Suffolk Argus 39 Autumn 2006

Suffolk Branch Contacts President Howard Mendel, c/o The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Chairman Mike Dean, Coach House, Ixworth, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP3 l 2HL (01359 230292) Membership Secretary Beryl Johnson, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701) Programme Secretary Alan Johnson, (address above) Publicity Officer Malcolm Farrow, 25 Cedar Road, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2UN (01394 460452) County Recorder (Butterflies) Rob Parker (address below) Conservation Officer (Butterflies) Rob Parker, 66 Cornfield Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3BN (01284 705476)

The

Butterfly Conservation Conservation Officer (Moths) Tony Prichard, 3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047)

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County Recorder (Moths) Tony Prichard (address above) Secretary Tony Prichard, (address above) Treasurer Jim Foster, Lugano, The Street, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AH (01449 711484) Regional Officer Eastern Region . Sharon Hearle, c/o Busy Bee, 21 High St., Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8LX (01638 731648) sharon@butterfly-conservation.org Newsletter Editor Pete Rowberry, 11 Waveney Close, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IPl 7 1YB (01728 602814) Committee Members Stella Wolfe,

Volunteers Needed ~[[@[!ill If you feel you could help out now and then with the growing work of the Branch, please contact Beryl Johnson on 01473 715701.

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rn~rnrn The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation

Publishedby the SuffolkBranchof ButterflyConservation www.suffolkbutterflies.org.uk Butterfly Conservation Limited byGuarantee RegisteredOffice: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Td: (01929) 400209 © 2004 all rights reserved

Reg.No. 2206468 Reg. Charity No. 254937 Editor. Pete Rowberry Logo: (Silver-srudded Blue) Doug Hammersley Design: Stephen Ion Printer.321 Printing, 25 Brookhouse Business Park, Haclleigh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 OEF

Butterfly Conservation

Autumn 2006 Volume39

Autumn2006

The Suffolk Argus

Contents Editorial

3

Camberwell Beauty Invasion of 2006

4

Copy Dates

Brimstone Behaviour

7

Visit to South Cumbria

8

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

Help Wanted

12

New Butterfly Book

13

Visit to Exning and Fulboum Fen Nature Reserve

14 16

Butterfly Days DVD

18

Newsletter Details and General Information

19 Back Cover

August Bank Holiday I

Cast in aluminium and enamelled in very realistic colours at five times life-size,they will last for many years.

Highly individual nameplates too, to . your own design, with no-obligation colour preview. Suffolk Branch will receive one quarter of the purchase price.

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.

To advertisein the_SuffolkArgus

Phone or fax Mervyn Crawford on Mildenhall (01638) 711600for Colour brochure I Price list.

please contact Pete Rowberry on

01728 602814.

fl ilh:if1tJdi·r ---··· --·-rnt -P For that difficult to ftnd present, why not give a decorative butterfly or moth to mount on the front wall of someone's home ? Cast in aluminium and enamelled in very realistic colours at five times life-size,they will last for many years. Highly individual nameplates too, to your own design,with no-obligation colour preview. Suffolk Branch will receive one quarter of the purchase price.

Phone or Jax Mervyn Cruwford on Milden/wll (01638) 712600for Colour broclture I Price lisL

2

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April Fools Day

Autumn

Tortoiseshell Nostalgia

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For that difficult to find present, why not give a decorative butterfly or moth to mount on the front wall of someone's home ?

Christmas Eve

Spring Summer

Suffolk Branch Contacts

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Editorial

SUFFOL MOTHGROU

Come and see the wonders of the night. Regular field meetings and newsletter. Online guide to the larger moths of Suffolk.

Website: www.suffolkmoths.org.uk Contad: Tony Prichard for further details.

19

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus

Butterfly Days DVD

by RichardStewart This DVD by Sandy Hannan from the Surrey Branch bas a generous ninety minutes coverage of fifty eight British species and follows the seasons from April to September.

In addition to footage of adults there are close ups of the earlier stages, some featuring eggs in different stages of development, others giving extended sequences such as the Comma development near the end. My personal favourites were mating Wood Whites and a Large Blue egg laying plus a close up of the 'Valezina' Silverwashed Fritillary, though I am biased here as that is our house name. Sandy's commentary is informative but unobtrusive though sometimes more could have been ( added about some species such as Silver-scudded Blue and Adonis Blue. :._-Often sequences were prefaced by - panoramic views of the landscape in which they live and such shots cover much of our country, including the West, Isle of Wight, Home Counties, Norfolk, Lake District and Scottish Highlands.

The world of our butterflies was further enhanced by many shots of other wildlife, including flowers, dragonflies, predators such as the Crab Spider, Goldfinches and Siskins at garden feeders, Newts eating frog spawn and my own favourite, a packed nest of young Swallows.

Thankfully, except for a shon beginning and end sequence, the dreaded 'musac' was not included, allowing the sounds of the natural world, including songs of cunle dove and nightingale, to mix with human voices and even the faint ice cream van jingle. Sandy was also prepared to allow complete silence on occasions, a considerable asset in my opinion, and the other commendable

feature was very good focus, even in windy conditions.

The DVD ends with a strong and effective conservation message and Sandy estimates that at current costs £6.23 profit can be returned to each Branch per copy sold, which is all the profit.

This is certainly the best of its kind I have reviewed over the years: ideal for bleak winter viewing or just before that first early foray at the start of a new season.

Details: 90 minute DVD costs £8.00 including postage; cheques to S Harman at: 31, Upper Manor Road, Milford, Godalming, Surrey, GUB SJW.

Editorial

by PeteRowberry I am ddighted to be able to take over from Stuart Gough as editor of the Suffolk Argusand

My passion for wildlife was re-invented when I lived in Brighton and learnt about the birds of the to have the opportunity to continue the sterling South Coast. I was lucky enough to find a soul work of the editors and contributors that makes mate who could put up with my eccentricities and every edition a very wdcome break from the four years ago Susan and I fulfilled one of our ambitions when we moved to the countryside of flood of junk mail that hits our doormat. I hope to be able to maintain the high standards that Suffolk. My passion for birds stimulated my interest in a number of other orders of animals and have been set and I offer my particular thanks to Stuart, who has worked hard to make the I developed a love for all things that fly, handover as smooth as possible. particularly butterflies and moths.

In my thirst to develop knowledge I have By way of a' little personal background, I was come across many interesting people who have, born in Birmingham too many years ago to without exception, been helpful and willing to remember and spent the first eighteen years of my life living there. The Black Country was a bit of a share their knowledge with those less expert than desen for wildlife; we used to joke that Brum was themselves. I have been lucky enough to see some the dead centre of England, DEAD! However, my·· of this year's memorable migrants and continue to enthusiasm for birds and mammals was satisfied be captivated by the idea that such delicate looking on many visits to Sunon Park and the Llckey Hills creatures can travel such great distances. I as a child. hope that, in my small way, my editorship .-.. ·:::·:_:.·.:~~;i.:::):/.:~))'•:-:;:-,·:.~·;::.··:::.-_:•.:::·.:: .. of this magazine .......--··:,-· will enable many others to share in delight of this magnificent group of . ·. animals.

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18

Hummingbird Hawk moth byMervyn Crawford

byBerylJohnson 3

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus

Carnberwell Beauty

Invasion of 2006

by Rob Parker,2nd September06 Here is an update on the interesting migration of late July and August. As well as one unexpected Long-tailed Blue near Great Yarmouth, two Silver-washed Fritillaries and a Pale Clouded Ydlow, this year brought a wave of Camberwell Beauties to Suffolk.

A low pressure system brought northerly and nonh easterly winds from 3rd to 19th August.

This brought Nymphalisantiopafrom Scandinavia, and they reached the Netherlands in good numbers in the first week of August, though a couple of the Suffolk arrivals were earlier.

They were first seen close to the coast, initially in good condition if showing some signs of exhaustion. At least 5 were photographed, and fully completed record sheets have been received in respect of9 sightings, which are listed below, along with other accounts from diverse sources, not all fully authenticated, Until 1st September, your County Butterfly Recorder had not seen one himself, but an early notification of the Brent Eleigh migrant put that situation to rights. A few are still being recorded, despite the deterioration in the weather, and since the northerly winds have now ceased, it seems likely that the invasion is over.

Sightings will continue, of course, so keep your eyes peeled. The Suffolk count is presently 24, (*l) several of which could be repeats: Norfolk has received even more than Suffolk, with the count standing at 33 by the end of August. A small number have found their way wesrwards into Cambs. and Hens.

Afrer the initial sightings, most have been found in gardens, feeding on fallen apples or plums. Some are now showing signs of wear.

Presumably some will endeavour to hibernate, although the expectation must be that very few will succeed, as they seem intolerant of the humidity of British winters.

CamberwellBeauty byBerylJohnson

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Th.e,§uffolkArgus

Autumn 2006

Tortoiseshell Nostalgia *••·--

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byJames Mann, Le Boulou, June 2006 The weather in the South of France in 2006 has not been up to standard. Instead of bright sunshine, it was not until 23rd January that we had a sunny day. Whilst walking alongside a sun-drenched wood and I saw my first butterfly of the year, a LargeTortoiseshell. This reminded me of my first butterfly in 1999, also a Large Tortoiseshell at Snape on 16th March.

My mind drifted back to when I was a child in Aldenon during the war. Our movements were rather restricred, as uoops were everywhere and we were subject to evacuation at twenty four hours notice if an invasion threatened. By mid-summer 1944 we young boys wondered where all the soldiershad gone; we were too young to understand the O-Day landings. By Summer of 1945 all of the soldiers, except a few in charge of some German prisoners of war, had gone. We once again could spend our spare time in the countryside.

All the farms were occupied and farmed by their owners or tenants Most had a milking herd, a flock of sheep and a couple of horses. The small fields were bounded by hedges. At this time, before the widespread use of pesticides, the fields and woods abounded with insects, birds and small animals. Sad to say, us small boys were not interested in butterflies. They were just another thing to look at. We were all into collecring eggs.

Nowadays, people would be horrified, but even then we had a strict code that we followed. We only took one egg from a nest and only if it had more three or more eggs in it. I am proud to say that at fourteen I gave up birds eggs to start a collection of sea shells.

I can remember our rough classification of butterflies. If it was white, it was a Cabbage White.

Our fathers encouraged us to pick the caterpillars off the cabbages to lessen mother's task when preparing them for cooking. Blues were, well Blues, whatever the species!We all knew the Peacock. We had never heard of Hairstreaks and all Tortoiseshells were the same. I remember asking why the Tonoiseshells in the woods and fields looked different from those in the garden. The answer I got was that they are different because they prefer to live in the woods! Not helpful. Much ink has been used speculating why the Large Tortoiseshell is now extincr in Britain. It is said to be a mystery, as there has been little change of habitat. However, I realise that I could see sea and rivers that had not been possible in my youth.

Hedges and woods have been ripped up to make larger "more economical" fields.The marshes, as we used to call them, between the sea wall and Bawdsey,Aldenon and Hollesey have been drained and ploughed up to grow cereal crops. And people wonder where all the Skylarks have gone!

Walking in the mountains of the Eastern Pyrenees, I often think of my childhood days, and when I see both Small and Large Tortoiseshells, I smile and remember the explanation of the difference I was given all those years ago.

w

Chart 1 - Early Arrivals (to 17th August)

w Chart 2 - All Camberwell Beauty sightings to 1st September.

16

5

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus The previous Camberwell Beauty invasion was in 1995, when 39 records were received from 36 different tetrads in Suffolk. Those records, ran from 3rd Aug to the end of September - so there may well be more to come year. Any future sightings, or extra detail of chose mentioned above, should be sent to: butterflies@sns.org.uk

List of sightings

*I Editor's Note: By the time of going to press (20th Sep 06), the Suffolk sightings had more or less ceased at a count of 32. The UK total exceeded I 00 sightings, though many of these were the same insects flying west. One even reached Belfast by 14th Sep.

8/8 14/8

8/7 21/7 4/8 5/8

14/8 15/8 I 5/8 16/8 17/8

17/8 17/8 17/8 17/8 17/8 19/8 19/8 20/8 20/8 24/8 27/8 28/8 I

I

! 1/9

Nr Theberton (visitor repon, details awaited) Tattingstone TM 137377 (predating most of the Dutch sightings) Thebenon Woods TM420654 Ipswich garden near BixleyTM 1943 (photographed) Minsmere (visitor repon) TM4767 Ipswich Castle Hill allotments TM! 53465 (moved by hand/cane) (date uncenain), Nayland "Anchor" TL9734 (Essex/Suffolk border) Ipswich garden near BixleyTM 1943 (possibly the same insect as 5/8) Kessingland TM5286 (visitor report - no detail) Sudbury garden TL87 41 Minsmere/Sizewell TM4765 (captured/photographed/ displayed on 18/8) Benacre Broad TM5184 (photographed) Knodishall TM4360 basking on conifer Covehiche TM5282 Gt Bradley TL6752 (Nr Newmarket) on apples. Our most westerly.

Wangford TM448791 settled briefly Cowlinge TL7153 (lifted from over-ripe plum) Haughley TMO262 at 1230 Dunwich TM478705 in garden of Ship Inn at 1415 Dunwich Heath area TM471688 (possibly the same insect) (approx) Newbourne TM2743 (photo deposited at Museum) Gorleston TG5205 (via Bird.line) Knodishall TM4360 (on fallen plums, possibly same insect as 17/8) Brent Eleigh TL948476 (photos)

plus 19/8 Sturmer TL695443 (just into Essex)

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CamberwellBeauty 6

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Here we watched Brimstone, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood as well as a Hornet. We then made our way through the "conservation walk". passing a Small White on a cinder heap as we extended our walk up on to Fleam Dyke.

As soon as we had climbed the steps from which dense scrub had recently been cleared, we saw Brimstone, Holly Blue, Small Tonoiseshell, Orange Tip, Comma and heard the song of a Yellowhammer. Again we were enthralled by Brimstones.

During their courtship activity the male always flies beneath the female, both butterflies flying backwards. As they flew together they were sometimes joined by a second or even a third male, always below the female, who led them a merry dance, rising to great altitudes. Another high point of the day (this time for us!) was seeing Green Hairstreaks daning from their perches to accost each other. Their blue-green hue was at variance with the yellow-green of the leaves on which they perched. Nearby we saw a Red admiral, a Peacock

byDouglasHammersley

and another Silver Y moth; more arrivals from the recent migration.

We then turned our attention again to the Fulboum Fen nature reserve. At the pond we found many large tadpoles basking in the warm sun with Red Damselflies flying above. Another Holly Blue was seen on the mud, and in an area that is usually boggy, we saw rather trampled Marsh Orchids and Twayblades. A drier pan of the reserve, Ox Meadow, had a spectacular display of Cowslips. Here we heard a Cuckoo to round off the day.

Footnote: Some of us called at Devil's Dyke on our way home to enjoy the Pasque flowers that were fully out, some already with their seed heads developed.

There we came across yet more Green Hairstreaks and to our delight, another immigrant, a Painted Lady, making a total of 12 butterfly species seen during the day.

15

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus

Visit to Exning and Fulbourn Fen Nature Reserve 10th May 2006

by StellaWolfe

Exning (Suffolk)

TL 609671 This was a return visit to a site that had produced a record number of Holly Blue butterflies in 2003. •This track, of uncertain legal status, receives no regular maintenance and is becoming rapidly overgrown.We wondered what effect this may have on its butterfly numbers in the future.

Various white butterflies flew about the nearby field margins, a Large White, a few Greenveined Whites and Orange Tips, together with a Holly Blue.

Because the path was ----.IIM overgrown we had to walk the farm track next to the intended route.

Overnight rain had made the surface sticky.

From time to time a Holly Blue would fly down to mud puddle, seeking minerals. We were enthralled to see an egg-laying Brimstone quickly depositing eggs singly on Buckthorn shoots where these poked through the encroaching ivy. Half way along we revened "to the track again, secateurs in hand. Here we found Speckled Wood, a Peacock, more Holly Blues and Brimstones and heard the 'yaffie' of a Woodpecker.

We completed our circuit by returning along the track of the old railway line, seeing more Brimstones and Holly Blues and a Silver Y moth, a newly arrived migrant. Although we saw fewer Holly Blues than three years ago it's still a rewarding site to visit.

Fulboum Fen Nature.

Reserve (Cambridgeshire)

TL 526557 A few miles WSW took us to Fulboum Fen Nature Reserve, a damp, peaty environment contrastingly close to the chalky slopes of Fleam Dyke nearby.

We walked through the woodland belt to the old orchard, to

We sat view of fruit blossom and patches of Jack-by-theHedge, Bugle, and Ground Ivy, flowers likely to attract butterflies.

Holly Blue byDouglasHammersley 14

Brimstone Behaviour

by Ri.chardStewart.

As the Brimstone is still more often recorded in West Suffolk, we had many sightings on our visit to Exning, on the Suffolk border, on 10th May 2006. With Fleam Dyke in Cambridgeshire added in the afternoon, the total of Brimstones was about twenty. Numbers are always difficult to calculate as both males and females range widely.

What was panicularly interesting on this day was their counship behaviour.

The females were exh_ibiting rejection behaviour bui: when pursued by a male the female alwayskept above him.

Later on the Fleam Dyke one flight we noted had a female at the top and under her three males, each under the other like a wind-blown mobile.

No one else had seen this before and the only explanation I could discover was in "Butterflies of Britain and Ireland" by Thomas and Lewington. On page 40 Jeremy Thomas states it may be possible that the female releases an aphrodisiac 'for it has been noted that a pair of Brimstones may attract a number of other males'.

Other butterflies have special courtship flights but is this panicular pattern just restricted to Brimstones?

Brimstone (on Betony)

by Beryl]ohmon 7

The SuffolkArgus

Autumn 2006 'Limestone Trail', returning to the car park for lunch then deciding on the afternoon's activities.

We hadn't progressed very far along the main path, when we took the first of many diversionsonto the limestone pavement. These areas of Carboniferous Limestone being formed millions of years ago in a shallow tropical sea, later shaped by glacial ice. Rain and ground water has since slowly dissolved the rock to form flat blocks, known as 'dints', and a variety of deep fissures, known as 'grikes',shallow' runnels' and pan-like 'solution-cups'.

Looking into the 'grikes' we could see some of the plants that survive in their sheltered conditions, a mix of dwarf trees, mosses and ferns.

Here we found Dark-red Helleborine, Hart's Tongue and Rigid Buckler Ferns, also Maidenhair Spleenwon and Wall Rue. Further on, more diversions onto areas of pavement, some of which were becoming overgrown with Hazel, Silver Birch, Sycamore and Yew.A few glimmers of sunshine tempted out a Grayling onto the warmth of a 'clinf, its wings dosed and tilted over to one side, to lie almost parallel to the limestone surface. Some of the flora noted included

Visit to South CumbriaBth to 10th July

by Alan Johnson Our long weekend excursion for this year was to the area of South Cumbria bordering the northern end of Morecambe Bay where the River Kent feeds into it. Our plan being to visit some of the many Nature Reserves situated in the S.E. part of the county, with our 'target species' being the High Brown Fritillary and the Northern Brown Argus.

A total of twelve members travelled up on the Friday, eight staying in Arnside, four in nearby Carnfonh. Unfortunately Fred and Bea Elliston were unable to join us because of illness.

Gait Barrows, Saturday 8th July Fortified by an excellent breakfast, those of us staying at the 'Willowfield', in Amside, duly set off for Gait Barrows, where we met up with the remainder of our party.

This N.N.R. lying in the Amside and Silverdale A.O.N.B. covers 121 hectares and was established in 1977 to protect one of this country's most important areas of limestone pavement and home to a great variety of wild.life.

With the weather rather overcast, cool and breezy, it was decided to follow the way-marked

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High BrownFritillary

by Beryljohmon

8

New Butterfly Book Asa follow-up to his 'Millennium Atlas of Suffolk Butterflies' Richard Stewart has now written a more informal book based on his diaries from 1994 to the start of 2000, with a final updated section. The title is 'Butterfly Days'.

The main thrust of the book is the butterfly recording in Suffolk during the highly successful national Millennium Survey and this includes accounts of rare butterflies like Large Tonoiseshell, Queen of Spain Fritillary and Camberwell Beauty. Richard also describes many trips outside Suffolk, to see Swallowtails in Norfolk, Chequered Skippers in the , Scottish Highlands, Mountain Ringlets in the Lake District and Large Blues at a secret site in Devon.

Other trips described include the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey which have species no longer recorded in Suffolk.

Richard has included several photos and published poems and he covers other wildlife during his travels. There is also a detailed account of seeing the over wintering Monarchs m Mexico.

Other adventures include a nudist colony, forcibly evicted villagers, threatened allotments, suspicious villagers, late night football supponers, a computerised robot and a woman who actually dislikes butterflies.

The book would make an ideal present for anyone interested in wildlife and is available for £ 6.50, including postage, from Richard at: 'Valezina', 112, Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP4 2X'W. Please make cheques out to 'Richard Stewan'.

Queenof SpainFritillary byMervynCrawford

13

Autumn 2006

The Suffolk Argus confirmed that it was the 'davus' form, probably the most beautiful of the three forms.

After this visit we moved on a short distance 'up-the-road' to the Latterbarrow Nature Reserve, a 4.4 hectare site owned and managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust since 1986. Latterbartow is made of the same Carboniferous Limestone which forms the crags on the western side of the nearby Whitbarrow Scar. Soil on the reserve is mostly very thin and limestone outcrops can be seen in places.

There are roughly equal areas of grassland, woodland and scrub which the Trust aims to maintain. The reserve is currently grazed during the autumn and winter and scrub which is encroaching onto the grassland is controlled by cutting.

Entering the reserve we were struck by the intense colour of the Betony and almost immediately sighted a High Brown Fritillary, prompting everyone to spread out to look for more. Several then being 'put-up', flying strongly for a short time before alighting amongst Bramble close to ground level. Two Dark Green Fritillaries were also located. Perhaps not so exciting was a Green-veined White and a Speckled Wood, also Silver Y and PyraustaAurata moths. The grassland flora included Meadowsweet, Lady's-mantle, Scabious, Kidney Vetch, Harebells, Bird's-foot Trefoil and Thyme. Rain, which had been threatening for some time, brought an end to our visit to this small but \~;. extremely interesting reserve.

We then returned to Arnside, thus bringing to an end a most rewarding few days with enjoyable company, in a delightful area, which for ..__ ·; several of us was our first visit. My thanks to our lady botanists for their information. Needless to say our drive back co Ipswich the following day was in very hot sunny conditions!

Help Wanted

by RichardStewart Having lost the monocular I have used for many years I was wondering if someone else has the same model, now no longer available, and would be willing to sell it: Bresser Optic 7x21 close focus monocular, focus down to 12 inches (30 cm). · Please phone me on 01473-216518 if you can help.

Green-veined White

by DouglasHammersley 12

Lily-of-the-Valley,Eyebright and Tutsan.

Moving on and with the weather now becoming sunnier and warmer, we came to an area which looked a promising spot for the High Brown Fritillary.This area sheltered by bushes and bracken srands, with a limestone outcrop surrounded by Hemp-agrimony.After a short wait wewere rewarded with the sight of rwo High Brown Fritillariescircling the area at speed, then settling briefly on the rock.

The sunshine also bringing forth Meadow Brown and Large Skipper butterflies, Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Darter Dragonflies.

With our path now descending through woodland with sunny open areas, further sightings of the High Brown Fritillary were made, including a mating pair, mostly on Bramble. More Meadow Browns, another Large Skipper, a Speckled Wood and Common Blue Damselflies. Flora included Common Spotted Orchid, Betony and Common (Black) Knapweed.

We had now reached a point where the path took us across a flower-rich pasture which included Yellow-rattle,Marsh Thistle and many orchids The task of grazing shared by 'organic' cattle and Exmoor ponies. Many_MeadowBrowns and a single Small Tortoiseshellwere noteo here. At a spot where the path lefi: the pasture to return co our starting point, a freshwater spring provides an all-year round supply for the grazing stock, (one 'organic' bovine standing in the water as we passed).

We now ascended through woodland, where some areas had been coppiced to provide breeding sites for the High Brown Fritillary. The recently published book, 'The State ofButterflies in Britain and Ireland', comments that although this species has suffered the greatest distribution decrease of any extant butterfly, the sites on the Morecambe Bay limestones have experienced population increases due co habitat management. Two Dark Green Fritillaries were also noted bringing our total for the morning co nine species. Almost back at the car park we found Peacock larvae, black and spikey, migrating from nettle onto grass stems.

While having our lunch, some of the group had been exchanging information with another visiror to the reserve. He had found the Northern Brown Argus during the morning and was now

anxious to find the Dark-red Helleborine. A 'deal' was agreed - we would show him the Dark-red Helleborine, then he would take us along to where he had seen the Northern Brown Argus. This tied in very well with our plans for the afi:ernoon, which were to follow the way-marked 'Yew Trail' and co search for the Northern Brown Argus a local species found on northern limestone laying its eggs on Rock-rose. Once at the right spot, three specimens were quickly found, much to everyone's delight. The higher temperatures also encouraging to take co the wing Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Red Admiral, Grayling, Large Skipper, and many sightings of the High Brown Fritillary.

Our walk now entered Thrang Wood, an ancient Yew woodland which became part of the N.N.R. in 2002. Further on, reaching a large expanse of exposed limesrone, marked by the 'Silver Jubilee' Cairn, it became obvious that our sunny conditions were not going to stay the course, with the onset of some light rain. This did not stop one of our group locating a clump of Bloody Crane's-bill, another spotting a Comma, wings firmly closed, settled on a Bramble lea£ By the time we had rejoined the morning's 'Limesrone Trail' the rain had become more persistent, making us aware of how slipre°ry the limestone can quickly become. It was time to callit a day! A total of eight species / \ of butterfly were noted 'f' / during the afi:ernoon, ~ \. I·/ giving a tally for the ,, \_,__ll • 1 whole day of thirteen

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species.

Jim Foster's G.P.S.

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also informed us that we had walked 3·64 miles and the time taken was S hours 39 minutes!

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9

BerylJohnson

The SuffolkArgus

Autumn 2006

Arnside Knott, Sunday 9th July

camera to good use, taking an excellent group photograph for posterity. Four 'Monarchs' and eight 'Camberwell Beauties' perhaps?

The Knott, a 500 foot limestone hill is situated adjacent to the village of Amside, the site having a considerable expanse of broadleaved woodland, together with dry limestone grassland habitats with . --·;,.. limestone outcrops. It is owned and managed -----R-ib_a_n_d_W_a_v_e ____ _ by the National Trust who acquired half of the Knott in 1946-47, followed by an area known byMervyn Crawford as Redbills in 1980. A further adjoining The flowers of Musk Mallow, Basil Thyme and property of Heathwaite was added later, Crosswort brightened the grassland and Aquilegia making a total of approximately 107 hectares. was found growing outside the field gate. Finally, Under rather leaden skies with rain a fairly steep 'damp'. walk back to the car park, the threatening and a fresh to strong S.W. wind only 'winged reward' being a Riband-wave moth. blowing, our group assembled in the car park near After lunch, we decided to take the longer the summit. It was apparent that unless there was walk as detailed in the Booklet, the weather by a drastic improvement in the weather we were not now was becoming increasingly windy with going to see many butterflies. We decided to frequent showers. A Grey Dagger moth discovered follow the route of one of the walks as detailed in the N. T.'s Booklet, not way-marked as yesterday so on a tree trunk adjacent to the car park before we as 'leader' I needed to concentrate rather more! set off. Shortly afterwards some of the more ardent members gave chase to, and identified a speedy Initially the route took us along woodland Dark Green Fritillary. We then had to zigzag up a paths eventually opening out onto tussocky very steep slope to a three-sided stone structure grassland and scrub with views over part of called a Toposcope - a landscape viewing point Morecambe Bay. A search revealed only a day with panels to identify the surrounding flying moth - Pyraustaaurata. Further on, an open space known as the 'Cowslip Field', here some of countryside stretching away to the Lakeland Fells.

Continuing on the path bounded by Juniper, the flora noted included Dropwort, Mountain St. Hazel, Yew and Bramble and fringed with Wood Johns-wort, Rock-rose and Orchids. Continuing Sorrel and Wild Strawberry offered us and a bright on, a sheltered hollow with Hemp-agrimony yellow Brimstone moth some shelter from the growing, revealed our first butterflies of the wind and rain. A long stretch of woodland morning, three Meadow Browns! Then another followed through Redhills Wood making me grassy slope with Small Scabious and wonder ifl had managed to lose our group. I was Squinancywort recorded, also two more Meadow relieved when the path emerged to a recognisable Browns. feature the 'Shi Ila Slopes', these being very steep After descending through more woodlands a limestone screes, created by the movement of short detour was made into Lower Heathwaite Fields, meadowland which we were sure would be glaciers during the Ice Age. Having been thwarted in our search for butterflies, Marie Stewart put her filled with butterflies if only the sun would shine!

10

Meathop Moss & Latterbarrow, Monday 10th July With a 'free day' designated in our itinerary, our 'Norfolk Ladies', staying in Camforth had already decided on a visit into Lakeland and the Honister Pass to searcb for the Mountain Ringlet. With the weather fine, sunny and warm, the remainder of our group opted for a visit to Meathop Moss, situated on the western side of the Kent'estuary,just off the A590, N.E. of Grange over Sands.

Meathop Moss, a Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserve, is one of three areas which make up the

'Witherslack Mosses', survivors of once extensive wetland around the Kent estuary. These raised peat bogs are now scarce habitats and their conservation is a priority in European legislation and the U.K.'s Biodiversity Action Plan. At the entrance to the reserve, a path skirted a damp meadow where our botanists found Sand Leek, Marsh Woundwort, Water Figwort and Red Hemp-nettle. A Large Skipper and a Small Tortoiseshell also seen. Passing a pool of peaty black coloured water we came to the start of a boardwalk leading out onto the bog. Masses of bright yellow Bog Asphodel interspersed with the reddish-purple flowering Crossleaved Heath, together with Sphagnum Mosses, produced a colourful mosaic stretching away to the bordering Conifers. Sundew is also common across the reserve.

Several Large Heath butterflies were seen during our stroll along the boardwalk, Richard Stewart who had been able to observe one closely,

DarkGreenFritillary byDouglas Hammersley 11

The SuffolkArgus

Autumn 2006

Arnside Knott, Sunday 9th July

camera to good use, taking an excellent group photograph for posterity. Four 'Monarchs' and eight 'Camberwell Beauties' perhaps?

The Knott, a 500 foot limestone hill is situated adjacent to the village of Amside, the site having a considerable expanse of broadleaved woodland, together with dry limestone grassland habitats with . --·;,.. limestone outcrops. It is owned and managed -----R-ib_a_n_d_W_a_v_e ____ _ by the National Trust who acquired half of the Knott in 1946-47, followed by an area known byMervyn Crawford as Redbills in 1980. A further adjoining The flowers of Musk Mallow, Basil Thyme and property of Heathwaite was added later, Crosswort brightened the grassland and Aquilegia making a total of approximately 107 hectares. was found growing outside the field gate. Finally, Under rather leaden skies with rain a fairly steep 'damp'. walk back to the car park, the threatening and a fresh to strong S.W. wind only 'winged reward' being a Riband-wave moth. blowing, our group assembled in the car park near After lunch, we decided to take the longer the summit. It was apparent that unless there was walk as detailed in the Booklet, the weather by a drastic improvement in the weather we were not now was becoming increasingly windy with going to see many butterflies. We decided to frequent showers. A Grey Dagger moth discovered follow the route of one of the walks as detailed in the N. T.'s Booklet, not way-marked as yesterday so on a tree trunk adjacent to the car park before we as 'leader' I needed to concentrate rather more! set off. Shortly afterwards some of the more ardent members gave chase to, and identified a speedy Initially the route took us along woodland Dark Green Fritillary. We then had to zigzag up a paths eventually opening out onto tussocky very steep slope to a three-sided stone structure grassland and scrub with views over part of called a Toposcope - a landscape viewing point Morecambe Bay. A search revealed only a day with panels to identify the surrounding flying moth - Pyraustaaurata. Further on, an open space known as the 'Cowslip Field', here some of countryside stretching away to the Lakeland Fells.

Continuing on the path bounded by Juniper, the flora noted included Dropwort, Mountain St. Hazel, Yew and Bramble and fringed with Wood Johns-wort, Rock-rose and Orchids. Continuing Sorrel and Wild Strawberry offered us and a bright on, a sheltered hollow with Hemp-agrimony yellow Brimstone moth some shelter from the growing, revealed our first butterflies of the wind and rain. A long stretch of woodland morning, three Meadow Browns! Then another followed through Redhills Wood making me grassy slope with Small Scabious and wonder ifl had managed to lose our group. I was Squinancywort recorded, also two more Meadow relieved when the path emerged to a recognisable Browns. feature the 'Shi Ila Slopes', these being very steep After descending through more woodlands a limestone screes, created by the movement of short detour was made into Lower Heathwaite Fields, meadowland which we were sure would be glaciers during the Ice Age. Having been thwarted in our search for butterflies, Marie Stewart put her filled with butterflies if only the sun would shine!

10

Meathop Moss & Latterbarrow, Monday 10th July With a 'free day' designated in our itinerary, our 'Norfolk Ladies', staying in Camforth had already decided on a visit into Lakeland and the Honister Pass to searcb for the Mountain Ringlet. With the weather fine, sunny and warm, the remainder of our group opted for a visit to Meathop Moss, situated on the western side of the Kent'estuary,just off the A590, N.E. of Grange over Sands.

Meathop Moss, a Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserve, is one of three areas which make up the

'Witherslack Mosses', survivors of once extensive wetland around the Kent estuary. These raised peat bogs are now scarce habitats and their conservation is a priority in European legislation and the U.K.'s Biodiversity Action Plan. At the entrance to the reserve, a path skirted a damp meadow where our botanists found Sand Leek, Marsh Woundwort, Water Figwort and Red Hemp-nettle. A Large Skipper and a Small Tortoiseshell also seen. Passing a pool of peaty black coloured water we came to the start of a boardwalk leading out onto the bog. Masses of bright yellow Bog Asphodel interspersed with the reddish-purple flowering Crossleaved Heath, together with Sphagnum Mosses, produced a colourful mosaic stretching away to the bordering Conifers. Sundew is also common across the reserve.

Several Large Heath butterflies were seen during our stroll along the boardwalk, Richard Stewart who had been able to observe one closely,

DarkGreenFritillary byDouglas Hammersley 11

Autumn 2006

The Suffolk Argus confirmed that it was the 'davus' form, probably the most beautiful of the three forms.

After this visit we moved on a short distance 'up-the-road' to the Latterbarrow Nature Reserve, a 4.4 hectare site owned and managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust since 1986. Latterbartow is made of the same Carboniferous Limestone which forms the crags on the western side of the nearby Whitbarrow Scar. Soil on the reserve is mostly very thin and limestone outcrops can be seen in places.

There are roughly equal areas of grassland, woodland and scrub which the Trust aims to maintain. The reserve is currently grazed during the autumn and winter and scrub which is encroaching onto the grassland is controlled by cutting.

Entering the reserve we were struck by the intense colour of the Betony and almost immediately sighted a High Brown Fritillary, prompting everyone to spread out to look for more. Several then being 'put-up', flying strongly for a short time before alighting amongst Bramble close to ground level. Two Dark Green Fritillaries were also located. Perhaps not so exciting was a Green-veined White and a Speckled Wood, also Silver Y and PyraustaAurata moths. The grassland flora included Meadowsweet, Lady's-mantle, Scabious, Kidney Vetch, Harebells, Bird's-foot Trefoil and Thyme. Rain, which had been threatening for some time, brought an end to our visit to this small but \~;. extremely interesting reserve.

We then returned to Arnside, thus bringing to an end a most rewarding few days with enjoyable company, in a delightful area, which for ..__ ·; several of us was our first visit. My thanks to our lady botanists for their information. Needless to say our drive back co Ipswich the following day was in very hot sunny conditions!

Help Wanted

by RichardStewart Having lost the monocular I have used for many years I was wondering if someone else has the same model, now no longer available, and would be willing to sell it: Bresser Optic 7x21 close focus monocular, focus down to 12 inches (30 cm). · Please phone me on 01473-216518 if you can help.

Green-veined White

by DouglasHammersley 12

Lily-of-the-Valley,Eyebright and Tutsan.

Moving on and with the weather now becoming sunnier and warmer, we came to an area which looked a promising spot for the High Brown Fritillary.This area sheltered by bushes and bracken srands, with a limestone outcrop surrounded by Hemp-agrimony.After a short wait wewere rewarded with the sight of rwo High Brown Fritillariescircling the area at speed, then settling briefly on the rock.

The sunshine also bringing forth Meadow Brown and Large Skipper butterflies, Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Darter Dragonflies.

With our path now descending through woodland with sunny open areas, further sightings of the High Brown Fritillary were made, including a mating pair, mostly on Bramble. More Meadow Browns, another Large Skipper, a Speckled Wood and Common Blue Damselflies. Flora included Common Spotted Orchid, Betony and Common (Black) Knapweed.

We had now reached a point where the path took us across a flower-rich pasture which included Yellow-rattle,Marsh Thistle and many orchids The task of grazing shared by 'organic' cattle and Exmoor ponies. Many_MeadowBrowns and a single Small Tortoiseshellwere noteo here. At a spot where the path lefi: the pasture to return co our starting point, a freshwater spring provides an all-year round supply for the grazing stock, (one 'organic' bovine standing in the water as we passed).

We now ascended through woodland, where some areas had been coppiced to provide breeding sites for the High Brown Fritillary. The recently published book, 'The State ofButterflies in Britain and Ireland', comments that although this species has suffered the greatest distribution decrease of any extant butterfly, the sites on the Morecambe Bay limestones have experienced population increases due co habitat management. Two Dark Green Fritillaries were also noted bringing our total for the morning co nine species. Almost back at the car park we found Peacock larvae, black and spikey, migrating from nettle onto grass stems.

While having our lunch, some of the group had been exchanging information with another visiror to the reserve. He had found the Northern Brown Argus during the morning and was now

anxious to find the Dark-red Helleborine. A 'deal' was agreed - we would show him the Dark-red Helleborine, then he would take us along to where he had seen the Northern Brown Argus. This tied in very well with our plans for the afi:ernoon, which were to follow the way-marked 'Yew Trail' and co search for the Northern Brown Argus a local species found on northern limestone laying its eggs on Rock-rose. Once at the right spot, three specimens were quickly found, much to everyone's delight. The higher temperatures also encouraging to take co the wing Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Red Admiral, Grayling, Large Skipper, and many sightings of the High Brown Fritillary.

Our walk now entered Thrang Wood, an ancient Yew woodland which became part of the N.N.R. in 2002. Further on, reaching a large expanse of exposed limesrone, marked by the 'Silver Jubilee' Cairn, it became obvious that our sunny conditions were not going to stay the course, with the onset of some light rain. This did not stop one of our group locating a clump of Bloody Crane's-bill, another spotting a Comma, wings firmly closed, settled on a Bramble lea£ By the time we had rejoined the morning's 'Limesrone Trail' the rain had become more persistent, making us aware of how slipre°ry the limestone can quickly become. It was time to callit a day! A total of eight species / \ of butterfly were noted 'f' / during the afi:ernoon, ~ \. I·/ giving a tally for the ,, \_,__ll • 1 whole day of thirteen

7 .. \/_

species.

Jim Foster's G.P.S.

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also informed us that we had walked 3·64 miles and the time taken was S hours 39 minutes!

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9

BerylJohnson

The SuffolkArgus

Autumn 2006 'Limestone Trail', returning to the car park for lunch then deciding on the afternoon's activities.

We hadn't progressed very far along the main path, when we took the first of many diversionsonto the limestone pavement. These areas of Carboniferous Limestone being formed millions of years ago in a shallow tropical sea, later shaped by glacial ice. Rain and ground water has since slowly dissolved the rock to form flat blocks, known as 'dints', and a variety of deep fissures, known as 'grikes',shallow' runnels' and pan-like 'solution-cups'.

Looking into the 'grikes' we could see some of the plants that survive in their sheltered conditions, a mix of dwarf trees, mosses and ferns.

Here we found Dark-red Helleborine, Hart's Tongue and Rigid Buckler Ferns, also Maidenhair Spleenwon and Wall Rue. Further on, more diversions onto areas of pavement, some of which were becoming overgrown with Hazel, Silver Birch, Sycamore and Yew.A few glimmers of sunshine tempted out a Grayling onto the warmth of a 'clinf, its wings dosed and tilted over to one side, to lie almost parallel to the limestone surface. Some of the flora noted included

Visit to South CumbriaBth to 10th July

by Alan Johnson Our long weekend excursion for this year was to the area of South Cumbria bordering the northern end of Morecambe Bay where the River Kent feeds into it. Our plan being to visit some of the many Nature Reserves situated in the S.E. part of the county, with our 'target species' being the High Brown Fritillary and the Northern Brown Argus.

A total of twelve members travelled up on the Friday, eight staying in Arnside, four in nearby Carnfonh. Unfortunately Fred and Bea Elliston were unable to join us because of illness.

Gait Barrows, Saturday 8th July Fortified by an excellent breakfast, those of us staying at the 'Willowfield', in Amside, duly set off for Gait Barrows, where we met up with the remainder of our party.

This N.N.R. lying in the Amside and Silverdale A.O.N.B. covers 121 hectares and was established in 1977 to protect one of this country's most important areas of limestone pavement and home to a great variety of wild.life.

With the weather rather overcast, cool and breezy, it was decided to follow the way-marked

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High BrownFritillary

by Beryljohmon

8

New Butterfly Book Asa follow-up to his 'Millennium Atlas of Suffolk Butterflies' Richard Stewart has now written a more informal book based on his diaries from 1994 to the start of 2000, with a final updated section. The title is 'Butterfly Days'.

The main thrust of the book is the butterfly recording in Suffolk during the highly successful national Millennium Survey and this includes accounts of rare butterflies like Large Tonoiseshell, Queen of Spain Fritillary and Camberwell Beauty. Richard also describes many trips outside Suffolk, to see Swallowtails in Norfolk, Chequered Skippers in the , Scottish Highlands, Mountain Ringlets in the Lake District and Large Blues at a secret site in Devon.

Other trips described include the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey which have species no longer recorded in Suffolk.

Richard has included several photos and published poems and he covers other wildlife during his travels. There is also a detailed account of seeing the over wintering Monarchs m Mexico.

Other adventures include a nudist colony, forcibly evicted villagers, threatened allotments, suspicious villagers, late night football supponers, a computerised robot and a woman who actually dislikes butterflies.

The book would make an ideal present for anyone interested in wildlife and is available for £ 6.50, including postage, from Richard at: 'Valezina', 112, Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP4 2X'W. Please make cheques out to 'Richard Stewan'.

Queenof SpainFritillary byMervynCrawford

13

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus

Visit to Exning and Fulbourn Fen Nature Reserve 10th May 2006

by StellaWolfe

Exning (Suffolk)

TL 609671 This was a return visit to a site that had produced a record number of Holly Blue butterflies in 2003. •This track, of uncertain legal status, receives no regular maintenance and is becoming rapidly overgrown.We wondered what effect this may have on its butterfly numbers in the future.

Various white butterflies flew about the nearby field margins, a Large White, a few Greenveined Whites and Orange Tips, together with a Holly Blue.

Because the path was ----.IIM overgrown we had to walk the farm track next to the intended route.

Overnight rain had made the surface sticky.

From time to time a Holly Blue would fly down to mud puddle, seeking minerals. We were enthralled to see an egg-laying Brimstone quickly depositing eggs singly on Buckthorn shoots where these poked through the encroaching ivy. Half way along we revened "to the track again, secateurs in hand. Here we found Speckled Wood, a Peacock, more Holly Blues and Brimstones and heard the 'yaffie' of a Woodpecker.

We completed our circuit by returning along the track of the old railway line, seeing more Brimstones and Holly Blues and a Silver Y moth, a newly arrived migrant. Although we saw fewer Holly Blues than three years ago it's still a rewarding site to visit.

Fulboum Fen Nature.

Reserve (Cambridgeshire)

TL 526557 A few miles WSW took us to Fulboum Fen Nature Reserve, a damp, peaty environment contrastingly close to the chalky slopes of Fleam Dyke nearby.

We walked through the woodland belt to the old orchard, to

We sat view of fruit blossom and patches of Jack-by-theHedge, Bugle, and Ground Ivy, flowers likely to attract butterflies.

Holly Blue byDouglasHammersley 14

Brimstone Behaviour

by Ri.chardStewart.

As the Brimstone is still more often recorded in West Suffolk, we had many sightings on our visit to Exning, on the Suffolk border, on 10th May 2006. With Fleam Dyke in Cambridgeshire added in the afternoon, the total of Brimstones was about twenty. Numbers are always difficult to calculate as both males and females range widely.

What was panicularly interesting on this day was their counship behaviour.

The females were exh_ibiting rejection behaviour bui: when pursued by a male the female alwayskept above him.

Later on the Fleam Dyke one flight we noted had a female at the top and under her three males, each under the other like a wind-blown mobile.

No one else had seen this before and the only explanation I could discover was in "Butterflies of Britain and Ireland" by Thomas and Lewington. On page 40 Jeremy Thomas states it may be possible that the female releases an aphrodisiac 'for it has been noted that a pair of Brimstones may attract a number of other males'.

Other butterflies have special courtship flights but is this panicular pattern just restricted to Brimstones?

Brimstone (on Betony)

by Beryl]ohmon 7

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus The previous Camberwell Beauty invasion was in 1995, when 39 records were received from 36 different tetrads in Suffolk. Those records, ran from 3rd Aug to the end of September - so there may well be more to come year. Any future sightings, or extra detail of chose mentioned above, should be sent to: butterflies@sns.org.uk

List of sightings

*I Editor's Note: By the time of going to press (20th Sep 06), the Suffolk sightings had more or less ceased at a count of 32. The UK total exceeded I 00 sightings, though many of these were the same insects flying west. One even reached Belfast by 14th Sep.

8/8 14/8

8/7 21/7 4/8 5/8

14/8 15/8 I 5/8 16/8 17/8

17/8 17/8 17/8 17/8 17/8 19/8 19/8 20/8 20/8 24/8 27/8 28/8 I

I

! 1/9

Nr Theberton (visitor repon, details awaited) Tattingstone TM 137377 (predating most of the Dutch sightings) Thebenon Woods TM420654 Ipswich garden near BixleyTM 1943 (photographed) Minsmere (visitor repon) TM4767 Ipswich Castle Hill allotments TM! 53465 (moved by hand/cane) (date uncenain), Nayland "Anchor" TL9734 (Essex/Suffolk border) Ipswich garden near BixleyTM 1943 (possibly the same insect as 5/8) Kessingland TM5286 (visitor report - no detail) Sudbury garden TL87 41 Minsmere/Sizewell TM4765 (captured/photographed/ displayed on 18/8) Benacre Broad TM5184 (photographed) Knodishall TM4360 basking on conifer Covehiche TM5282 Gt Bradley TL6752 (Nr Newmarket) on apples. Our most westerly.

Wangford TM448791 settled briefly Cowlinge TL7153 (lifted from over-ripe plum) Haughley TMO262 at 1230 Dunwich TM478705 in garden of Ship Inn at 1415 Dunwich Heath area TM471688 (possibly the same insect) (approx) Newbourne TM2743 (photo deposited at Museum) Gorleston TG5205 (via Bird.line) Knodishall TM4360 (on fallen plums, possibly same insect as 17/8) Brent Eleigh TL948476 (photos)

plus 19/8 Sturmer TL695443 (just into Essex)

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Here we watched Brimstone, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood as well as a Hornet. We then made our way through the "conservation walk". passing a Small White on a cinder heap as we extended our walk up on to Fleam Dyke.

As soon as we had climbed the steps from which dense scrub had recently been cleared, we saw Brimstone, Holly Blue, Small Tonoiseshell, Orange Tip, Comma and heard the song of a Yellowhammer. Again we were enthralled by Brimstones.

During their courtship activity the male always flies beneath the female, both butterflies flying backwards. As they flew together they were sometimes joined by a second or even a third male, always below the female, who led them a merry dance, rising to great altitudes. Another high point of the day (this time for us!) was seeing Green Hairstreaks daning from their perches to accost each other. Their blue-green hue was at variance with the yellow-green of the leaves on which they perched. Nearby we saw a Red admiral, a Peacock

byDouglasHammersley

and another Silver Y moth; more arrivals from the recent migration.

We then turned our attention again to the Fulboum Fen nature reserve. At the pond we found many large tadpoles basking in the warm sun with Red Damselflies flying above. Another Holly Blue was seen on the mud, and in an area that is usually boggy, we saw rather trampled Marsh Orchids and Twayblades. A drier pan of the reserve, Ox Meadow, had a spectacular display of Cowslips. Here we heard a Cuckoo to round off the day.

Footnote: Some of us called at Devil's Dyke on our way home to enjoy the Pasque flowers that were fully out, some already with their seed heads developed.

There we came across yet more Green Hairstreaks and to our delight, another immigrant, a Painted Lady, making a total of 12 butterfly species seen during the day.

15

Th.e,§uffolkArgus

Autumn 2006

Tortoiseshell Nostalgia *••·--

"·

~

byJames Mann, Le Boulou, June 2006 The weather in the South of France in 2006 has not been up to standard. Instead of bright sunshine, it was not until 23rd January that we had a sunny day. Whilst walking alongside a sun-drenched wood and I saw my first butterfly of the year, a LargeTortoiseshell. This reminded me of my first butterfly in 1999, also a Large Tortoiseshell at Snape on 16th March.

My mind drifted back to when I was a child in Aldenon during the war. Our movements were rather restricred, as uoops were everywhere and we were subject to evacuation at twenty four hours notice if an invasion threatened. By mid-summer 1944 we young boys wondered where all the soldiershad gone; we were too young to understand the O-Day landings. By Summer of 1945 all of the soldiers, except a few in charge of some German prisoners of war, had gone. We once again could spend our spare time in the countryside.

All the farms were occupied and farmed by their owners or tenants Most had a milking herd, a flock of sheep and a couple of horses. The small fields were bounded by hedges. At this time, before the widespread use of pesticides, the fields and woods abounded with insects, birds and small animals. Sad to say, us small boys were not interested in butterflies. They were just another thing to look at. We were all into collecring eggs.

Nowadays, people would be horrified, but even then we had a strict code that we followed. We only took one egg from a nest and only if it had more three or more eggs in it. I am proud to say that at fourteen I gave up birds eggs to start a collection of sea shells.

I can remember our rough classification of butterflies. If it was white, it was a Cabbage White.

Our fathers encouraged us to pick the caterpillars off the cabbages to lessen mother's task when preparing them for cooking. Blues were, well Blues, whatever the species!We all knew the Peacock. We had never heard of Hairstreaks and all Tortoiseshells were the same. I remember asking why the Tonoiseshells in the woods and fields looked different from those in the garden. The answer I got was that they are different because they prefer to live in the woods! Not helpful. Much ink has been used speculating why the Large Tortoiseshell is now extincr in Britain. It is said to be a mystery, as there has been little change of habitat. However, I realise that I could see sea and rivers that had not been possible in my youth.

Hedges and woods have been ripped up to make larger "more economical" fields.The marshes, as we used to call them, between the sea wall and Bawdsey,Aldenon and Hollesey have been drained and ploughed up to grow cereal crops. And people wonder where all the Skylarks have gone!

Walking in the mountains of the Eastern Pyrenees, I often think of my childhood days, and when I see both Small and Large Tortoiseshells, I smile and remember the explanation of the difference I was given all those years ago.

w

Chart 1 - Early Arrivals (to 17th August)

w Chart 2 - All Camberwell Beauty sightings to 1st September.

16

5

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus

Carnberwell Beauty

Invasion of 2006

by Rob Parker,2nd September06 Here is an update on the interesting migration of late July and August. As well as one unexpected Long-tailed Blue near Great Yarmouth, two Silver-washed Fritillaries and a Pale Clouded Ydlow, this year brought a wave of Camberwell Beauties to Suffolk.

A low pressure system brought northerly and nonh easterly winds from 3rd to 19th August.

This brought Nymphalisantiopafrom Scandinavia, and they reached the Netherlands in good numbers in the first week of August, though a couple of the Suffolk arrivals were earlier.

They were first seen close to the coast, initially in good condition if showing some signs of exhaustion. At least 5 were photographed, and fully completed record sheets have been received in respect of9 sightings, which are listed below, along with other accounts from diverse sources, not all fully authenticated, Until 1st September, your County Butterfly Recorder had not seen one himself, but an early notification of the Brent Eleigh migrant put that situation to rights. A few are still being recorded, despite the deterioration in the weather, and since the northerly winds have now ceased, it seems likely that the invasion is over.

Sightings will continue, of course, so keep your eyes peeled. The Suffolk count is presently 24, (*l) several of which could be repeats: Norfolk has received even more than Suffolk, with the count standing at 33 by the end of August. A small number have found their way wesrwards into Cambs. and Hens.

Afrer the initial sightings, most have been found in gardens, feeding on fallen apples or plums. Some are now showing signs of wear.

Presumably some will endeavour to hibernate, although the expectation must be that very few will succeed, as they seem intolerant of the humidity of British winters.

CamberwellBeauty byBerylJohnson

.,

4

~~

__ La_r_g_e_T_o_rt_o_is_es_h_e_11 __ . \ byBerylJohnson 17

Autumn 2006

The SuffolkArgus

Butterfly Days DVD

by RichardStewart This DVD by Sandy Hannan from the Surrey Branch bas a generous ninety minutes coverage of fifty eight British species and follows the seasons from April to September.

In addition to footage of adults there are close ups of the earlier stages, some featuring eggs in different stages of development, others giving extended sequences such as the Comma development near the end. My personal favourites were mating Wood Whites and a Large Blue egg laying plus a close up of the 'Valezina' Silverwashed Fritillary, though I am biased here as that is our house name. Sandy's commentary is informative but unobtrusive though sometimes more could have been ( added about some species such as Silver-scudded Blue and Adonis Blue. :._-Often sequences were prefaced by - panoramic views of the landscape in which they live and such shots cover much of our country, including the West, Isle of Wight, Home Counties, Norfolk, Lake District and Scottish Highlands.

The world of our butterflies was further enhanced by many shots of other wildlife, including flowers, dragonflies, predators such as the Crab Spider, Goldfinches and Siskins at garden feeders, Newts eating frog spawn and my own favourite, a packed nest of young Swallows.

Thankfully, except for a shon beginning and end sequence, the dreaded 'musac' was not included, allowing the sounds of the natural world, including songs of cunle dove and nightingale, to mix with human voices and even the faint ice cream van jingle. Sandy was also prepared to allow complete silence on occasions, a considerable asset in my opinion, and the other commendable

feature was very good focus, even in windy conditions.

The DVD ends with a strong and effective conservation message and Sandy estimates that at current costs £6.23 profit can be returned to each Branch per copy sold, which is all the profit.

This is certainly the best of its kind I have reviewed over the years: ideal for bleak winter viewing or just before that first early foray at the start of a new season.

Details: 90 minute DVD costs £8.00 including postage; cheques to S Harman at: 31, Upper Manor Road, Milford, Godalming, Surrey, GUB SJW.

Editorial

by PeteRowberry I am ddighted to be able to take over from Stuart Gough as editor of the Suffolk Argusand

My passion for wildlife was re-invented when I lived in Brighton and learnt about the birds of the to have the opportunity to continue the sterling South Coast. I was lucky enough to find a soul work of the editors and contributors that makes mate who could put up with my eccentricities and every edition a very wdcome break from the four years ago Susan and I fulfilled one of our ambitions when we moved to the countryside of flood of junk mail that hits our doormat. I hope to be able to maintain the high standards that Suffolk. My passion for birds stimulated my interest in a number of other orders of animals and have been set and I offer my particular thanks to Stuart, who has worked hard to make the I developed a love for all things that fly, handover as smooth as possible. particularly butterflies and moths.

In my thirst to develop knowledge I have By way of a' little personal background, I was come across many interesting people who have, born in Birmingham too many years ago to without exception, been helpful and willing to remember and spent the first eighteen years of my life living there. The Black Country was a bit of a share their knowledge with those less expert than desen for wildlife; we used to joke that Brum was themselves. I have been lucky enough to see some the dead centre of England, DEAD! However, my·· of this year's memorable migrants and continue to enthusiasm for birds and mammals was satisfied be captivated by the idea that such delicate looking on many visits to Sunon Park and the Llckey Hills creatures can travel such great distances. I as a child. hope that, in my small way, my editorship .-.. ·:::·:_:.·.:~~;i.:::):/.:~))'•:-:;:-,·:.~·;::.··:::.-_:•.:::·.:: .. of this magazine .......--··:,-· will enable many others to share in delight of this magnificent group of . ·. animals.

:::.(

:·-_:) ·-.-·· .

WoodWhite

'_.:~ ..:..•::\:·-::---~--...:.:.-·~--. .•• - .• . .·: .•·..: :-.-·::-..·:·:~· .-:::•.: .-·-:--_.:

18

Hummingbird Hawk moth byMervyn Crawford

byBerylJohnson 3

Autumn2006

The Suffolk Argus

Contents Editorial

3

Camberwell Beauty Invasion of 2006

4

Copy Dates

Brimstone Behaviour

7

Visit to South Cumbria

8

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

Help Wanted

12

New Butterfly Book

13

Visit to Exning and Fulboum Fen Nature Reserve

14 16

Butterfly Days DVD

18

Newsletter Details and General Information

19 Back Cover

August Bank Holiday I

Cast in aluminium and enamelled in very realistic colours at five times life-size,they will last for many years.

Highly individual nameplates too, to . your own design, with no-obligation colour preview. Suffolk Branch will receive one quarter of the purchase price.

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.

To advertisein the_SuffolkArgus

Phone or fax Mervyn Crawford on Mildenhall (01638) 711600for Colour brochure I Price list.

please contact Pete Rowberry on

01728 602814.

fl ilh:if1tJdi·r ---··· --·-rnt -P For that difficult to ftnd present, why not give a decorative butterfly or moth to mount on the front wall of someone's home ? Cast in aluminium and enamelled in very realistic colours at five times life-size,they will last for many years. Highly individual nameplates too, to your own design,with no-obligation colour preview. Suffolk Branch will receive one quarter of the purchase price.

Phone or Jax Mervyn Cruwford on Milden/wll (01638) 712600for Colour broclture I Price lisL

2

-~rr

April Fools Day

Autumn

Tortoiseshell Nostalgia

lv,·

For that difficult to find present, why not give a decorative butterfly or moth to mount on the front wall of someone's home ?

Christmas Eve

Spring Summer

Suffolk Branch Contacts

fl.

•'KliilJ~~~ii.• @\,--Ji,·""' ~- - - , -f I ~m; ?I

Editorial

SUFFOL MOTHGROU

Come and see the wonders of the night. Regular field meetings and newsletter. Online guide to the larger moths of Suffolk.

Website: www.suffolkmoths.org.uk Contad: Tony Prichard for further details.

19

Suffolk Branch Contacts President Howard Mendel, c/o The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Chairman Mike Dean, Coach House, Ixworth, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP3 l 2HL (01359 230292) Membership Secretary Beryl Johnson, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701) Programme Secretary Alan Johnson, (address above) Publicity Officer Malcolm Farrow, 25 Cedar Road, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2UN (01394 460452) County Recorder (Butterflies) Rob Parker (address below) Conservation Officer (Butterflies) Rob Parker, 66 Cornfield Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3BN (01284 705476)

The

Butterfly Conservation Conservation Officer (Moths) Tony Prichard, 3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047)

Si

County Recorder (Moths) Tony Prichard (address above) Secretary Tony Prichard, (address above) Treasurer Jim Foster, Lugano, The Street, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AH (01449 711484) Regional Officer Eastern Region . Sharon Hearle, c/o Busy Bee, 21 High St., Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8LX (01638 731648) sharon@butterfly-conservation.org Newsletter Editor Pete Rowberry, 11 Waveney Close, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IPl 7 1YB (01728 602814) Committee Members Stella Wolfe,

Volunteers Needed ~[[@[!ill If you feel you could help out now and then with the growing work of the Branch, please contact Beryl Johnson on 01473 715701.

~-

rn~rnrn The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation

Publishedby the SuffolkBranchof ButterflyConservation www.suffolkbutterflies.org.uk Butterfly Conservation Limited byGuarantee RegisteredOffice: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Td: (01929) 400209 © 2004 all rights reserved

Reg.No. 2206468 Reg. Charity No. 254937 Editor. Pete Rowberry Logo: (Silver-srudded Blue) Doug Hammersley Design: Stephen Ion Printer.321 Printing, 25 Brookhouse Business Park, Haclleigh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 OEF

Butterfly Conservation

Autumn 2006 Volume39