Suffolk Argus 4, Jan 1995

Suffolk Branch Contacts

Branch Organiser

Jim Mu1111, 28 Lady Margarec Gardens, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP 12 4EZ (0394 387658) Membership Secretary Paul Gil,011,18 Chclcenham Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4LN (0473 253276)

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Newsletter Editor Sttvt Goddard,47 Colchescer Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 38T (0473 252598)

THE

SUFFOL ARGUS January 1995

Programme Seretary AlanJohnson,28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk 11'3OQH (0473 715701) Conservation Officer & County Recorder (Butterflies) RichardSttwart, 63 Belsread Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 88D (0473 688725)

Volunteers Needed Anyone who wanrs to help wirh rhe growing work of rhc Branch. If you feel you could coordinare our show programm,·, run a small sales ; /~ operarion or jusr help our now and rhen, please contact Andrew Phillips on 0206 322908

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Conservation Officer (Moths) RogtrKmdrick, clo BSc Conservacion Mgc, Ocley College, Ocley, Suffolk (0473 785543) County Recorder (Moths)

Arthur Watchma11, Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Elcigh, Suffolk IP7 7BA Secretary J,111i,rl'rit,J..ird, !!') Leopold Road, 1pswich Suffolk 11'44RN (0473 718137) Treasurer

GrahamBull, Oakbank, Ardleigh Road, Dedham,

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Bu11ertly Conservation (The British Bu11ertly Conservation

Society Ltd.)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A.G.M. Member'sEvening Would you believe rhac our Branch membership is fast moving towards 150, and after only 15 months! With such a number in our own county dedicated to the conservarion of lepidopcera would n't it be just marvellous if as many of us as possible could get togcrher to share conversation in our common inrcrest.

Well, as indicated in our last Evenrs List, we arc dclighred to do jusr 1ha1 ar our very flrsr Member's Evening on Friday, January 271h. !'lease come along and enjoy a slide show and friendly char at The Llu11crfly I lo1cl, limy Sc Edmunds who are generously sponsoring rhe event. We hope to start our presentations ac 7.30 pm so please feel free to arrive from

Essex C07 6EG (0206 323530)

7.00pm.

You know what rhey say, rhe more rhe

Committee Members

merrier.

Mid,atl &Jt1111y K,l,ry, 25 Prospecc Place,

Soon after the Member's Evening we arc holding our second Annual General Mec1ing again generously sponsored diis rime by Guardian Spores and Social Club.

Please come along on Sa11mlay 251h March IO lisrcn and perhaps con1ribu1e 10 d,e affairs of rhe Llranch as well as w lis1en 1<>our guest speaker Neil Ravenscrofr who will be ralking on a subjecr close ro our beans, rl,c Silver-scudded Blue. h would help if you could indicare wl11.:1heryou will be able I<> allend eid1er of rl,c,e events by phoning or wriring IO rhe Newslc11cr Editor.

Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4AL (0728 930975)

Reg. No. 2206468 Rrgiucrcd addras: T uJoc Hou)C, Quam, Loughborough. Ltics. l

t 12 SAD

Reg. Charity No. 254937 Es)(K C07 GEY. Td. (0206) JllJ42 Editcd by Suw Goddard Printed by Grtt Haber, 6- Som. Logo (Sih-cr-uuddcd Blue) D011t Hi,1mmm/q Designed a.ad produ«d by Suphtn Ion,

Uc.ad Office;

r 0.

Box 222. DcJh.n1,

C,i & Mouse: D<>itn (047 J 72942))

© 1994 all 111:,ht~ ,csc:rvcJ

Chairman

A11drewPhillips,Swallow House, Long Road Wesc, Dedham, Essex C07 6ES (0206 322908) President

HowardMmdtl, clo Ipswich Museum, High Sc., Ipswich, Suffolk IPI 3QH (0473 213761)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation Volume 4

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

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

The Suffolk Argus

January

which can be utilised to avoid a 'mad scramble"in the final period. If everyone just

Contents ~

-~·-.

~f

~

Members Evening .......................................... Cover A.G.M ...........................................................

Cover Notes from the Editor ........................................... 3 1994 Field Trips ................................................ 4-7 Moths in my Garden ......................................... 8-9 Light Trap Construction ............................... 10-11 Nettle Feeding Caterpillars .................................. 12 Magazine Details .................................................

13 The Millennium Project. ............................... 14-15 Suffolk Branch Contacts ....................... Back Cover

2

1995

recorded their garden b1111erniesthis would be of great help. The recording sheet could also be sent to other organisat.ions who might he able to help or provide puhlicitr.

Please give me a call (0473 688725) for more copies.

The recordinl\ sheet itsdf should he simple to use. It requires only the site details and species ticked off in one column including if possible, maximum numbers seen. If your recording tends to focus on one place for example, your garden, you may find that you soon run out of space. My suggestion here would be to use one column per month or even one for the whole year with a note to indicate the extent of coverage such as 'Garden recordedevery day from March to November'. If you visit a large site, it would help in appropriate instances, if you could include several grid references.

Finally, experience has shown that two early-nying, single-brooded species are often under-recorded so please keep an eye out for these early on. We are talking about the Orange Tip which is on the wing in April and early May; impossible to confuse with any other if you see the male bu11erny.

Also, the Green Hairstreak whose night period covers a similar time. Look out for a small brown butterfly in flight which has a wonderful, almost metallic green when settleu. It is most likely to be found on heathland especially near gorse and broom.

Another species which can be easily overlooked particularly in gardens, is the Green-Veined White, so be sure to sort 0111 your '(;rem-Veim"from your 'Smt1lf' Whites.

Fresh recording sheets will be distribmed each year so please return the 1995 records to me by December. Thank you and good luck!

Green Hairstreak

I

I

Orange Tip

15

The Suffolk Argus

The Millennium Project

by Richmd Stewart

January

In the last issue of The Suffolk Argus (pages 8 & 9), Jim Asher described the Millennium Project which will hopefully lead to an atlas of British butterflies to celebrate the new Century. The atlas will have national maps in 10 km squares but for recording in Suffolk, the detailed information essentially, needs to be in 1 km squares.

One look at any of the distribution maps in rhe excellent 'B11tterf/ies of S11.ffolk' (Men<lcl anti Piotrowski) rcveals che amount of recording necessary co cover che whole counry. However, there can be no doubt chat recording to this fine degree will be of great value. Here are just two good examples of chis: I.

The new information can be compare<l directly wich rhe 'B11ttaf/iu of S11.ffolk' which, by che en<l of the rnrvey, will he fourteen years old.

2.

If in che future, any goo<l sites are rhreacened information will be rea<lily available 10 oppose their <lcscruccion.

I have alrea<ly ma<le contact wich every war<lcn in Suffolk, all Recor<lers who hclpetl by providing recor<ls for che 'Butterfliesof Suffolk' and every member of che Suffolk Naturalises' Sociery is aware of the survey anti has a recording form. This now extends co the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation and soon, co all members of the Ipswich and District Natural History Sociery. To expand coverage still further, in the spring I shall be communicating with the Women's Institutes of Suffolk, Ra<lio Suffolk and all the local newspapers.

How can you help? The obvious way is co recor<l as inany Suffolk sites as possible in 1995 using che enclosetl Bmcerfly Recor<l Sheet and send your results co me. This early response will also give early warning of under-recorded or completely missed sites

14

Notes Frotn the Editor

1995

New appointments If you compare che list of contacts in our first four Newsleuers you will notice a few comings and goings; changes- in Branch Organiser, Membership secretary, Newsletter Producer and che arrival of a Secretary, Treasurer and Programme Secretary. A new Branch by ics very nature is constantly evolving and developing activities require changes and extensions of roles.

Thanks must go co Russell anti Ron for their concribucions in helping co gee us off the ground and co rake their places we welcome Jim and Paul. Thanks co Janice for formally taking over as Secretary and co Alan for agreeing co oversee the annual evencs planning. Our Chairman is the most thankful 10 Graham and Stephen since this has allowed him co s1cp a,idc from the accounting and new,le11er dc,ign and use the time saved Ill conccnrra1c 1>11other <levclopmcms.

I have co say however, chat d1cse changes <lo nm mean char we arc no longer looking for helpers. Anyone who wams Ill help with the growing work of che Branch in any shape or form will be wclcomc<l as our regular appeal identifies' Just give us a call and let us know how you mighr help.

3

January

The Suffolk Argus

1994

Book.ham Common, Surrey, Saturday July 9th

Field Trips

by Jenny Kelsey

As promised, the following accounts will hopefully bring back the warm feeling of summer on these winter <lays. We really did spend some enjoyable hours out and about last year. Why don't you make sure you join us this season, it will be well worth it.

The elusive Purple Emperor, target far the trip to Bookham Common

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~:-:-..-·,~~---~~:--..------'= Pie: HrrylJohnson

4

Early in the morning of Saturday, July 9th, a neet of car.~from Suffolk took to the A 12 in glorious sunshine, heading fur llookham Common in Surrey. The ft;rther south they went the greyer and gloomier the day became. flm minor details such as mist, signs of rain, and the apparent disappearance of the meeting place (it should have been dose to Bookham Station not Effingham Junction) could 11'1 dampen spirits or expectations.

Once arrived, first (or second) breakfasts were consumed and members of the Suffolk Branch got to know each other a little more, while we waited for stragglers lost at Effingham Junction, and for Ken Willmott to arrive. He is one of Britain's greatest authorities on the Purple Emperor butterny, so to have him as our guide was a special bonus for the Suffolk Branch.

Finally, 25 of us, including five children from 13 months to 13 years, set off across the Common - which turned out to be a very large wood. The sun began to shine, the mists to clear, and we began to see buuernies. In the long grass near the car park there were scores of Meadow Browns and Skippers, which examination revealed as Small, Essex and L·uge. There were Ringlets too, and one Small Tortoiseshell. Cameras came into use.

Then into the wood, scanning bushes and trees. "There's a Purple Hairstreak. " "Look 1A White Admiral!" ",'Ind another!" ''.A Comma. " "Come _and see this Speckled Wood,

Mary."

Many of us envied those with wellingtons and wished we had brought ours. Two days of heavy rain and many horses had turned

Magazine Details

by Steve Goddard

ToAdvertisein .THE._ .

1995

Illustrations \X'hilst we try to incorporate a variety of illustrations mainly but not exclmively of lcpidoptera, other than the logo kindll' provided by local member and artist Doug Hammersley, we had not received any drawings from others of our membership 1101 that is, until our bst newsletter. It was delightful then to open a folder of drawings hy Beryl Johnson, wife of new Programme Secretary Alan and I could not wait !O use them. I should be admonished therefore, for not having acknowledged Beryl's beautiful Silver studded-Blue which embraced perfectly the article by Michael Kelsey in the last issue.

I am most gratified to be able to include the rest of Beryl's work in this edition of the Suffolk Argus hopefully. they won't be the last. There must be others of you who could help 10 brighten our newsleuer in this way. If anyone feels they would like to contribute, please send your work 10 me and it will be included and acknowledged at the very first opportunity.

SUFFOLK 'ABJEIUS

F'lease COl'\ta9t;.

Andrew Phillips (0206 322908) or

st~veGoddard (6473252598) ..

i,_,

,:;,'.::-•:,

ButterflyLine 0891 884505

u

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

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

Christmas Eve

May

April Fol1ls Day

September

August Bank I luliday

Any piece of writing that is considered to be of interest will be published. Line drawings/ prints/photographs will also be very welcome. The Suffolk Argus is your maga1.ine, so please let us hear from you.

Calls charged at 49p per min. peak and 39p per min. at other times

13

The Suftulk Argus

Nettle Feeding Caterpillars

by Steve Goddard

We are all aware that cold, wet springs have a serious affect on butterfly numbers primarily due to lack of sunshine (although this statement in itself still leaves a lot to be explained) but what pan does the quality of the foodplants play in such conditions? le has come to my attention recently that wet conditions can have a particularly serious affect on nettle-feeding butterfly larvae due to the foodplant taking up too much fluid which eventually kills the caterpillars. This certainly seems to be the case with captive bred larvae which suffer a viral disease affecting the Peacock in particular. Caterpillars appear to be able to develop beyond the second instar before dying almost simultaneously.

I found this account to be most intriguing and would be most interested to hear any fimher or associated views on this phenomenen. In fact, any remarks on weather and butterflies would be most welcome.

Below: The Peacockin all its glory, itsfour 'falseeyes'on the wings making it unmistakable

Above: Peacockcaterpillarsfeeding on a nettle, the chrysaliscan be seen hanging underneath

12

the paths into seas of deep mud. But the Commas, Speckled Woods and White Admirals made the mud seem relatively insignificant. Ken Willmott knows every corner of the Common and exactly where to look for which bunerflies. He also has years of experience which he is willing to share. So we all learnt a loc.

Did you know chat the female White Admirals flit from leaf to leaf, drumming on each with their shortened forelegs? As they do a chemical is released from the leaf which indicates to the butterfly whether it is a suitable honeysuckle leaf on which to lay an egg or the leaf of some other plant.

Apparently, all female bucterflies identify the right plants for egg-laying in this way. Ken hunted round until he found and showed us some minute greeny-white eggs laid on the outer edges of honeysuckle leaves. We looked and marvelled - and wondered if we would ever have the skill to find any for ourselves.

We saw many White Admirals and several Commas and Red Admirals. A sharp eyed observer found what was identified as a caterpillar of the Grear Prominent moth, plump green with yellow and red markings, very distinctive. However, the Purple Emperors were elusive. Ken assured us char as he has spent many lunch hours over many years srndying the Bookham Common lrntterflies he would show us exactly where co look, and when. He led us to a group of rail oak and turkc:y oak trees and said "Look 11pthere. "And suddenly there they were!

Four big Purple Emperors contesting their territory high in the treetops. We caught an occasional purple flash as they whirled from shadow to sunlight. Marvellous!

Heading back ro rhe car park for lunch we caught a glimpse of a Silver-washed Fricillary passing ar high speed. "Very rare for Bookham Common"said Ken. We paused ar an elm hedge and saw six White-letter

Hairstreaks, one close enough for the white leua marks on its underside co be clearly seen. There was evidence of the recurrence of Dutch Elm disease, which is very worrying.

"Between /0 am a11dnoon the Purple Emperors come dow11 to this path to feast 011 the salts" said Ken. Bur by rhen it was I pm!

But after lunch when most of us headed back IQ rhe area where we had seen the Emperors, we were mer by two exci1ed Suffolk Branch members. They had parked in different place and while 1hey lunched had seen a Purple Emperor come IQ the glQund near a scream and had been ahle IQ watch it for abour ten minutes. "/1 even uukd on my white blowe.'"How envious we all were, though delighted for our friend~.

But during 1he next hour or so nearly everyone saw a Purple Emperor on the ground and were able IO take photographs, and s111dythis glorious bu11erfly carefully.

The exceptions were the Kdseys, hack in the wood, gazing up at 1he undersides of two more Emperors up in the 1rees. Between us we saw eight Purple Emperors and were sure that the long journey south had been really worthwhile.

The Suffolk Branch's first major outing gave us 17 varieties of woodland and grassland butterflies, and the unparalleled excitement of close-up views of one of Britain's rarest and most superb butterflies.

We are extremely gra1eful to Ken Willmott for giving us some of his time and for sharing his knowledge with us. Please may we have many more guided outings?

5

The Suffolk Argus

Bixley Farm nr. Ipswich, Saturday July 23rd

by Steve Goddard What a beautiful afternoon, hot, sunny, looking very good for buuerOies and sevemeen of us eagerly anticipating a successful orning.

Bixley Farm is a surprisingly varied and most valuable habitat holding 22 of 31 potential cou111ybutterOy species (Orange Tip added since report in last Newsleuer) but like so many such nawral gems is continuosly threatened by housing development. Fortunately however, Suffolk Coastal Dimict Council have taken possession of 1he land a.~Public Open Space and arc well aware of the important natural interest.

This natural interest was not to disappoint us on 1he day of our group visit wi1h seventeen species of butterOy being seen. After only a few strides into the walk we were watching what were the first Holly Blues of 1he year for most of us, I think the count was five in all. A moment or two earlier a few of us who had lingered by several 'little'skippers and had enjoyed a rather worn !'aimed Lady which was particularly welcome as a new addition to my site list. This brought 1he total up to 23, a marvellous start' Would the target species of Hairstreaks be as obliging? Well, no White-letter Hairstreaks were showing at the first line of Elms.

We continued to enjoy good numbers of some of our beautiful hedgerow species: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma as well as 1wo species of White (Green-veined White not idemified today) as we ambled along the footpath towards the first oaks. On reaching a wonderful but alas, yet again threatened

6

January

mixed hedgerow, a high Oying Purple Hairstreak set the pulses racing in expectation. It was here that we started to see our first Graylings, Small Copper and our first confirmed Essex Skipper.

Design

Operation

Open top & bottom wooden box with upward facing lamp. Perspex sheets slide in from top of wooden panels to form 'V' shape with approx 0.5"-1" open strip at base of'V'. Moths are funnelled down into gap and rest within pockets of egg trays between perspex & box sides.

!'lace box at chosen garden site on white cloth. Place egg trays at angle against box sides beneath perspex (may need to split one tray to fit neatly).

Connect flex to extension reel & Mains source (Garage/Conservatory?) & circuit breaker/timer if available. Ensure reasonable gap perspex bases. If desired fir small amount of Blu-tack around top of bulb holder to prevent any moisture entry.

Place extension reel on non-moisture permeable base & cover to a\'oid rain/damp.

For those who take British Wildlife, refer to an excellent Paul Waring article Vol 5 No.3.

Method

A Painted Lady alights near Bixley Farm

l.

Screw wooden blocks centrally to 2 internal panel sides. Top pair on opposite sides with upper surface 4" from panel top (to bear light fitting baton). Bottom pair on opposite sides with upper surface approx. 14" from top (to form stop for base of perspex).

2.

Construct 4 plywood pieces to form box shape attached at corner edges with cloth tape.

3.

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

After a walk around four sides of hedgerow and field of predominantly yellow ragwort (one of the proposed housing sites) watching still further inquisitive Graylings and more Small Copper, we moved on to the 'g11arnntud'Purple Hairstreak site, a stand of splendid oaks.

With the afternoon continuing to be hot and sunny, would any show themselves or would they be content with their diet of honeydew. Any doubts soon disappeared when a shout went up for everyone to look up to 'thegrun gall'. Surprisingly for most of us this 'gmn gall' w_asn't as difficult to find as such minute markers usually ate and there we were, watching a brilliant Purple Hairstreak, purple flashes and all. Could the afternoon possibly get any better? After

1995

Cut perspex sheets to size(if necessary)with Stanley type knife.

Score heavily until separate readily.

Slide into place to rest on bottom blocks to check fit.

Bulb/Container Supplier \Vat kins & Doncaster br post.

Tel. No: 0580 753133 (24 lm).

Min. I week delivery.

13ulb Stock No. E7542, £16 + VAT. Card Boxes (nest ofrwo) £1.25 + VAT (suggest 5 nests min.).

No Carriage cost.

Catalogue available on request.

4.

Cut length of wood (A) and drill central hole for lamp wire.

5.

Fit lamp bayonet holder and attach flex/plug.

6.

Screw lamp holder baton to top blocks.

Skinner B., Colour Identification Guide to

7.

Cut lengths B, C, D & E & screw together to form frame for pyrex bowl to rest on top. B & C to be approx 5" apart. (see diagram).

BrookesM., A Complete Guide to British

8.

Fit bulb & place bowl over (if clearance space insufficient add blocks of wood to B & C to raise height or re-position top panel blocks to lower lamp holder). Tap in wire pins to secure bowl.

Id Guides Moths of the British Isles, (Viking. London, 1986).

Moths, Oonathan Cape, 1991 ).

ChineryM.,Collins Pocket Guide to Insects of Britain & Europe.

HelgnrdReicha/1-Riehm,ButterOics & Moths of Britain & Europe, (Crowood Press).

5011thR., The Moths of 1he British Isles, Vols 1&2, (Warne,1961).

11

The Suffolk Argus

January

Light trap construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

by Steve Goddard

D

8

C Materials (Cose approx £40 <lepcnJing on availability of maccrials) 4 pieces chin plywood ....................................................

18" sq. (no more than 7mm)

2 perspex sheets .............................................................

18" sq. (no more than 2mm)

one lengch wooJ (A) ......................................................

18" X 2.75

Two length wood (B&C) ..............................................

24" X 2.75 (each)

Two lengch wood (D&E) ..............................................

15" X 0.5 (each)

4 small wooden blocks ...................................................

3" X I" (each approx.)

1 twin ba)'onec flush-fie light fitting Length of lamp flex approx 1m & 3 pin plug flex Excension Reel 160w BlenJed Lamp 2 pin (Watkins & Doncaster) Insect Box Concainers (Watkins & Doncascer) lllu-cack (oprional} .3 papicr m.ichc egg crars (.30 size) Hear resisranc bowl (P)'rex type) for lamp weather shidd (mine is 3.01. size, 9.5" dia. opening) Clmh Sdlnrape (or similar) 4 wire pins Whice Cloch app. Im sq.

E

raking in two or three more purple Hairmeaks we all felt happy enough to move on again this rime, ro the second elm hedgerow to search for the elusive Whireletter Hairstreak.

We had not even walked as far as rhe hedgerow when a most observant Paul Johnson made us all abundantly aware rhat he had found one and how obliging it was too feeding contentedly on fresh bramble 30 yards beyond the last elms. It was the first rime I had personally seen one in this part of the common and I have to say I was pretty excited by the find. I had made several visits already this year to no avail so for all the group to see one on our first field trip here was beyond my hopes. Well done Paul.

Many photographs and close studies lacer, we were ready to call it a day except that is, for those of us who intended to go on to Purdis Heath.

1995

I have watched this beautiful creacure as late as 8.00pm on warm July evenings, always a calming evening stroll following a day at work and comes highly recommended.

We should all be doing as much as we can to ensure rhat chese moments of of pleasure are not lost forever. Those of us present on this particular evening certainly will. Suffolk Branch is commitred to keeping Purdis Heath in prime condicion for Silver-srndded Blues for as long as possible (it has been the focus for 11uucrfly Action Day for the past two years) and if it is ever offered for sale we will move heaven and earth to secure its furnre.

Purdis Heath

by Steve Goddard By now, the time was getting on for 6.00pm, just right! We had assembled at Bixley Farm for 3.30pm purposely to enable us to arrive at Purdis Heath just as the Silver-studded Blues were senling down t0 roost. It is so much easier ro look at them il1is way and in my opinion, a beamiful experience. To sec clumps of heather an<l ling dressed in pale blue 'kaves' is a most resrfi.rlcontrast to the high energy of a warm summer afternoon. The occasional flickering of wings and sorties of unsettled individuals confirms that the temperature scill has a way to fall before complete rest ensues.

The Silver-studded Blue Pie:BrrylJol111um

Circuit Breaker (opcional) Timer (oprional, to swicch off jusc afrer dawn!)

10

7

January

The Suffolk Argus

Moths in my Garden

by Steve Goddard

Bright-line Brown-eye moth

8

For many of us, close encounters with butterflies of the night does not occur very often save for the few that come into our homes. This was certainly the case with me until after a committee meeting last April when I was able to sec a light trap in operation for the first time in the pitch darkness of Bradfield woods.

Although we only saw two species (Common Quaker and Early Thorn) in what turned out to be a cold, wet and brief occasion nevertheless, it was enough to stir my interest.

An invitation by Russell Edwards to examine his own home-made light trap early last summer had me taking notes on construction (repeated for your benefit on pages I O and 11) and within a week I had my very own light trap. I would never have believed that with only a small amount of time and effort, a few odds and ends from the garden shed in addition to some essential purchases, I could actllally build my own.

On suitable Friday nights from midJune until the end of August*, it provided regular interest for my family as we saw numbers and varieties of moths beyond our imagina1ion. I usually switched on the shining beacon (do tell the neighbours) at around 11.00 pm and set my automatic timer for just after dawn when I would rise, cover the trap with a large cloak (to retain the ca1ch and deter birds), then return to bed for another hour or so. Then on days of high catches I would sit for anything up to three hours with all my identifica1ion aids around me as well as a selection of holding boxes struggling ro pm a name to them. Even after that time some were released unidentified.

There is no doubt that identification is a real challenge and you really do feel a sense of achievement when as a mere novice you spot that particular feamre that matches Skinner, Brooks or whatever

1995

i'vloth identifica1ion really is a rewarding personal experience as well as being a valuable contribution to county records. \Vhy not give i1 a try?

• I c111°t wait to get sL1r1cd ag;iin.

* '/he only reasonI stopped u1,1J

hec,111se n11t11111n bird migration was nou, u,e/l 1111der way and I found it diffirnlt timewise, to combine my tu•o specialinterests,ilthough I intend to extend my seaJonthis year.

Elephant Hawk-moth Guides you have chosen (perhaps more on ID Guides in another issue).

As a newcomer, I was quite unprepared for waking up to what must have been two hundred and fifty moths collected on my very first night of trapping on 17th June. Two hundred of them tllrned OU! to be Heart and Dart which although clearly common, I had never seen before as so many species are not anracted to normal house lights. Nor was I aware of the problem of wasps in traps which unfortunately did succeed in killing one or two of my catch despite my frantic effons to prevent this.

This same first catch in June was also special because I saw my first ever Elephant Hawk so beautiful in its pink and green. In fact, all but two of fifteen species identified, I had not seen before until 1his day. New species for me continued to abound until by the end of my summer collecting I had identified some sixty species in what turned out to be only six sessions. That's twice as many night butterfly species in a few weeks as day butterfly species throughout Suffolk in a whole season!

Setaceous Hebrew Character moth

9

January

The Suffolk Argus

Moths in my Garden

by Steve Goddard

Bright-line Brown-eye moth

8

For many of us, close encounters with butterflies of the night does not occur very often save for the few that come into our homes. This was certainly the case with me until after a committee meeting last April when I was able to sec a light trap in operation for the first time in the pitch darkness of Bradfield woods.

Although we only saw two species (Common Quaker and Early Thorn) in what turned out to be a cold, wet and brief occasion nevertheless, it was enough to stir my interest.

An invitation by Russell Edwards to examine his own home-made light trap early last summer had me taking notes on construction (repeated for your benefit on pages I O and 11) and within a week I had my very own light trap. I would never have believed that with only a small amount of time and effort, a few odds and ends from the garden shed in addition to some essential purchases, I could actllally build my own.

On suitable Friday nights from midJune until the end of August*, it provided regular interest for my family as we saw numbers and varieties of moths beyond our imagina1ion. I usually switched on the shining beacon (do tell the neighbours) at around 11.00 pm and set my automatic timer for just after dawn when I would rise, cover the trap with a large cloak (to retain the ca1ch and deter birds), then return to bed for another hour or so. Then on days of high catches I would sit for anything up to three hours with all my identifica1ion aids around me as well as a selection of holding boxes struggling ro pm a name to them. Even after that time some were released unidentified.

There is no doubt that identification is a real challenge and you really do feel a sense of achievement when as a mere novice you spot that particular feamre that matches Skinner, Brooks or whatever

1995

i'vloth identifica1ion really is a rewarding personal experience as well as being a valuable contribution to county records. \Vhy not give i1 a try?

• I c111°t wait to get sL1r1cd ag;iin.

* '/he only reasonI stopped u1,1J

hec,111se n11t11111n bird migration was nou, u,e/l 1111der way and I found it diffirnlt timewise, to combine my tu•o specialinterests,ilthough I intend to extend my seaJonthis year.

Elephant Hawk-moth Guides you have chosen (perhaps more on ID Guides in another issue).

As a newcomer, I was quite unprepared for waking up to what must have been two hundred and fifty moths collected on my very first night of trapping on 17th June. Two hundred of them tllrned OU! to be Heart and Dart which although clearly common, I had never seen before as so many species are not anracted to normal house lights. Nor was I aware of the problem of wasps in traps which unfortunately did succeed in killing one or two of my catch despite my frantic effons to prevent this.

This same first catch in June was also special because I saw my first ever Elephant Hawk so beautiful in its pink and green. In fact, all but two of fifteen species identified, I had not seen before until 1his day. New species for me continued to abound until by the end of my summer collecting I had identified some sixty species in what turned out to be only six sessions. That's twice as many night butterfly species in a few weeks as day butterfly species throughout Suffolk in a whole season!

Setaceous Hebrew Character moth

9

The Suffolk Argus

January

Light trap construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

by Steve Goddard

D

8

C Materials (Cose approx £40 <lepcnJing on availability of maccrials) 4 pieces chin plywood ....................................................

18" sq. (no more than 7mm)

2 perspex sheets .............................................................

18" sq. (no more than 2mm)

one lengch wooJ (A) ......................................................

18" X 2.75

Two length wood (B&C) ..............................................

24" X 2.75 (each)

Two lengch wood (D&E) ..............................................

15" X 0.5 (each)

4 small wooden blocks ...................................................

3" X I" (each approx.)

1 twin ba)'onec flush-fie light fitting Length of lamp flex approx 1m & 3 pin plug flex Excension Reel 160w BlenJed Lamp 2 pin (Watkins & Doncaster) Insect Box Concainers (Watkins & Doncascer) lllu-cack (oprional} .3 papicr m.ichc egg crars (.30 size) Hear resisranc bowl (P)'rex type) for lamp weather shidd (mine is 3.01. size, 9.5" dia. opening) Clmh Sdlnrape (or similar) 4 wire pins Whice Cloch app. Im sq.

E

raking in two or three more purple Hairmeaks we all felt happy enough to move on again this rime, ro the second elm hedgerow to search for the elusive Whireletter Hairstreak.

We had not even walked as far as rhe hedgerow when a most observant Paul Johnson made us all abundantly aware rhat he had found one and how obliging it was too feeding contentedly on fresh bramble 30 yards beyond the last elms. It was the first rime I had personally seen one in this part of the common and I have to say I was pretty excited by the find. I had made several visits already this year to no avail so for all the group to see one on our first field trip here was beyond my hopes. Well done Paul.

Many photographs and close studies lacer, we were ready to call it a day except that is, for those of us who intended to go on to Purdis Heath.

1995

I have watched this beautiful creacure as late as 8.00pm on warm July evenings, always a calming evening stroll following a day at work and comes highly recommended.

We should all be doing as much as we can to ensure rhat chese moments of of pleasure are not lost forever. Those of us present on this particular evening certainly will. Suffolk Branch is commitred to keeping Purdis Heath in prime condicion for Silver-srndded Blues for as long as possible (it has been the focus for 11uucrfly Action Day for the past two years) and if it is ever offered for sale we will move heaven and earth to secure its furnre.

Purdis Heath

by Steve Goddard By now, the time was getting on for 6.00pm, just right! We had assembled at Bixley Farm for 3.30pm purposely to enable us to arrive at Purdis Heath just as the Silver-studded Blues were senling down t0 roost. It is so much easier ro look at them il1is way and in my opinion, a beamiful experience. To sec clumps of heather an<l ling dressed in pale blue 'kaves' is a most resrfi.rlcontrast to the high energy of a warm summer afternoon. The occasional flickering of wings and sorties of unsettled individuals confirms that the temperature scill has a way to fall before complete rest ensues.

The Silver-studded Blue Pie:BrrylJol111um

Circuit Breaker (opcional) Timer (oprional, to swicch off jusc afrer dawn!)

10

7

The Suffolk Argus

Bixley Farm nr. Ipswich, Saturday July 23rd

by Steve Goddard What a beautiful afternoon, hot, sunny, looking very good for buuerOies and sevemeen of us eagerly anticipating a successful orning.

Bixley Farm is a surprisingly varied and most valuable habitat holding 22 of 31 potential cou111ybutterOy species (Orange Tip added since report in last Newsleuer) but like so many such nawral gems is continuosly threatened by housing development. Fortunately however, Suffolk Coastal Dimict Council have taken possession of 1he land a.~Public Open Space and arc well aware of the important natural interest.

This natural interest was not to disappoint us on 1he day of our group visit wi1h seventeen species of butterOy being seen. After only a few strides into the walk we were watching what were the first Holly Blues of 1he year for most of us, I think the count was five in all. A moment or two earlier a few of us who had lingered by several 'little'skippers and had enjoyed a rather worn !'aimed Lady which was particularly welcome as a new addition to my site list. This brought 1he total up to 23, a marvellous start' Would the target species of Hairstreaks be as obliging? Well, no White-letter Hairstreaks were showing at the first line of Elms.

We continued to enjoy good numbers of some of our beautiful hedgerow species: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma as well as 1wo species of White (Green-veined White not idemified today) as we ambled along the footpath towards the first oaks. On reaching a wonderful but alas, yet again threatened

6

January

mixed hedgerow, a high Oying Purple Hairstreak set the pulses racing in expectation. It was here that we started to see our first Graylings, Small Copper and our first confirmed Essex Skipper.

Design

Operation

Open top & bottom wooden box with upward facing lamp. Perspex sheets slide in from top of wooden panels to form 'V' shape with approx 0.5"-1" open strip at base of'V'. Moths are funnelled down into gap and rest within pockets of egg trays between perspex & box sides.

!'lace box at chosen garden site on white cloth. Place egg trays at angle against box sides beneath perspex (may need to split one tray to fit neatly).

Connect flex to extension reel & Mains source (Garage/Conservatory?) & circuit breaker/timer if available. Ensure reasonable gap perspex bases. If desired fir small amount of Blu-tack around top of bulb holder to prevent any moisture entry.

Place extension reel on non-moisture permeable base & cover to a\'oid rain/damp.

For those who take British Wildlife, refer to an excellent Paul Waring article Vol 5 No.3.

Method

A Painted Lady alights near Bixley Farm

l.

Screw wooden blocks centrally to 2 internal panel sides. Top pair on opposite sides with upper surface 4" from panel top (to bear light fitting baton). Bottom pair on opposite sides with upper surface approx. 14" from top (to form stop for base of perspex).

2.

Construct 4 plywood pieces to form box shape attached at corner edges with cloth tape.

3.

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

After a walk around four sides of hedgerow and field of predominantly yellow ragwort (one of the proposed housing sites) watching still further inquisitive Graylings and more Small Copper, we moved on to the 'g11arnntud'Purple Hairstreak site, a stand of splendid oaks.

With the afternoon continuing to be hot and sunny, would any show themselves or would they be content with their diet of honeydew. Any doubts soon disappeared when a shout went up for everyone to look up to 'thegrun gall'. Surprisingly for most of us this 'gmn gall' w_asn't as difficult to find as such minute markers usually ate and there we were, watching a brilliant Purple Hairstreak, purple flashes and all. Could the afternoon possibly get any better? After

1995

Cut perspex sheets to size(if necessary)with Stanley type knife.

Score heavily until separate readily.

Slide into place to rest on bottom blocks to check fit.

Bulb/Container Supplier \Vat kins & Doncaster br post.

Tel. No: 0580 753133 (24 lm).

Min. I week delivery.

13ulb Stock No. E7542, £16 + VAT. Card Boxes (nest ofrwo) £1.25 + VAT (suggest 5 nests min.).

No Carriage cost.

Catalogue available on request.

4.

Cut length of wood (A) and drill central hole for lamp wire.

5.

Fit lamp bayonet holder and attach flex/plug.

6.

Screw lamp holder baton to top blocks.

Skinner B., Colour Identification Guide to

7.

Cut lengths B, C, D & E & screw together to form frame for pyrex bowl to rest on top. B & C to be approx 5" apart. (see diagram).

BrookesM., A Complete Guide to British

8.

Fit bulb & place bowl over (if clearance space insufficient add blocks of wood to B & C to raise height or re-position top panel blocks to lower lamp holder). Tap in wire pins to secure bowl.

Id Guides Moths of the British Isles, (Viking. London, 1986).

Moths, Oonathan Cape, 1991 ).

ChineryM.,Collins Pocket Guide to Insects of Britain & Europe.

HelgnrdReicha/1-Riehm,ButterOics & Moths of Britain & Europe, (Crowood Press).

5011thR., The Moths of 1he British Isles, Vols 1&2, (Warne,1961).

11

The Suftulk Argus

Nettle Feeding Caterpillars

by Steve Goddard

We are all aware that cold, wet springs have a serious affect on butterfly numbers primarily due to lack of sunshine (although this statement in itself still leaves a lot to be explained) but what pan does the quality of the foodplants play in such conditions? le has come to my attention recently that wet conditions can have a particularly serious affect on nettle-feeding butterfly larvae due to the foodplant taking up too much fluid which eventually kills the caterpillars. This certainly seems to be the case with captive bred larvae which suffer a viral disease affecting the Peacock in particular. Caterpillars appear to be able to develop beyond the second instar before dying almost simultaneously.

I found this account to be most intriguing and would be most interested to hear any fimher or associated views on this phenomenen. In fact, any remarks on weather and butterflies would be most welcome.

Below: The Peacockin all its glory, itsfour 'falseeyes'on the wings making it unmistakable

Above: Peacockcaterpillarsfeeding on a nettle, the chrysaliscan be seen hanging underneath

12

the paths into seas of deep mud. But the Commas, Speckled Woods and White Admirals made the mud seem relatively insignificant. Ken Willmott knows every corner of the Common and exactly where to look for which bunerflies. He also has years of experience which he is willing to share. So we all learnt a loc.

Did you know chat the female White Admirals flit from leaf to leaf, drumming on each with their shortened forelegs? As they do a chemical is released from the leaf which indicates to the butterfly whether it is a suitable honeysuckle leaf on which to lay an egg or the leaf of some other plant.

Apparently, all female bucterflies identify the right plants for egg-laying in this way. Ken hunted round until he found and showed us some minute greeny-white eggs laid on the outer edges of honeysuckle leaves. We looked and marvelled - and wondered if we would ever have the skill to find any for ourselves.

We saw many White Admirals and several Commas and Red Admirals. A sharp eyed observer found what was identified as a caterpillar of the Grear Prominent moth, plump green with yellow and red markings, very distinctive. However, the Purple Emperors were elusive. Ken assured us char as he has spent many lunch hours over many years srndying the Bookham Common lrntterflies he would show us exactly where co look, and when. He led us to a group of rail oak and turkc:y oak trees and said "Look 11pthere. "And suddenly there they were!

Four big Purple Emperors contesting their territory high in the treetops. We caught an occasional purple flash as they whirled from shadow to sunlight. Marvellous!

Heading back ro rhe car park for lunch we caught a glimpse of a Silver-washed Fricillary passing ar high speed. "Very rare for Bookham Common"said Ken. We paused ar an elm hedge and saw six White-letter

Hairstreaks, one close enough for the white leua marks on its underside co be clearly seen. There was evidence of the recurrence of Dutch Elm disease, which is very worrying.

"Between /0 am a11dnoon the Purple Emperors come dow11 to this path to feast 011 the salts" said Ken. Bur by rhen it was I pm!

But after lunch when most of us headed back IQ rhe area where we had seen the Emperors, we were mer by two exci1ed Suffolk Branch members. They had parked in different place and while 1hey lunched had seen a Purple Emperor come IQ the glQund near a scream and had been ahle IQ watch it for abour ten minutes. "/1 even uukd on my white blowe.'"How envious we all were, though delighted for our friend~.

But during 1he next hour or so nearly everyone saw a Purple Emperor on the ground and were able IO take photographs, and s111dythis glorious bu11erfly carefully.

The exceptions were the Kdseys, hack in the wood, gazing up at 1he undersides of two more Emperors up in the 1rees. Between us we saw eight Purple Emperors and were sure that the long journey south had been really worthwhile.

The Suffolk Branch's first major outing gave us 17 varieties of woodland and grassland butterflies, and the unparalleled excitement of close-up views of one of Britain's rarest and most superb butterflies.

We are extremely gra1eful to Ken Willmott for giving us some of his time and for sharing his knowledge with us. Please may we have many more guided outings?

5

January

The Suffolk Argus

1994

Book.ham Common, Surrey, Saturday July 9th

Field Trips

by Jenny Kelsey

As promised, the following accounts will hopefully bring back the warm feeling of summer on these winter <lays. We really did spend some enjoyable hours out and about last year. Why don't you make sure you join us this season, it will be well worth it.

The elusive Purple Emperor, target far the trip to Bookham Common

~

~---~

~:-:-..-·,~~---~~:--..------'= Pie: HrrylJohnson

4

Early in the morning of Saturday, July 9th, a neet of car.~from Suffolk took to the A 12 in glorious sunshine, heading fur llookham Common in Surrey. The ft;rther south they went the greyer and gloomier the day became. flm minor details such as mist, signs of rain, and the apparent disappearance of the meeting place (it should have been dose to Bookham Station not Effingham Junction) could 11'1 dampen spirits or expectations.

Once arrived, first (or second) breakfasts were consumed and members of the Suffolk Branch got to know each other a little more, while we waited for stragglers lost at Effingham Junction, and for Ken Willmott to arrive. He is one of Britain's greatest authorities on the Purple Emperor butterny, so to have him as our guide was a special bonus for the Suffolk Branch.

Finally, 25 of us, including five children from 13 months to 13 years, set off across the Common - which turned out to be a very large wood. The sun began to shine, the mists to clear, and we began to see buuernies. In the long grass near the car park there were scores of Meadow Browns and Skippers, which examination revealed as Small, Essex and L·uge. There were Ringlets too, and one Small Tortoiseshell. Cameras came into use.

Then into the wood, scanning bushes and trees. "There's a Purple Hairstreak. " "Look 1A White Admiral!" ",'Ind another!" ''.A Comma. " "Come _and see this Speckled Wood,

Mary."

Many of us envied those with wellingtons and wished we had brought ours. Two days of heavy rain and many horses had turned

Magazine Details

by Steve Goddard

ToAdvertisein .THE._ .

1995

Illustrations \X'hilst we try to incorporate a variety of illustrations mainly but not exclmively of lcpidoptera, other than the logo kindll' provided by local member and artist Doug Hammersley, we had not received any drawings from others of our membership 1101 that is, until our bst newsletter. It was delightful then to open a folder of drawings hy Beryl Johnson, wife of new Programme Secretary Alan and I could not wait !O use them. I should be admonished therefore, for not having acknowledged Beryl's beautiful Silver studded-Blue which embraced perfectly the article by Michael Kelsey in the last issue.

I am most gratified to be able to include the rest of Beryl's work in this edition of the Suffolk Argus hopefully. they won't be the last. There must be others of you who could help 10 brighten our newsleuer in this way. If anyone feels they would like to contribute, please send your work 10 me and it will be included and acknowledged at the very first opportunity.

SUFFOLK 'ABJEIUS

F'lease COl'\ta9t;.

Andrew Phillips (0206 322908) or

st~veGoddard (6473252598) ..

i,_,

,:;,'.::-•:,

ButterflyLine 0891 884505

u

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

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

Christmas Eve

May

April Fol1ls Day

September

August Bank I luliday

Any piece of writing that is considered to be of interest will be published. Line drawings/ prints/photographs will also be very welcome. The Suffolk Argus is your maga1.ine, so please let us hear from you.

Calls charged at 49p per min. peak and 39p per min. at other times

13

The Suffolk Argus

The Millennium Project

by Richmd Stewart

January

In the last issue of The Suffolk Argus (pages 8 & 9), Jim Asher described the Millennium Project which will hopefully lead to an atlas of British butterflies to celebrate the new Century. The atlas will have national maps in 10 km squares but for recording in Suffolk, the detailed information essentially, needs to be in 1 km squares.

One look at any of the distribution maps in rhe excellent 'B11tterf/ies of S11.ffolk' (Men<lcl anti Piotrowski) rcveals che amount of recording necessary co cover che whole counry. However, there can be no doubt chat recording to this fine degree will be of great value. Here are just two good examples of chis: I.

The new information can be compare<l directly wich rhe 'B11ttaf/iu of S11.ffolk' which, by che en<l of the rnrvey, will he fourteen years old.

2.

If in che future, any goo<l sites are rhreacened information will be rea<lily available 10 oppose their <lcscruccion.

I have alrea<ly ma<le contact wich every war<lcn in Suffolk, all Recor<lers who hclpetl by providing recor<ls for che 'Butterfliesof Suffolk' and every member of che Suffolk Naturalises' Sociery is aware of the survey anti has a recording form. This now extends co the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation and soon, co all members of the Ipswich and District Natural History Sociery. To expand coverage still further, in the spring I shall be communicating with the Women's Institutes of Suffolk, Ra<lio Suffolk and all the local newspapers.

How can you help? The obvious way is co recor<l as inany Suffolk sites as possible in 1995 using che enclosetl Bmcerfly Recor<l Sheet and send your results co me. This early response will also give early warning of under-recorded or completely missed sites

14

Notes Frotn the Editor

1995

New appointments If you compare che list of contacts in our first four Newsleuers you will notice a few comings and goings; changes- in Branch Organiser, Membership secretary, Newsletter Producer and che arrival of a Secretary, Treasurer and Programme Secretary. A new Branch by ics very nature is constantly evolving and developing activities require changes and extensions of roles.

Thanks must go co Russell anti Ron for their concribucions in helping co gee us off the ground and co rake their places we welcome Jim and Paul. Thanks co Janice for formally taking over as Secretary and co Alan for agreeing co oversee the annual evencs planning. Our Chairman is the most thankful 10 Graham and Stephen since this has allowed him co s1cp a,idc from the accounting and new,le11er dc,ign and use the time saved Ill conccnrra1c 1>11other <levclopmcms.

I have co say however, chat d1cse changes <lo nm mean char we arc no longer looking for helpers. Anyone who wams Ill help with the growing work of che Branch in any shape or form will be wclcomc<l as our regular appeal identifies' Just give us a call and let us know how you mighr help.

3

The Suffolk Argus

January

which can be utilised to avoid a 'mad scramble"in the final period. If everyone just

Contents ~

-~·-.

~f

~

Members Evening .......................................... Cover A.G.M ...........................................................

Cover Notes from the Editor ........................................... 3 1994 Field Trips ................................................ 4-7 Moths in my Garden ......................................... 8-9 Light Trap Construction ............................... 10-11 Nettle Feeding Caterpillars .................................. 12 Magazine Details .................................................

13 The Millennium Project. ............................... 14-15 Suffolk Branch Contacts ....................... Back Cover

2

1995

recorded their garden b1111erniesthis would be of great help. The recording sheet could also be sent to other organisat.ions who might he able to help or provide puhlicitr.

Please give me a call (0473 688725) for more copies.

The recordinl\ sheet itsdf should he simple to use. It requires only the site details and species ticked off in one column including if possible, maximum numbers seen. If your recording tends to focus on one place for example, your garden, you may find that you soon run out of space. My suggestion here would be to use one column per month or even one for the whole year with a note to indicate the extent of coverage such as 'Garden recordedevery day from March to November'. If you visit a large site, it would help in appropriate instances, if you could include several grid references.

Finally, experience has shown that two early-nying, single-brooded species are often under-recorded so please keep an eye out for these early on. We are talking about the Orange Tip which is on the wing in April and early May; impossible to confuse with any other if you see the male bu11erny.

Also, the Green Hairstreak whose night period covers a similar time. Look out for a small brown butterfly in flight which has a wonderful, almost metallic green when settleu. It is most likely to be found on heathland especially near gorse and broom.

Another species which can be easily overlooked particularly in gardens, is the Green-Veined White, so be sure to sort 0111 your '(;rem-Veim"from your 'Smt1lf' Whites.

Fresh recording sheets will be distribmed each year so please return the 1995 records to me by December. Thank you and good luck!

Green Hairstreak

I

I

Orange Tip

15

Suffolk Branch Contacts

Branch Organiser

Jim Mu1111, 28 Lady Margarec Gardens, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP 12 4EZ (0394 387658) Membership Secretary Paul Gil,011,18 Chclcenham Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4LN (0473 253276)

---

Newsletter Editor Sttvt Goddard,47 Colchescer Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 38T (0473 252598)

THE

SUFFOL ARGUS January 1995

Programme Seretary AlanJohnson,28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk 11'3OQH (0473 715701) Conservation Officer & County Recorder (Butterflies) RichardSttwart, 63 Belsread Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 88D (0473 688725)

Volunteers Needed Anyone who wanrs to help wirh rhe growing work of rhc Branch. If you feel you could coordinare our show programm,·, run a small sales ; /~ operarion or jusr help our now and rhen, please contact Andrew Phillips on 0206 322908

'

'--~

~/:,'.····

Conservation Officer (Moths) RogtrKmdrick, clo BSc Conservacion Mgc, Ocley College, Ocley, Suffolk (0473 785543) County Recorder (Moths)

Arthur Watchma11, Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Elcigh, Suffolk IP7 7BA Secretary J,111i,rl'rit,J..ird, !!') Leopold Road, 1pswich Suffolk 11'44RN (0473 718137) Treasurer

GrahamBull, Oakbank, Ardleigh Road, Dedham,

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Bu11ertly Conservation (The British Bu11ertly Conservation

Society Ltd.)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A.G.M. Member'sEvening Would you believe rhac our Branch membership is fast moving towards 150, and after only 15 months! With such a number in our own county dedicated to the conservarion of lepidopcera would n't it be just marvellous if as many of us as possible could get togcrher to share conversation in our common inrcrest.

Well, as indicated in our last Evenrs List, we arc dclighred to do jusr 1ha1 ar our very flrsr Member's Evening on Friday, January 271h. !'lease come along and enjoy a slide show and friendly char at The Llu11crfly I lo1cl, limy Sc Edmunds who are generously sponsoring rhe event. We hope to start our presentations ac 7.30 pm so please feel free to arrive from

Essex C07 6EG (0206 323530)

7.00pm.

You know what rhey say, rhe more rhe

Committee Members

merrier.

Mid,atl &Jt1111y K,l,ry, 25 Prospecc Place,

Soon after the Member's Evening we arc holding our second Annual General Mec1ing again generously sponsored diis rime by Guardian Spores and Social Club.

Please come along on Sa11mlay 251h March IO lisrcn and perhaps con1ribu1e 10 d,e affairs of rhe Llranch as well as w lis1en 1<>our guest speaker Neil Ravenscrofr who will be ralking on a subjecr close ro our beans, rl,c Silver-scudded Blue. h would help if you could indicare wl11.:1heryou will be able I<> allend eid1er of rl,c,e events by phoning or wriring IO rhe Newslc11cr Editor.

Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4AL (0728 930975)

Reg. No. 2206468 Rrgiucrcd addras: T uJoc Hou)C, Quam, Loughborough. Ltics. l

t 12 SAD

Reg. Charity No. 254937 Es)(K C07 GEY. Td. (0206) JllJ42 Editcd by Suw Goddard Printed by Grtt Haber, 6- Som. Logo (Sih-cr-uuddcd Blue) D011t Hi,1mmm/q Designed a.ad produ«d by Suphtn Ion,

Uc.ad Office;

r 0.

Box 222. DcJh.n1,

C,i & Mouse: D<>itn (047 J 72942))

© 1994 all 111:,ht~ ,csc:rvcJ

Chairman

A11drewPhillips,Swallow House, Long Road Wesc, Dedham, Essex C07 6ES (0206 322908) President

HowardMmdtl, clo Ipswich Museum, High Sc., Ipswich, Suffolk IPI 3QH (0473 213761)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation Volume 4

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

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION