Valezina', 112 Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2XW (01473 216518) Conservation Officer (Butterflies)

fames Mann, The Old School, The Street, Darsham, Saxrnundham, Suffolk, IP! 7 3QA (01728 668532)

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

Arthur Watchman,Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP? ?BA

Secretary

TonyPrichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9JR (01473 270047)

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation (The British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd.) Rcg. No. 2206168 Rcg.Clurity No. 254937

HeadOffice P.O. Box 222. Dcdh,m, EssexC07 GEY. Tel. (01206) 322342 Edited by Steve Goddard Printed by Wt'StonMarlun·ng Logo (Silver-studded Blue) DougHammmlq Designed and produced by Suphm Ion, Ca, & Mouse Design (01473 729423 after7pm) © 1997 all righn reserved

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

Member's Evening Invitation Thedate:

Saturday 15th November 1997

TheTime: 7pmfor 7.30pm -10pm.

Theplace: TheButterflyHotel, BurySt. Edmunds (seemaponpage15)

We are delighted to be able to invite you to our fourth Members Evening to be held later this year.

Our guest speaker on the night is Dr Roger Key an Invertebrate Ecologist with English Nature who specialises in the conservation ecology of invertebrates associated with trees and woodland. Dr Roger Key is a most entertaining speaker and the committee hope as many members as possible can attend.

The evening will also include an update on the Regional Action Plans for butterflies and Moths. Members can also look forward to taking part in an interesting quiz to finish the evening.

See you there!

Treasurer

GrahamB11ll,Oakbank, Asdleigh Road, Dedham, Essex CO? 6EG (01206 323530) Publicity Officer StevenGoss,Yaxley Manor House, Yaxley, Eye, Suffolk IP23 8DG (01379 783386)

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

President

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

Volume 11

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BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION