Suffolk Argus 62 Spring 2015

Spring 2015

Suffolk Argus The

White-letter Hairstreak

photo Peter Maddison

The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation

Spring 2015

1

Volume 62

The Suffolk Argus

Geoff Hayes Checking butterfly identifications Kerkini, Greece June 2010

Red Admiral seen on 2nd January 2015 near Bawdsey Hall. Flying high then coming to rest on a line of conifers.

Sunny and 7°C. Photo and sighting: Karen and Robert Brown

Larva of Toadflax Brocade Photo: Derek and Valerie Soper You Never Know... Page 12

2

Spring 2015

Contents Editorial Branch Contacts New Members Obituary Butterfly Haiku WCBS Hibernating Peacocks Observations of Red Admirals You Never Know...

Six Of The Best The Wall Brown The Purple Emperor at Theberton A Lost Opportunity, Connectivity and Hope New Beginnings Attracting Butterflies to your Garden Gleanings from the Internet Day-flying Moths and Caterpillar Recording Butterfly Quiz

3 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 21 22 24

Editorial

Peter Maddison David and Margie Carter, and Robert Brown saw Red Admirals during a mild spell on the 2nd of January, but my goodness this winter does seem to be going on. I can’t ZDLW IRU WKRVH ¿UVW WUXH VSULQJ GD\V ZKHQ DQ RYHU ZLQWHULQJ EXWWHUÀ\ HPHUJHV WR VLS nectar at a crocus bloom. The day when D PDOH %ULPVWRQH ÀLWV WKURXJK WKH JDUGHQ passing by shrubs that are barely in leaf LV DOZD\V XSOLIWLQJ 7KHQ WKH EXWWHUÀ\ season is underway. How will you attract EXWWHUÀLHV WR \RXU JDUGHQ" %LOO 6WRQH KDV some answers, he’s just moved house and writes about the plants that he has put in his garden. In another article Derek and 9DOHULH 6RSHU ZULWH DERXW WKH EXWWHUÀ\ plants, both wild and cultivated, that they value in their garden. If you have plants that you have found to be particularly attractive

WR EXWWHUÀLHV RU PRWKV SOHDVH ZULWH LQ DQG volunteer your suggestions….and spread the word.

Work at Purdis Heath has been carried out by a growing band of volunteers, and we thank them for their hard work and support for the project over the winter months. They are not the only volunteers, other members have put themselves forward to help at some of our ‘meet the public’ events and we are grateful for their support too. As our membership increases we want to be able to offer more events, but to do this we need to share the workload and help is required.

If you feel that you are able to assist at an event or have a particular skill that might be useful to the Branch please make contact ZLWK +HOHQ 6DXQGHUV (YHQWV DQG 3XUGLV 3

The Suffolk Argus work parties), or our Chairman, Mike Dean &RXQWU\VLGH %XWWHUÀ\ 6XUYH\ DQG ORRNV or any member of the Committee. Contact forward to the new season. At present only details are on Page 5. one square is available for a new recorder, but it is possible that before the season We welcome our new members to the Branch begins some brand new squares will be and hope that you will be able to join us in added to the county list. If you are interested RXU (YHQWV SURJUDPPH $ µ1HZ 0HPEHUV¶ in recording within this scheme please DQG 1RYLFH 5HFRUGHUV¶ 'D\¶ LV EHLQJ KHOG RQ contact Twm. Twm.wade@yahoo.com the 25th RI $SULO 1HZ 0HPEHUV DQG WKRVH RI In 2018 a Macro-­moth Atlas of Britain and longer standing are welcome to take part in Ireland will be published and help is sought WKH HYHQWV WKDW IROORZ LQ ZKLFK LGHQWL¿FDWLRQ IURP EXWWHUÀ\ UHFRUGHUV ZLWK WKH UHFRUGLQJ skills may be honed, rarely observed RI GD\ À\LQJ PRWKV DQG PRWK FDWHUSLOODUV EXWWHUÀLHV ZDWFKHG DQG QHZ DFTXDLQWDQFHV You might be well-­versed in the world made. The 2015 Programme is enclosed of moths, but for me this will be a new with this copy of The Suffolk Argus and full challenge, and a welcome one. Zoë Randle details may be found on the Branch website, and Richard Fox write about this project. where updates will also be shown. For most of the events it is worth contacting the leader :LOO \RX EH PDNLQJ SODQV IRU WKH VHDVRQ" for up-­to-­the-­minute details.

3HUKDSV WKH 'LQJ\ 6NLSSHU IDVFLQDWHV \RX RU WKH ÀDVK\ 6LOYHU ZDVKHG )ULWLOODU\ <RX %XWWHUÀ\ UHFRUGLQJ ZLOO VRRQ EHJLQ PLJKW ZLVK WR VHH 6ZDOORZWDLOV VHH &DW¿HOG Recording sheets are available on the website )HQ HYHQW SHUKDSV IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH RU at ZZZ VXIIRONEXWWHUÀLHV RUJ XN where the SHUKDSV %ULWLVK 6ZDOORZWDLOV LQ VL[ GLIIHUHQW UHJXODUO\ XSGDWHG FRXQW\ µ6LJKWLQJV¶ SDJH ORFDWLRQV DV 5LFKDUG 6WHZDUW GLG LQ will be found. read his article. Wherever your interest lies Twm Wade co-­ordinates the Wider have a good season!

Swallowtail Illustration by Douglas Hammersley

Editorial copy date &RQWULEXWLRQV IRU WKH 6XPPHU HGLWLRQ RI RXU newsletter are very welcome and should be VHQW WR WKH (GLWRU 3HWHU 0DGGLVRQ QR ODWHU WKDQ Sunday 17th May, 2015.

will be published and we also welcome line drawings, prints and photographs. &RQWULEXWLRQV SUHIHUDEO\ HOHFWURQLF FDQ EH VHQW to the address on the Contacts page or by email to: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk

Any piece of writing considered to be of interest 4

Spring 2015

Suffolk Branch Contacts President Howard Mendel c/o The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD Tel: 0207 938 8782

&RQVHUYDWLRQ 2΀FHU %XWWHUÁLHV Rob Parker &RUQÀHOG 5G Bury St Edmunds IP33 3BN Tel: 01284 705476 email: robparker@waitrose.com

Chairman Mike Dean Coach House, Ixworth, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2HL Tel: 01359 230292 email: Michael.Dean2@ virginmedia.com

&RQVHUYDWLRQ 2΀FHU 0RWKV Tony Prichard 3, Powling Rd., Ipswich IP3 9JR Tel: 01473 270047 email: tony.prichard@btinternet.com

Membership Secretary Susan Sidle Five Gables, The Ling, Wortham, Diss, Norfolk IP22 1ST Tel: 01379 643665 email: susansidle361@gmail.com

%XWWHUÁ\ +DELWDW &RQVHUYDWLRQ 2΀FHU Matt Berry Tel: 07599 243026 email: matt@greenwings.co Newsletter Editor Peter Maddison Barnmead, Fishpond Rd, :DOGULQJÀHOG Woodbridge IP12 4QX Tel: 01473 736607 email: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer Dominic Hill Tel: 01359 269855 email: domhill25@icloud.com Secretary Julian Dowding 84, Clapgate Lane, Ipswich IP3 0RE Tel: 01473 436096 email: julian.dowding@ntlworld.com

5HJLRQDO 2΀FHU (DVWHUQ (QJODQG Sharon Hearle 50, Barry Lynham Drive Newmarket, CB8 8YT Tel: 01638 484145 HPDLO VKHDUOH#EXWWHUÁ\ FRQVHUYDWLRQ RUJ

&RXQW\ %XWWHUÁ\ 5HFRUGHU Bill Stone 26, Thomas Crescent, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2HN, Tel: 01473 570204 HPDLO EXWWHUÁLHV#VQV RUJ XN

Website Richard Perryman email: richard.perryman@ntlworld.com WCBS Co-ordinator Twm Wade email: twm.wade@ yahoo.com

Committee Member Helen Saunders email: helens919@gmail.com

7KH 6XͿRON $UJXV LV SXEOLVKHG E\ WKH 6XͿRON %UDQFK RI %XWWHUÁ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ 7KH RSLQLRQV H[SUHVVHG LQ WKLV QHZVOHWWHU DUH QRW QHFHVVDULO\ WKRVH RI %XWWHUÁ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ RU WKH %UDQFK $OO ULJKWV UHVHUYHG )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ VHH ZZZ VXͿRONEXWWHUÁLHV RUJ XN %XWWHUÁ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ &RPSDQ\ OLPLWHG E\ JXDUDQWHH UHJLVWHUHG LQ (QJODQG 5HJLVWHUHG 2΀FH 0DQRU <DUG (DVW /XOZRUWK :DUHKDP 'RUVHW %+ 5QP Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268)

5

The Suffolk Argus

New Members

Susan Sidle, Branch Membership Secretary :H ZDUPO\ ZHOFRPH WKH IROORZLQJ QHZ PHPEHUV WR WKH 6XIIRON %UDQFK Mr J Boardman, Worlingham

Mr R & Mrs F Mason, Manningtree

Mr K H Boulton, Lowestoft

0LVV $ 1HZSRUW 7RVWRFN

0U . - %\¿HOG .QRGLVKDOO

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Mr D Cable-­Davey, Ipswich

Miss C Phillips, Palgrave

Mr R Clements, Flowton

0UV 6 0U $ 3UHWW\ )DPLO\ %DUVKDP

Miss R Crocket, Hitcham

Mr D Rodie, Birch

Ms H Fisher & Mr R Hall, Halesworth

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0UV + )XUORQJ (OPVHWW

Mrs R Titchiner, Ditchingham

Mr D & Mrs J Jowers , Ipswich

Mrs B Willison, Weeting

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0UV $ :RRGZDUG (OPVZHOO

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Mr A Wren , Lowestoft

,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH :HOFRPH 3DFN IURP %XWWHUÀ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ DOO QHZ PHPEHUV VKRXOG KDYH UHFHLYHG a Welcome Letter from the branch either by email or by post. If you don’t think you have received your branch Welcome Letter, please let me know using my contact details below.

If we welcomed you by email, you will have received a link to the online version of our latest branch QHZVOHWWHU WKH 6XIIRON $UJXV %\ GHIDXOW \RX ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR EH HPDLOHG D OLQN WR IXWXUH RQOLQH editions, as they become available, unless you request otherwise. Many of our members prefer to receive a hard copy of the Argus and we are very happy to oblige. Likewise, if you currently receive a hard copy, but would be happy to receive your future newsletters electronically, again let me know. $W WKH WLPH RI ZULWLQJ KRXVHKROGV KDYH PHPEHUVKLS ZLWK WKH 6XIIRON %UDQFK ZKLFK PHDQV WKDW DV D EUDQFK ZH KDYH DOPRVW GRXEOHG LQ VL]H RYHU WKH ODVW ¿YH \HDUV 7KLV LV JUHDW QHZV IRU 6XIIRON¶V EXWWHUÀLHV DQG PRWKV VR WKDQN \RX DJDLQ IRU \RXU VXSSRUW ,I \RX ZRXOG OLNH WR HQFRXUDJH IULHQGV RU IDPLO\ WR MRLQ WRR GRQ¶W IRUJHW WR FKHFN %XWWHUÀ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ¶V ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ EXWWHUÀ\ FRQVHUYDWLRQ RUJ XN ¿QG RXW WKH ODWHVW QHZ PHPEHU LQLWLDWLYHV RQ RIIHU 6XIIRON %UDQFK FDQ QRZ FRPPXQLFDWH ZLWK PRVW PHPEHUV E\ HPDLO (PDLOV IURP WKH EUDQFK ZLOO XVXDOO\ FRPH IURP QHZV#VXIIRONEXWWHUÀLHV RUJ XN PRVWO\ GXULQJ WKH EXWWHUÀ\ VHDVRQ DQG PD\ include reminders of upcoming events and details of any last minute changes. They may also include the occasional request for help. If you haven’t yet provided us with your email address and would like to do so, contact me at my email address below. If you prefer, you can of course keep up to date via the branch website.

Contact details for Susan Sidle: susansidle361@gmail.com or 01379 643665.

6

Spring 2015

Obituary Geoff Hayes I am sorry to report the passing of Geoff, who was a long-­standing member of the Branch, having joined in 1993. He and Pat were frequent DWWHQGHHV DW %UDQFK HYHQWV 5HFRUGLQJ EXWWHUÀLHV was an important part of Geoff’s hobby and in IRU WKH 6XIIRON *DUGHQ %XWWHUÀ\ 6XUYH\ KH and Pat observed 16 species in their small garden in Beyton, with 11 species coming to Buddleia and 10 to Aster frikartii. Theirs was noted as being one of the best-­recorded gardens in the survey. Geoff and Pat were major contributors in WKH ¿YH \HDUV OHDGLQJ WR WKH SXEOLFDWLRQ RI µ7KH 0LOOHQQLXP $WODV RI 6XIIRON %XWWHUÀLHV¶ ,Q IDFW Pat has said that Geoff’s diaries were ‘nothing EXW EXWWHUÀLHV ¶

to the Lake Kerkini district of northern Greece, ZKHUH *HRII¶V NQRZOHGJH RI EXWWHUÀLHV DQG HQWKXVLDVP LQ WKH ¿HOG ZHUH FOHDU WR VHH 6DGO\ with eyesight and health deteriorating, Geoff’s DWWHQGDQFH DW ¿HOG HYHQWV EHFDPH OHVV IUHTXHQW but he was pleased to be able to once again SDUWLFLSDWH DW 7UXGLH :LOOLV¶ %XWWHUÀ\ *DUGHQ 2SHQ 'D\ LQ ZKHUH ZH UHFDOOHG WKDW ¿YH years earlier the buddlejas had strained under the weight of migrant Painted Ladies.

Geoff died at the beginning of the new year whilst staying with his daughter in Devon. We are most grateful to Pat for allowing donations WR EH PDGH WR WKH 6XIIRON %UDQFK RI %XWWHUÀ\ Conservation and send her and the family our sincere condolences.

Geoff and Pat took part in some of our extended EXWWHUÀ\ KROLGD\V PRUH UHFHQWO\ D ORQJ ZHHNHQG at Portland Bill, and in 2010 a week-­long visit

Peter Maddison

Butterfly Haiku - Winter into Spring Richard Stewart

Beneath a blanket Of soft snow on deep ivy Yellow brimstones rest.

(DUWK LV VWLOO ZDLWLQJ For the last melting of snow 7KH ¿UVW EXWWHUÀLHV Blue sky and sunshine Clusters of bright ladybirds 7KH ¿UVW EXPEOLQJ EHH Cold earth is turning 6OLS VOLGLQJ LQWR WKH VSULQJ As icicles melt.

A single peacock Out of winter’s cold darkness Basking in sunlight.

A male orange tip Feeds on purple aubretia The clash of colours!

Peacock Illustration by Mervyn Crawford 7

The Suffolk Argus

WCBS - The Many Volunteers Lead To Success Twm Wade

%XWWHUÀ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ RUJDQLVH RQH RI WKH biggest long-­term amateur science projects in the ZRUOG NQRZQ DV WKH 8. %XWWHUÀ\ 0RQLWRULQJ 6FKHPH 7KH :LGHU &RXQWU\VLGH %XWWHUÀ\ 6XUYH\ LV SDUW RI LW

5LQJOHW 6SHFNOHG :RRG The least widespread were: Clouded Yellow, 6LOYHU VWXGGHG %OXH *UHHQ DQG :KLWH OHWWHU Hairstreak, increasing to Purple Hairstreak 2, Orange Tip & Grayling 3.

7KH FRQWULEXWLRQ IURP 6XIIRON KDV EHHQ JUHDWO\ increased this year by many fresh volunteers from the adventuring beginner to the well-­versed. The :&%6 VFKHPH GRHV QRW VXLW HYHU\RQH \HW , KRSH the information gained is of wider interest.

7KH PRVW DEXQGDQW EXWWHUÀ\ ZDV WKH *DWHNHHSHU ZLWK D WRWDO RI UHFRUGV HYHQ WKRXJK LW ZDV QRW the most widespread. This was closely followed E\ WKH 0HDGRZ %URZQ ZLWK WKH WRWDO RI DQG WKHQ WKHUH LV D VWHS GRZQ WR WKH 6PDOO :KLWH DW ZKLFK ZDV WKH PRVW ZLGHVSUHDG ,Q WKH V ZH KDYH 5LQJOHW 6PDOO 7RUWRLVHVKHOO DQG /DUJH :KLWH 7KH OHDVW DEXQGDQW ZHUH VLQJOH UHFRUGLQJV IRU &ORXGHG <HOORZ 6LOYHU VWXGGHG %OXH DQG :KLWH OHWWHU +DLUVWUHDN 1H[W we have Purple Hairstreak at 2, Brown Argus at DQG *UHHQ +DLUVWUHDN DW ,W LV LQWHUHVWLQJ WR QRWH WKDW 2UDQJH WLS ZHUH UHFRUGHG EXW RQO\ in 3 squares. This statistic is likely to change if PRUH VXUYH\V FRXOG EH ¿WWHG LQ GXULQJ $SULO DQG May.

The 2014 Outcome The information here includes sightings recorded by surveyors organised by the British Trust for 2UQLWKRORJ\ %72 Moths 1LQH VSHFLHV ZHUH UHFRUGHG LQ VHYHQ squares. The most widespread and abundant was the Cinnabar by some margin over the 6LOYHU < 7KH 2DN (JJDU DQG 'XVN\ 6DOORZ were both at the bottom of the table as regards occupancy and abundance.

A WCBS outing can be a fun thing to do on a warm sunny day. Everything about the scheme is available on the web: http://www. ukbms.org/wcbs.aspx or ask me. The table of available squares varies from time-­to-­time and is scheduled below.

%XWWHUÀLHV -­ Twenty-­eight species were recorded LQ VTXDUHV ZLWK D WRWDO RI EXWWHUÀLHV 7KH PRVW ZLGHVSUHDG ZDV WKH 6PDOO :KLWH LQ VTXDUHV WKHQ 0HDGRZ %URZQ 5HG $GPLUDO 23, then Gatekeeper, Large White & Peacock in

:,'(5 &28175<6,'( %877(5)/< 6859(< ,1 68))2/.

6TXDUHV $YDLODEOH WR 1HZ 3DUWLFLSDQWV Grid Ref

Town Parish of Grid

Post Code of Grid

TM5195

Flixton, Lowestoft

NR32 5PB

Twm Wade twm.wade@yahoo.com 8

Spring 2015

Hibernating Peacocks Rob Parker

It is not unusual to see any of the species ZKLFK KLEHUQDWH DV DGXOW EXWWHUÀLHV GXULQJ the winter months, sometimes when you enter their dry, dark, cool refuge and take a good look around. In that case they will be very still unless you disturb them. If they DUH VHHQ LQ ÀLJKW LQ WKH UHDOO\ FROG PRQWKV generally they have been disturbed from hibernation by a bird, dog, human or just WKH ZLQG 7KH\ ZLOO À\ RQO\ D VKRUW GLVWDQFH EHIRUH ¿QGLQJ D QHZ UHIXJH %\ 0DUFK things are different. When they feel the sun ZDUPLQJ WKHP WKH\ ZLOO YHQWXUH RXW WR ¿QG nectar and look for a mate, resuming their hibernation when it gets cold again. By April, their chances are better, temperature and sun are more favourable, and nectar is more readily found.

WKH EXWWHUÀLHV DQG GHFLGHG WR NHHS DQ H\H RQ WKHP 7KH ¿UVW ZHHN RI 'HFHPEHU ZDV YHU\ PLOG DQG , VDZ D IHZ 3HDFRFNV À\LQJ elsewhere, but my 3 wheelbarrow dwellers stayed put for the winter.

2Q WK )HEUXDU\ , VDZ P\ ¿UVW EXWWHUÀ\ RI WKH \HDU D 3HDFRFN LQ IXOO VXQ DW & LQ %XU\ 6W (GPXQGV EXW P\ KLEHUQDWRUV KDG QRW EXGJHG 6RRQ afterwards, I discovered that we had another 3 in the roof of our garage. By 9th March, two of these had found the open window and were basking on our viburnum, but one remained in the garage. By chance, I saw it leaving by the open door into the sun on WK 0DUFK , ZHQW SURPSWO\ WR FKHFN WKH wheelbarrow and found 3 still present there. %\ WK 0DUFK KDG ÀRZQ OHDYLQJ RQH still hibernating. On 3rd and 9th April it was still present, but a check on 11th found the barrow empty. Clearly the cool dry situation at outdoors temperatures had suited a long hibernation, and whilst some were on the ZLQJ E\ WK )HE RWKHUV RXWGRRUV ZHUH VWLOO resting on 9th April. Whilst that spread of dates is not surprising, it was absorbing to keep such a close watch on their behaviour.

My wheelbarrow had served as a good VXEVWLWXWH IRU WKH KROORZ WUHHV WKDW 1DWXUH provides.

I usually have a few Peacocks hibernating LQ P\ JDUGHQ RU JDUDJH DQG WXUQHG out to be an interesting time to observe them.

Whilst gardening on 29th October 2013, I moved a wheelbarrow into the sun and lifted a spadeful of soil towards the barrow and was surprised to see a Peacock sitting in the well.

On closer inspection, I found 2 more in the inside of the hollow plastic legs. The barrow had been outside, pushed out of sight behind a hedge and tipped handles uppermost to rest against the wall behind the hedge. Thus it was subject to outside temperatures, but ZDV DQ XQXVXDOO\ JRRG \HDU IRU right out of the sun and completely sheltered Peacocks, and the summer emergences from rain or wind. I carefully replaced it SURGXFHG ODUJH QXPEHUV ULJKW DFURVV 6XIIRON in the same position, without disturbing 9

The Suffolk Argus 7ZR GD\V EHIRUH &KULVWPDV $OH[ drew my attention to one that had settled on a sheet hanging in bright sunlight, but inside the laundry room. It was in very good condition, and had probably begun its hibernation indoors some weeks earlier when the door was open. I remember seeing one enter through the back door and slipping into the recess behind the washing machine.

Quite possibly this was the same insect, stirred into life by the warmth of the room with the sun through the window. This one, I transferred by hand to the garage, where it

UHPDLQV DW WKH WLPH RI ZULWLQJ -DQ The life cycle of the Peacock makes it one of RXU ORQJHVW OLYHG EXWWHUÀLHV 7KH\ HPHUJH LQ -XO\ À\ WKURXJK VXPPHU DQG DXWXPQ KLEHUQDWH DV DGXOWV DQG WKH VDPH EXWWHUÀLHV DUH À\LQJ DJDLQ WKH IROORZLQJ VSULQJ PDWLQJ and egg-­laying in May. If it is lucky enough WR VXUYLYH SUHGDWLRQ DQ LQGLYLGXDO EXWWHUÀ\ lives for 10 months. Compare this longevity WR WKH FRPPRQO\ KHOG EHOLHI WKDW ³EXWWHUÀLHV only live for a day or two”.

Early Rising Small Tortoiseshell

Originally printed in the Manchester Guardian on 12th January 1915 That at the present time a small tortoiseshell EXWWHUÀ\ VKRXOG À\ LQ WKURXJK D ZLQGRZ as was mentioned by a Knutsford lady LQ 6DWXUGD\¶V LVVXH LV XQXVXDO EXW QRW extraordinary, for this species, like the peacock and a few other kinds, exists from year to year by the hibernation of the females of the late summer brood. Clinging with tightly closed wings and stiffened limbs to the rafters of outhouses, the sheltered sides

of hollows in rotten trees, or the ceilings of FRWWDJH NLWFKHQV WKHVH ÀLHV VOXPEHU IURP autumn until spring, until vernal currents stir them to activity, and they awaken, seek the young green nettles;; lay their eggs, and GLH 1RZ DQG WKHQ VRPH HOXVLYHO\ PLOG winter day or accidental disturbance sends them forth to expose their beautiful wings in the wintry sunshine, but they speedily seek shelter or perish.

Observations of Red Admirals Bill Stone

2Q WK 2FWREHU DQ LQWHUHVWLQJ sighting of a Red Admiral was reported to PH E\ &DPEULGJHVKLUH %XWWHUÀ\ 5HFRUGHU Louise Bacon. Whilst present on board the 09 6WHQD %ULWDQQLFD /RXLVH REVHUYHG D 5HG $GPLUDO ZKLFK ZDV À\LQJ VWURQJO\ over the water. The sighting was made at

10

0955hrs and the weather was sunny with a light southerly wind. Louise was able to check the position of the Red Admiral by referring to the online resource www.

PDULQHWUDI¿F FRP ZKLFK DOORZV \RX WR WUDFN live and historical shipping movements. By inputting the required details Louise was

Spring 2015

DEOH WR GHWHUPLQH WKH 09 6WHQD %ULWDQQLFD¶V SRVLWLRQ DQG WKDW RI WKH EXWWHUÀ\ DV /DWLWXGH 1RUWK /RQJWLWXGH (DVW ZKLFK DV DQ 2UGQDQFH 6XUYH\ JULG UHIHUHQFH HTXDWHV WR 70 7KLV SRVLWLRQ SXW WKH EXWWHUÀ\ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ NP HDVW RI )HOL[VWRZH ZHOO ZLWKLQ 6XIIRON¶V WHUULWRULDO waters!

On 13th January 2015, I was talking with D FROOHDJXH LQ RXU FHQWUDO ,SVZLFK RI¿FH when I noticed movement on a security light casing outside on the wall. Looking closely revealed a Red Admiral sitting on top of the OLJKW ÀH[LQJ LWV ZLQJV LQ EULJKW VXQVKLQH

The position on the wall was sheltered from the wind and with the sun fully on the wall the temperature was likely to be higher than the maximum RI & IRUHFDVW IRU WKH GD\ , ZDWFKHG WKH EXWWHUÀ\ IRU DERXW twenty minutes during which it was seen to walk along the external power cable and make VKRUW ÀLJKWV RI QR PRUH WKDQ about 2-­3 feet. Throughout the period of observation it was FRQVWDQWO\ ÀH[LQJ LWV ZLQJV DQG repositioning itself, no doubt to make the most of the warmth RIIHUHG E\ WKH VXQ 6ORZO\ WKH EXWWHUÀ\ UHWXUQHG WR WKH OLJKW FDVLQJ DQG was seen to crawl behind eventually being lost to view. After an hour or so the weather changed and it became overcast and much cooler, with heavy rain later in the day. A day or so later I checked a similar security light casing to the one the Red Admiral had been seen on. Looking behind it revealed WZR QDUURZ FUDFNV SHUKDSV LQFKHV GHHS LQWR WKH ZDOO ZKHUH WKH OLJKW ¿[LQJV were applied. Presumably the Red Admiral observed had found its way into a similar crack.

Sign up for the free e-newsletter µ$OO $ÀXWWHU¶ LV %XWWHUÀ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ¶V free newsletter delivered to your inbox once a month. It provides monthly information on which species to look out for, the latest EXWWHUÀ\ DQG PRWK QHZV JDUGHQLQJ WLSV DQG 11

special offers.

6LJQ XS IRU WKH QHZVOHWWHU DW http://butterfly-­conservation.org/2061/ email-­newsletter.html

The Suffolk Argus

You Never Know………

Derek and Valerie Soper

Last year in our vegetable garden towards nectaring and egg-­laying. Three Peacocks the end of June we saw some unusual used Teasel Dipsacus fullonum on the 25th caterpillars. of July which was the day we recorded 62 EXWWHUÀLHV LQ WKH JDUGHQ $ &RPPD HQMR\HG Perhaps we should explain that we grow ÀRZHULQJ )HYHUIHZ Tanacetum parthenium our vegetables in a number of oblong or on the 11th of August. Although Meadow square beds which are surrounded by gravel Clary Salvia pratensis and Ragwort Senecio paths. We have noticed that gravel provided jacobaea ZHUH XVHG LQ -XO\ E\ 6PDOO D VXLWDEOH EDFNJURXQG IRU DGXOW EXWWHUÀLHV 6NLSSHUV GLVDSSRLQWLQJO\ QR &LQQDEDU to bask and warm up. We allow weeds and caterpillars have fed on the latter plant, QDWXUDOL]HG ÀRZHUV WR ÀRXULVK RIWHQ VHOI but one caterpillar once chose a very small sown, both in the paths and to a limited Groundsel Senecio vulgaris. extent in the beds themselves.

Back to the beginning: the surprise Over several years the ‘weeds’, though FDWHUSLOODUV ZHUH 7RDGÀD[ %URFDGH they sometimes have to be thinned, have Calophasia lunula feeding unsurprisingly offered a food and nectaring resource for RQ 3XUSOH 7RDGÀD[ Linaria purpurea. Three many Lepidoptera. For example mulleins larvae were recorded on the 26th of June.

Verbascum thapsus for the mullein moth They were extremely active, devouring -­ its caterpillars abound, and one or two voraciously and moving restlessly from leaf EUDVVLFD SODQWV OHIW IRU WKH µZKLWH¶ EXWWHUÀ\ to leaf. They are yellow/green on a black larvae of course. µQHWWHG¶ EDFNJURXQG 3KRWR SDJH 7KLV LV a new record for this part of the county -­ ,Q WKH FKDPSLRQ SODQW IRU QHFWDU ZDV +LJK 6XIIRON DZD\ IURP WKH FRDVW WKH ZHOO NQRZQ ÀRZHU Verbena bonariensis.

1R OHVV WKDQ VSHFLHV RI EXWWHUÀ\ LQFOXGLQJ Growing cultivated crops the way we do: in &RPPRQ %OXH XVHG LW IURP PLG 6XPPHU DW beds accessed by semi-­weeded gravel paths various times, and also the Humming-­bird LV YHU\ EHQH¿FLDO WR /HSLGRSWHUD +DZN PRWK 7KH ¿QDO QHFWDULQJ VSHFLHV ZDV D 6PDOO 7RUWRLVHVKHOO UHFRUGHG RQ WKH th of October at 11.00 am when the temperature URVH WR &HQWLJUDGH 7KLV 9HUEHQD KDV D XVHIXOO\ ORQJ ÀRZHULQJ SHULRG Before June White Deadnettle Lamium album and Dandelion 7DUD[DFXP RI¿FLQDOH ÀRZHUHG LQ WKH JUDYHO DV GLG 'RYHVIRRW Cranesbill Geranium molle ZH WKLQN RQ which on the 23rd of May a Brown Argus was 12

Brown Argus Illustration by Beryl Johnson

Spring 2015

Six Of The Best Richard Stewart

1RUPDOO\ , WU\ HDFK \HDU WR VHH IRUW\ GLIIHUHQW VSHFLHV RI %ULWLVK EXWWHUÀLHV EXW LQ FKDQJHG P\ IRFXV WR WU\ DQG VHH WZR RI my favourite species in at least six different ORFDWLRQV 7KH 6ZDOORZWDLO ZDV WKH ¿UVW undoubtedly my number one British species, an insect of great beauty particularly if seen with the light behind it, shining like a stained glass window. Two problems presented WKHPVHOYHV ¿UVW DOO VLJKWLQJV QHHGHG WR EH LQ 1RUIRON DQG VHFRQG , KDYH QR FDU 7KLV PHDQW D WUDLQ WR 1RUZLFK WKHQ XVLQJ D EXV plus plenty of walking. +RZHYHU WKH ¿UVW ZDV YHU\ FRPIRUWDEOH D trip to Hickling Broad being organised by WKH ,SVZLFK EUDQFK RI WKH 6XIIRON :LOGOLIH Trust. Our previous visit had been way back in 1986 and I can vividly remember scaling the vertical and long ladder to the observation tower, then seeing Purple +DLUVWUHDNV YHU\ FORVH DW H\H OHYHO 1RZ D series of easier upwards slopes lead to the WRZHU ,Q WRWDO ZH VDZ ¿YH 6ZDOORZWDLOV QRQH WKDW FORVH EXW RQH DFWXDOO\ À\LQJ RYHU WKH ERDW µ6ZDOORZWDLO¶ ZKLFK WRRN XV RQ WKH water trip. My subsequent article in the /RFDO :LOGOLIH 1HZV ZDV LOOXVWUDWHG ZLWK WZR VXSHUE 6ZDOORZWDLO SKRWRV WDNHQ RQ WKH day by Jill Brook. For at least one person it ZDV WKHLU ¿UVW VLJKWLQJ RI RXU ODUJHVW %ULWLVK EXWWHUÀ\ That was on 31st May and two days later I saw two at Wheatfen Broad, which I now visit more frequently after discovering a convenient bus service. On 11th June I visited two sites, walking from Ludham to the nature trail at How Hill, then having to

ZDLW D ORQJ WLPH LQ WKH ¿UVW PHDGRZ DV LW ZDV cloudy with only short bursts of sunshine.

A man and a woman were also waiting EXW WKH\ ERWK PLVVHG D GLVWDQW 6ZDOORZWDLO as he was busy telling her of some type of small drone he wanted to buy. Then excited activity nearby suggested one was closer and a swallowtail came and landed right in front of us. I then walked a considerable GLVWDQFH DORQJ TXLHW ODQHV WR &DW¿HOG Fen, where I walked through a copse and reached an open gate onto the Fen, with no proscriptive notices. The abundance of water soldier in the dykes was indicative of pure water and after seeing a marsh harrier DQG &KLQHVH ZDWHU GHHU MXVW RQH 6ZDOORZWDLO ÀHZ FORVH DFWXDOO\ FLUFOLQJ URXQG P\ head. My intended visit on the next day was to Woodbastwick Broad where the map indicated a path from the road but thankfully my intentions changed after meeting the %XUH 0DUVKHV 115 ZDUGHQ ZKR WROG PH the broad was private and directed me to his own reserve, which was a much longer walk than expected but enlivened by seeing D KXQWLQJ EDUQ RZO , VDZ QR 6ZDOORZWDLOV either along the river path or the boardwalk in the reserve but thankfully saw two on my way down to the Ferry and on the walk back, both at places where there was a gate and a path made through the reedbeds.

6WUXPSVKDZ )HQ ZDV ODVW RQH RI WKH EHVW DQG HDVLHVW UHVHUYHV IRU VHHLQJ 6ZDOORZWDLOV partly because Martin George has for many years allowed visitors to walk the length of his long front garden border and see 6ZDOORZWDLOV FORVH XS IHHGLQJ RQ ÀRZHUV especially planted for them.

13

The Suffolk Argus This worked well for Marie and myself as we immediately saw one feeding exclusively on white dame’s violet but not trying the sweet williams further up the border, which DOVR DWWUDFW PDQ\ EXWWHUÀLHV 7KLV FRWWDJH overlooks the reserve and soon a second 6ZDOORZWDLO ZDV VHHQ SOXV D FORVH YLHZ RI a third one, feeding on bankside yellow ÀDJ DORQJ WKH ULYHU SDWK 6R VL[ ORFDWLRQV KDG EHHQ VXFFHVVIXO E\ WK -XQH , GLG WU\ a seventh at Ranworth Broad but it was a

cloudy and gusty day and none appeared.

Of these six successful locations just one, at %XUH 0DUVKHV 115 ZDV QHZ WR PH EXW , VWLOO felt it was a great success and I personally DP SOHDVHG WKLV VSHFWDFXODU EXWWHUÀ\ LV now thriving at many Broadland sites, the majority being nature reserves. Thankfully also its larval food plant, milk parsley, is also being safeguarded since, with a few H[FHSWLRQV WKH 6ZDOORZWDLO GHSHQGV RQ WKLV one plant for its egg laying.

The Wall Brown

The third generation falls into a ‘developmental trap’ Peter Maddison The Wall Brown usually produces two broods and exists throughout the winter in the larval form. In some years larvae from the second brood pupate and emerge in 6HSWHPEHU DV D WKLUG JHQHUDWLRQ RI DGXOWV For the third generation to survive the winter it is necessary for these adults to lay eggs and for the larvae to hatch.

that during the last 30 years a new generation RI WKH :DOO %URZQ EXWWHUÀ\ KDV HPHUJHG IXOO\ IRUPHG ODWHU LQ WKH \HDU LQ 6HSWHPEHU or October.

([SHULPHQWV VKRZHG WKDW ZKHQ FRPSDUHG WR FRDVWDO VLWHV PRUH EXWWHUÀLHV RI WKH WKLUG generation hatched out at inland sites. Also, inland sites had slightly warmer micro-­ What chance of survival does the third climates, which encouraged more third JHQHUDWLRQ KDYH KHUH LQ WKH HDVW" generation emergence, than sites at the The question has been discussed between coast, where the second generation more members of the BC Branches in the eastern readily went into hibernation. counties and for some years now the possibility has been aired that cool weather As there is little time for the third generation RIWHQ VHWV LQ EHIRUH WKH 6HSWHPEHU EXWWHUÀLHV to feed winter losses are severe. The authors are able to lay their eggs or for the larvae have termed this the ‘developmental trap’.

WR GHYHORS VXI¿FLHQWO\ IRU ZLQWHU VXUYLYDO This might be one of the causes of the Richard Fox gives a clear and detailed reduction in the numbers of this species.

H[SODQDWLRQ RI WKH ¿QGLQJV LQ KLV DUWLFOH RQ WKH %& ZHEVLWH &OLFN µ/DWHVW 1HZV¶ Recently, scientists working in Belgium then ‘Blog’ and scroll down to ‘Has Warm have produced a paper in which they noted Weather Wrong-­footed The Wall’ KWWS EXWWHUÀ\ FRQVHUYDWLRQ RUJ KDV ZDUPLQJ ZHDWKHU ZURQJ IRRWHG WKH ZDOO KWPO

14

Spring 2015

The Purple Emperor at Theberton Letter to the Editor from Pete Rowberry

'HDU (GLWRU

I’d like to thank Rob Parker for his informative and measured response to my letter on the release of captive bred Purple (PSHURU EXWWHUÀLHV DW 7KHEHUWRQ :RRGV 6XIIRON $UJXV $XWXPQ , VHH QR reason for Rob to “tear his hair out” over this site, as, unlike the other examples he quotes, it is well known that the colony was introduced from captive bred stock from the UK and that it has been supported by further releases of stock raised from material gathered on the site and cared for in captivity.

I am concerned about whether landowner’s permission for the release was obtained, as this would certainly have an impact on LWV OHJDOLW\ 7KH )RUHVW (QWHUSULVH ZHUH made aware of the potential of Theberton :RRGV WR VXSSRUW 3XUSOH (PSHURUV DQG WKH value of sallow as the species’ larval food plant. As a result, it reversed its plan to remove the sallow next to the rides on the basis of that advice. I also understand that )RUHVW (QWHUSULVH NQHZ RI -RKQ¶V LQWHQWLRQ WR EUHHG DQG UHOHDVH 3XUSOH (PSHURUV WR the site, although I would agree that no formal written agreement to a release was HYHU REWDLQHG 7KH ORFDO )RUHVW (QWHUSULVH representative often visited the site during WKH 3XUSOH (PSHURU ÀLJKW SHULRG DQG ZDV aware of the release and seemed supportive of the work being undertaken.

Once such “informal” releases have taken place, the horse already having bolted, we 15

should be valuing the work done by those responsible and not being unduly critical of their activities. After all, it is not as though WKHVH EXWWHUÀLHV DUH DOLHQ WR WKH 8. DQG WKH\ may even have been present historically at or close to the Theberton Woods site, although as a former recorder, Rob would know more than me on that issue. It also seems that, other than the formal approval and recording of the release plan, and the input of the “experts”, the advice on best practice on reintroductions was being followed. I am now very concerned that expenditure cuts means that there are no plans for the future management of the Theberton site for WKH EHQH¿W QRW MXVW RI WKH 3XUSOH (PSHURUV but for all of the wildlife, including the other XQFRPPRQ EXWWHUÀLHV DQG RUFKLGV SUHVHQW The site is in desperate need of individuals or a group to take custody and continue the work on the site.

Rob’s comment that “a harsher, negative view is simply that meddling with nature is wrong” must surely be tongue in cheek. We live in a country where there is hardly a square yard which has not been affected by the actions of man. Positive management for wildlife is essential to provide nature with a home, in spite of the increasing pressure on our land for building and food production. I would not wish to encourage reintroductions or translocations of any species, but there is the question of impact. I am much more concerned to oppose other, more critical, releases and

The Suffolk Argus translocations. I condemn the disastrous, EXW OHJDO UHOHDVH RI EHWZHHQ DQG million non-­native species into our natural environment each year, the pheasants and red-­legged partridges which are competing with our rapidly declining hedgerow birds, such as the Yellowhammer or Little Owl. I am concerned that building a nuclear power station may result in the loss of a maternal roost of endangered Barbastelle bats and the breeding territory for many water voles and otters and that the creation of wetland may EH VHHQ DV VXI¿FLHQW PLWLJDWLRQ IRU WKH ORVV RI DQ LPSRUWDQW 666, DQG LWV VFDUFH KDELWDW I worry about the effect that 2½ million feral

cats are having on mammal and bird life. I am concerned about the decline in bees and pollinating insects and the implication that seed dressings may be responsible. As a result, I don’t have enough time to criticise the well-­intentioned.

In spite of the fact that they may not be “truly wild”, there is no doubt as to the pleasure that many observers get from seeing Purple (PSHURUV ,Q WKH VFKHPH RI WKLQJV WKH pleasure of travelling a few short miles to VHH P\ IDYRXULWH EXWWHUÀLHV LV D EOHVVLQJ QRW a curse.

A Lost Opportunity, Connectivity and Hope Peter Maddison

I’ve just witnessed habitat destruction.

1R , KDYHQ¶W EHHQ RQ KROLGD\ WR D WURSLFDO rainforest where oil palm or coffee plantations have become king. This has happened in my village. Ownership of a large house at the end of a track has changed, a tracked digger has been brought in and copse and scrub land – 12 yds wide on either side of the 150 yds long track -­ has been ‘developed’. A handful of the larger trees remain, but holly, birch, thorn and hedgerow cherries have all gone. This was a wonderful habit, blackcaps and chiffchaffs QHVWHG KHUH DQG LQ WKH OLJKW±¿OOHG JODGHV 6SHFNOHG :RRG SDWUROOHG 3HDFRFNV 5HG Admirals and Commas basked on the EUDPEOH ÀRZHUV DQG +ROO\ %OXHV ÀLWWHG around the ivy and hollies. Perhaps the few patches of bluebells that used to appear each 16

spring will not have been turned over and VRRQ ZLOO IRUFH WKHLU ZD\ XSZDUGV WR ÀRZHU – a sad reminder of what there was before, before the ride-­on mower appears. :K\ KDV WKLV KDELWDW JRQH" :KDW ZDV WKH QHHG IRU LWV GHVWUXFWLRQ" 3HUKDSV LJQRUDQFH of the importance of a wild place in this farmed landscape, probably indifference to the existence of the tiny Holly Blue or the Comma in the shaft of sunlight on the bramble, almost certainly the need for &21752/ DQG WLGLQHVV 3HUKDSV WKH\ feel that they would be poor owners if they hadn’t stamped their authority on nature, as if tidiness is more important than the ÀRUD DQG IDXQD WKDW KDV EHHQ GHVWUR\HG RU GLVSODFHG 'LVSODFHG WR ZKHUH" 7KHUH¶V so much tidying up of wild corners in the wider countryside and gardens that

Spring 2015 GLVSODFHG VSHFLHV DUH ¿QGLQJ VXLWDEOH KDELWDW LQFUHDVLQJO\ GLI¿FXOW WR ¿QG HVSHFLDOO\ if the habitats are widely dispersed in the landscape.

Connectivity -­ the linking of wildlife habitats -­ is a buzz word in conservation terminology. The track to the house was a natural connection between at one end a farm ditch and hedgerow leading to riverside woodland and at the other end an abandoned crag pit, rich in brambles and birch, oak, JUDVVHV DQG ZLOG ÀRZHUV 7KH SURWHFWLRQ afforded by the undergrowth, now removed, no longer exists and for smaller animal life the connectivity has been removed, the crag pit has become an island in the farmed landscape, the river side woodland half a mile away is another world.

the genetics of the population. Larger KHDWKODQG DUHDV ZLWKLQ WKH 6DQGOLQJV ZLOO KROG VHYHUDO 6LOYHU VWXGGHG %OXH FRORQLHV many of which will interconnect, fuelling their success. Connectivity has been in mind in the Ipswich Heaths Project and it LV KRSHG WKDW LQ WLPH ÀRXULVKLQJ FRORQLHV DW Purdis Heath, Ransomes and Piper’s Vale, for example, will be able to connect.

Connectivity happens in our more urban areas too. I’m reminded that Purple Hairstreaks connected through the oak trees DORQJ :HVWHU¿HOG 5RDG RQ WKH RXWVNLUWV RI Ipswich to eventually reach the oaks on the town side of Colchester Road.

%XWWHUÀLHV EHQH¿W IURP FRQQHFWLYLW\ LQ gardens too. Buckthorn planted in a garden might bring in an egg-­laying Brimstone 7KH 6LOYHU VWXGGHG %OXH EHQH¿WV IURP or two, but buckthorn also planted in FRQQHFWLYLW\ 7KH EXWWHUÀ\ LV D IDLUO\ neighbouring gardens will encourage sedentary species, colonies exist in certain VTXDGURQV RI WKH EXWWHUÀ\ areas of a heathland and not in others, but LW¶V DELOLW\ WR À\ LQ VKRUW KRSV EHWZHHQ WKHVH Plant hollies and if there are interconnections areas is a huge advantage if disaster in the LQ \RXU DUHD WKH ¿UVW JHQHUDWLRQ RI +ROO\ IRUP RI ¿UH RU EDG ZHDWKHU FDXVHV WKH UDSLG Blue might appear, but do ensure that ivy diminution of a colony. In a small isolated grows nearby so that egg-­laying for the colony inbreeding will weaken the strain, second generation will follow.

QHZ EXWWHUÀLHV HQWHULQJ D FRORQ\ FDQ ERRVW

Keep in touch with Suffolk Branch news ……..

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ZZZ WZLWWHU FRP %&B6XIIRON 17

The Suffolk Argus

New Beginnings Bill Stone

,Q ODWH 1RYHPEHU ODVW \HDU P\ ZLIH DQG , moved from our central Ipswich house to a new home on the Grange Farm estate in Kesgrave. Our location within the Grange Farm development puts us within 100 yards of the bridleway known as the “Long 6WURSV´ ZKLFK LV SDUW RI WKH 6DQGOLQJV :DON and which runs for about 1 mile along the southern edge of the estate. A key element RI 7KH /RQJ 6WURSV IRU ZLOGOLIH LV WKH KHGJH which was planted in 2000 with native species such as Hawthorn, Field Maple and Hazel and which is now maturing well. We are also close to nearby woods and patches of heathland including Martlesham Heath.

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5HG 9DOHULDQ (Centranthus ruber) Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) +HPS $JULPRQ\ (Eupatorium cannabinum) Marjoram Origanum vulgare) Lavender Lavandula spp. incl. angustifolia, Hidcote) Ivy Hedera helix) :DOOÀRZHU (Cheiranthus Bowles Mauve) Phlox Phlox paniculata) Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and 3XUJLQJ %XFNWKRUQ (Rhamnus cathartica)

However, I then thought some more and realised that the following would also be The garden we took on was incredibly dull really good for the garden! and comprised a patch of moss-­ridden grass, Honesty Lunaria annua) 35 feet by 30 feet with absolutely no plants, 11.

12. .QDSZHHG Centaurea sp) shrubs or trees. However, all was not lost. A 13.

3XUSOH /RRVHVWULIH Lythrum few minutes of digging around in the grass

salicaria) revealed a reasonable soil made up of sand, 14. *DUOLF 0XVWDUG Alliaria lumps of clay and building rubble and which

petiolata) contained plenty of earthworms! And, the 15.

6FDELRXV )LHOG 6FDELRXV 6PDOO garden is south facing!

6FDELRXV DQG 'HYLO¶V ELW 6FDELRXV

DQG WKH FXOWLYDU ³%XWWHUÀ\ %OXH´ 6R KDYLQJ OHIW D PDWXUH EXWWHUÀ\ JDUGHQ behind in central Ipswich with a 20+ I had brought a few plants from the last EXWWHUÀ\ VSHFLHV OLVW , KDYH GHFLGHG WR WU\ garden including Buddleja weyeriana and with minimal cost and effort to turn this new lavender but the list gave me plenty of SORW LQWR VRPHWKLQJ WKDW ZLOO EH EXWWHUÀ\ SODQWV WR WU\ DQG ¿QG %HLQJ -DQXDU\ LW ZDV friendly by early summer. quite apparent that very few garden centres or nurseries would have them. However, by Having set a plant budget of £50, I began carefully rummaging through the damaged WKLQNLQJ DERXW P\ WRS EXWWHUÀ\ SODQWV plant sections of the large DIY stores and with the following making it onto the list: WKH RII \HV VHFWLRQ LQ 1RWFXWWV , KDYH 1. ³%XWWHUÀ\ %XVK´ (Buddleja managed to buy some Buddleja davidii,

davidii, globosa and weyeriana) marjoram, phlox and valerian. I also bought 18

Spring 2015 VRPH :LOG 3ULPURVH Primula vulgaris) and 6ZHHW 9LROHW Viola odorata) which, despite not being on this list, would clearly provide some early nectar sources to the garden. I DOVR WRRN DGYDQWDJH RI D ZLOG ÀRZHU VHHG promotion and now have several packets of scabious, verbena and knapweed varieties which I can try and grow on for the summer.

All these purchases have led to a grand total, VR IDU RI

on. I have £10 left in the budget and will be trying to grab a bargain in the next month or so as well as seeing what I can “borrow” from gardens belonging to family and friends!

I will write again in a few months, hopefully, ZLWK QHZV RI P\ ¿UVW JDUGHQ EXWWHUÀLHV ¿QJHUV FURVVHG

%LOO 6WRQH 6XIIRON %XWWHUÀ\ 5HFRUGHU 1HZ DGGUHVV: 26 Thomas Crescent, With the above all now planted I am hoping .HVJUDYH 6XIIRON ,3 +1 that they will survive the frosts and grow

Attracting Butterflies to your Gardens Peter Maddison

6XPPHU ZRXOGQ¶W EH VXPPHU ZLWKRXW the restful buzz of insects and the passage RI EXWWHUÀLHV WKURXJK RXU JDUGHQV ,W is heartening to know that in a recent JDUGHQLQJ PDJD]LQH VXUYH\ RI WKH respondents saw themselves as ‘stewards of the environment’. I’m sure the readers of The Argus will consider themselves to EH DPRQJVW WKH DQG LQ SDUWLFXODU ZLOO EH NHHQ WR HQFRXUDJH EXWWHUÀLHV DQG PRWKV to our gardens by growing plants that are attractive as nectar and larval food sources.

The time will soon be here when, with ¿QH 6SULQJ ZHDWKHU JDUGHQ FHQWUHV ZLOO beckon and we’ll be tempted to buy the gaudy, hybridised, double blooms of ‘Page ¶ ÀRZHUV %HZDUH %XWWHUÀLHV DQG PRWKV will never home in on these inappropriate EORVVRPV 1HFWDU EHDULQJ ÀRZHUV ± XVXDOO\ VLQJOH ÀRZHUV ± DQG WKRVH WKDW DUH FORVHO\ related to their wild cousins are usually the EHVW DQG EXWWHUÀLHV DQG PRWKV ZLOO VRRQ OHW 19

you know what works for them.

Choosing plants to suit the varying aspects of our gardens is important. What follows are groupings of plants that favour particular growing conditions.

The focus here is on food plants for adult EXWWHUÀLHV +RVW SODQWV IRU HJJ OD\LQJ DQG larval food will have to be another article. +RW GU\ VLWHV Thymus Sedum spectabile ~ ‘Autumn Joy’ Caryopteris Echium vulgare Viper’s Bugloss Eryngium 6HD +ROO\ a µ0LVV :LOPRWW¶V Ghost’ and several other garden forms Helianthemum 5RFN 5RVH a VHYHUDO JDUGHQ forms Lavender Origanum Marjoram Verbena bonariensis

The Suffolk Argus Erysimum :DOOÀRZHU DQG 3HUHQQLDO Cirsium rivale ‘Atropurpureum’ :DOOÀRZHU µ%RZOHV 0DXYH¶ Echinops Globe Thistle Oenothera (YHQLQJ 3ULPURVH a PRWKV Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp Agrimony a SODQWV IURP ZLOG VRXUFHV VHHP WR EH PRUH 3ODQWV LQ 3RWV attractive than garden centre forms. Do you Crocus DJUHH" 6ZHHW 9LROHWV Knautia 6ZHHW :LOOLDPV Malva moschata Chives Nicotiana sylvestris Thyme Sedum spectabile Ice Plant Origanum Scabious caucasica Heathers Buddleja davidii ~ ‘Dartmoor’, with its huge Mint ÀRZHU KHDGV LV DQ DWWUDFWLYH IRUP Buddleja globosa~ -XQH ÀRZHULQJ, &OLPEHUV Buddleja weyeriana a RUDQJH \HOORZ Cotoneaster ÀRZHUV Pyracantha +HEHV a WKH OHVV JDXG\ ÀRZHU IURP VSULQJ Lonicera Honeysuckle to autumn Hedera ,Y\ a JURZ ZKHUH SODQWV FDQ PDWXUH ZKHQ WKH\ ZLOO ÀRZHU DQG SURYLGH QHFWDU $ :LOG &RUQHU LQWR 1RYHPEHU DQG 'HFHPEHU *URZQ RQ :DWHU 0LQW a GRHV EHVW LQ D GDPS VLWH an old fence ivy will strengthen the fence, Fleabane eventually become the fence and, unlike on Knapweed a house wall, won’t need to be clipped back Bird’s-­foot Trefoil every year.

Primrose Garlic Mustard Border Plants 6ZHHW :LOOLDP Dianthus barbatus Dame’s Violet Hesperis matronalis Honesty Lunaria annua Aster Michaelmas Daisy Achillea Solidago Golden Rod

There are, of course, many more nectar EHDULQJ SODQWV WKDW ZLOO DWWUDFW EXWWHUÀLHV and moths. Please write in with the names of plants that you have found particularly successful in your garden. Lists, photos, anecdotes, observations – all welcome!

Orange-­tips on Garlic Mustard Illustration by Beryl Johnson 20

Spring 2015

Gleanings from the internet Purple Emperors The report of the ongoing survey by Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton ‘Eastern 5HJLRQ 3XUSOH (PSHURU Apatura iris UHSRUW IRU ’ may be read online at: KWWS ZZZ GLVSDU RUJ UHIHUHQFH SKS"LG

is extremely informative and, with this EXWWHUÀ\¶V ODUYDO VHDVRQ DOPRVW XSRQ XV LV D good video to watch now.

6RPH RI WKH RWKHU YLGHRV FRYHU WKH 3XUSOH Hairstreak and Brown Hairstreak 0RQDUFK %XWWHUÀLHV 7KH 0RQDUFK PLJUDWLRQ LQ 1RUWK $PHULFD might be threatened but the good news this winter is that the number of Monarchs over-­ wintering in Mexico has increased slightly on last year’s number.

9LGHRV ZRUWK ZDWFKLQJ $ VHULHV RI VKRUW KLJK TXDOLW\ YLGHRV ¿OPHG by ‘Filming VarWild’, mostly in the south of )UDQFH RI (XURSHDQ EXWWHUÀLHV LV DYDLODEOH on YouTube.

The White-­letter Hairstreak at: https://www.youtube.com/ ZDWFK"Y YG'1*) +'U

Bilateral Gynandromorph 7KHVH EXWWHUÀLHV GLVSOD\ WKH RXWZDUG appearance of a female on one side of their body, and the appearance of a male on the other. It can occur when the sex chromosomes fail to separate correctly during cell division in early development, a process known as nondisjunction. This condition is extremely rare, but scientists don’t know how rare it is because it is usually overlooked in most species where the two sexes look similar to one another.

9HU\ UHFHQWO\ D 1\PSKDOLG Lexias pardalis, D WURSLFDO EXWWHUÀ\ RI 6RXWK HDVW $VLD emerged from a pupa at Drexel University LQ 3KLODGHOSKLD 86$ DQG VKRZHG ELODWHUDO gynandromorphism. Photo and details at http://www.anspblog.org/extremely-­rare-­ ¿QG ,Q -XQH D 0RUPRQ EXWWHUÀ\ VKRZLQJ bilateral gynandromorphism hatched at WKH /RQGRQ 1DWXUDO +LVWRU\ 0XVHXP¶V µ6HQVDWLRQDO %XWWHUÀLHV ([KLELWLRQ¶

Butterfly quiz answers Photos on back page

Top row: Brimstone, White-­letter Hairstreak 2nd row: Gatekeeper, Green Hairstreak, Large White, Orange-­tip

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The Suffolk Argus

Day-flying Moths and Caterpillar Recording Zoë Randle and Richard Fox

%XWWHUÀ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ ZRXOG ORYH EXWWHUÀ\ UHFRUGHUV WR UHFRUG GD\ À\LQJ PRWKV DQG moth caterpillars when they are out and about.

In 2018, in collaboration with MothsIreland, we will be publishing a Macro-­moth Atlas for Britain and Ireland. The majority of moth recorders use light-­traps and, as a UHVXOW WKH PDQ\ VSHFLHV RI GD\ À\LQJ PRWKV may be relatively under-­recorded compared WR QRFWXUQDO RQHV %XWWHUÀ\ UHFRUGHUV FDQ make a huge contribution to the forthcoming DWODV E\ VXEPLWWLQJ UHFRUGV RI GD\ À\LQJ PRWKV VXFK DV 6SHFNOHG <HOORZ ¿JXUH DQG LQGHHG GLVWLQFWLYH FDWHUSLOODUV H J Cinnabar) that they encounter while out ORRNLQJ DW EXWWHUÀLHV

YHQWXUH IXUWKHU D ¿HOG WKH OLVW RI &RXQW\ Moth Recorders can be found on the Moths &RXQW ZHEVLWH www.mothscount.org).

0DQ\ EXWWHUÀ\ UHFRUGHUV DOUHDG\ UHFRUG the moths they see along their transects. ,Q WKH 8. %XWWHUÀ\ 0RQLWRULQJ 6FKHPH %06 WHDP H[WUDFWHG PRWK UHFRUGV entered into Transect Walker software. The data extraction exercise revealed data for LQGLYLGXDOV RI PRWK VSHFLHV ZLWK UHFRUGV IURP VLWHV 7KH ¿YH PRVW IUHTXHQWO\ UHFRUGHG VSHFLHV LQ GHVFHQGLQJ UDQN RUGHU ZHUH 6LOYHU < 6L[ spot Burnet, Cinnabar, Burnet Companion DQG 6SHFNOHG <HOORZ 7KHVH UHFRUGV ZLOO EH re-­patriated to County Moth Recorders in 7KH 1DWLRQDO 0RWK 5HFRUGLQJ 6FKHPH UXQ due course.

E\ %XWWHUÀ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ ZLOO SURYLGH WKH UK moth data for the forthcoming atlas. Participants in the Wider Countryside 7KH VFKHPH DOUHDG\ KROGV RYHU PLOOLRQ %XWWHUÀ\ 6XUYH\ DUH DOVR HQFRXUDJHG WR moth records and geographical coverage of UHFRUG GD\ À\LQJ PRWKV LQ WKHLU VTXDUHV the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man ,Q D UHFRUG RI %ORRG YHLQ LQ DW NP UHVROXWLRQ LV YHU\ JRRG KDYH Gloucestershire was only the second for at least one moth species recorded). There 63 DQG WKH ¿UVW VLQFH are only 113 10km squares for which we do not have any records from the year 2000 In the run up to the forthcoming Macro-­ RQZDUGV VHH ¿JXUH +RZHYHU LQ DGGLWLRQ moth Atlas for Britain and Ireland all to these, there are 613 10km squares which EXWWHUÀ\ UHFRUGHUV FDQ KHOS ERRVW FRYHUDJH we consider to be under-­recorded -­ they E\ UHFRUGLQJ PRWKV ZKHWKHU RQ EXWWHUÀ\ possess 50 or fewer records of 25 or fewer :&%6 WUDQVHFWV GXULQJ µFDVXDO¶ EXWWHUÀ\ species. You could really help by targeting UHFRUGLQJ RU E\ VSHFL¿FDOO\ WDUJHWLQJ DUHDV these unrecorded or under-­recorded squares that are under-­recorded for moths. Your help IRU PRWK VLJKWLQJV GXULQJ \RXU EXWWHUÀ\ will be very gratefully received. Records are UHFRUGLQJ 7R ¿QG RXW ZKDW NP VTXDUHV best submitted to your local County Moth or tetrads, are under-­recorded in your area recorder on an annual basis by the end of please contact Tony Prichard your County the year to enable incorporation into local 0RWK 5HFRUGHU YLD tony@suffolkmoths. GDWDVHWV DQG XOWLPDWHO\ WKH 1DWLRQDO 0RWK org.uk RU ,I \RX ZLVK WR 5HFRUGLQJ 6FKHPH 22

Spring 2015

Figure 1: NMRS Provisional distribution map of Speckled Yellow at 10km resolution. Open circles pre 2000 records and solid dots 2000 onwards.

Figure 2: Map of National Moth Recording Scheme ‘white-holes’ and under-recorded 10km squares from 2000 onwards.

Speckled Yellow Moth Photo by Pam Parsons

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The Suffolk Argus Names these Butterflies emerging before July Answers page 21

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