Suffolk Argus 8, May 1996

Suffolk Branch Contacts

Chairman

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

---

Membership Secretary

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

THE

SUFFOLK ARGUS May

Newsletter Editor Steve Goddard,47 Colchester Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3BT (01473 252598) Programme Secretary Alan Johnson,28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701)

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

01473 252598.

1996

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

Conservation Officer & County Recorder (Butterflies) RichardStewart, 'Valezina', 112 Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, _IP42XW (01473 216518) Conservation Officer (Moths) TonyPrichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047) County Recorder (Moths) Arthur Watchman,Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP? ?BA

The I

Suffolk Show

1

j..

Secretary

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

GrahamBull, Oakbank, Ardleigh Road, Dedharn, Essex CO? 6EG (01206 323530)

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation (The British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd.) R<g, No. 2206468 R<g.Charity No. 254937 Head Office P.O. Box 222. Dedham, EssexC07 6EY. Tel. (01206) 322342

F.ditedby Si,v, Goddard Printedby Gr,gHerbm & Sons.

Logo(Silver-studded Blue) DougHammml,y Daigned and produced by St,phen !on,

Cat & MouS<Design (01473 729423 after 7pm) © 1996 all rights reserved

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

Thedate:

29th& 30thI/lay1996

Thatime:

Gatesopen7.30 am

Thaplace: SuffolkShowground, NactonRoadEntrance

Committee Members

Michael&jenny Kelsey,25 Prospect Place, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4AL (01728 830975)

JanicePritchard,89 Leopold Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4RN (01473 718137) President

HowardMendel, clo Ipswich Museum, High St., Ipswich, Suffolk !Pl 3QH (01473 213761)

We are delighted to inform you that the branch will be attending the County Show for the third successive year thanks to the Suffolk Naturalists' Society with whom we will be sharing a tent.

This is a wonderful opportunity to promote Butterfly Conservation as well as the activities of our own branch. However, running a stall at these events needs as many helpers as possible, the more literally the merrier. Come along, help out and enjoy yourself selling wildflowers, talking butterflies and meeting others with the same interests as you. The branch will also have a new series of display boards created by our Publicity Officer, Steven Goss. Please let fames Mann or Paul Gilson know at the soonest if you feel you can offer assistance.

If you are attending the Show anyway, don't forget to look in, have a chat and see what we are up to! You will find us in the ConservacioriArea near to the Nacton Road entrance.

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

Volume8

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BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

The Suffolk Argus

May 1996

Contents

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

The Suffolk Show ........................................................... Cover Contents ...............................................................................

:2

Newsletter Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .

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

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

January May September

Christmas Eve April Fools Day August Bank Holiday

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

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

Members Evening .................................................................. 4 1995 Field Trips ................................................................ 5-7 Which Lycaenid ......... :..,..................................................... 8-9

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

The Millennium Butterfly Survey 1995 .......................... 10-12 Butterfly Garden Nectar Plants ............................................ 13 Photo Album/Display Board Appeal .................................... 14 Newsletter Details & General Information ;'.......................... 15 SuffolkBranch Contacts ........................................ Back Cover

Butterfly HOTELS

ButterflyLine 0891 884505 byAngie Steele

d~ ~ef

-i'...

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

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

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

2

Butterfly Hotel, A45 Bury East Exit.

Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds

01284 760884 15

The Suffolk Argus

Branch Photograph Album& Branch Display Boards - Photos Appeal

May 1996

We are putting together an album of photographs to use for publicity purposes at events like the Suffolk Show. If you can spare any pictures of butterflies, sites, members on field trips etc. please sendthem to me (address on back cover) with details of the location etc. All photos used in the album will be attributed to the photographer when known.

I am also preparing some display boards for the Suffolk Show and urgently need pictures of Dingy Skipper, Swallowtail, Large Heath and Brown Hairstreak. For these four species I need either-a transparency (I'll get a print made and return transparency to you), or a photograph I can cut to size and use, or a 35mm negative (to get a print and return negative to you). Please help if you can. Thank you

by Steven Goss

Wanted Butterflies of Trinidad and Tobago by M. Barcant. Pub!. 1970.

If you've got a copy of this book, let me try and make you an offer you can't refuse!

Tel: Steven Goss (01379) 783386.

Notes from the Editor Millennium Survey Update Around thirty members from the Suffolk branch and the Suffolk Naturalists' Society attended this event at the Ipswich Museum on Saturday 23rd March. RichardStewart gave a detailed account of the first year of the survey in terms of numbers of tetrads covered and several individual species tetrad maps were shown on overhead projector for the members to see (thanks Martin).

Howard Mendel had arranged for part of the Museum collection of butterflies to be on display. Sadly, many of the butterflies on display no longer being resident in Suffolk.

For many people there it was the first time they had seen the collection.

Thanks go to Howard Mendel, Martin Sanford and RichardStewart for arranging this event.

For a more detailed account of the first year of the survey please see RichardStewarts article starting on page 10.

A good, usable secondhand moth trap.

Mercury Vapour preferred.

Thanks again to DouglasHammersley,Beryl Johnsonand Angie Steek for their splendid line drawings that appear in this issue of the Suffolk Argus.

Branch Conservation Officer (Moths) In the last Newsletter we announced that TonyPrichardwill be taking over from Roger Kendrickin the summer. I would to take this opportunity to thank Rogerfor all the work he has done for the Branch (not only moths) since its creation in 1993.

Cold Winter As many of you will have noticed it was the coldest winter for many years. At the recent Millennium survey update at Ipswich Museum, Howard Mendel explained that a hibernating butterfly is likely to use less energy reserves in a cold winter than a mild one. Richard Stewart has already received reports of a hibernating Camberwell Beauty and 3 on the wing (unfortunately not in Suffolk). Could it be that this year sufficient numbers survive to breed for the first time.

You never know it could be you that records this event.

1996 AGA-fReport We are sorry that this edition of the newsletter does not have the 1996 AGM report. A full report with accounts will be in the next edition of the Suffolk Argus.

Scientific Names

Wanted

Illustrations

We have decided to discontinue use of scientific names in text unless required by the article. If you have any particular feelings otherwise, let us know.

Member's Evening The committee are trying to arrange another members evening for the autumn. We would like to hold a branch photographic competition (prints only) at this event. Full details will be in the next edition of the Suffolk Argus.

Tel. Steven Goss (01379) 783386.

14

3

The SuffolkArgus

Member's Evening, 20th January

1996

CamberwellBeauiy•· (Nymphalis antiopa)

4

May 1996

It was a cold evening but despite this nearly thirty members turned up to make an interesting and successful evening. The evening opened with a brief introduction and the running order from fames Mann our chairman, we then got down to the serious business.

Wilfrid Georgeopened showing us some of his old slides from around the fifties. He enthralled us by how with wire, string, old lenses, cocoa tins, pliers, vices etc. he was able to produce good results with the limited equipment of the day. I am still amazed how he got butterflies to stay still with a piece of wire beside them.

RichardStewarttalked about this years rare migrants and gave us some excellent shots ofCamberwell Beaury. (Chairmans note: I think I am the only person who did not see one this year).

Michaeland Jenny Kelseygave us a double act of Portugese and British butterflies, unfortunately we were not able to help in identifying some of the Portugese butterflies for them.

David and ChristineOrme showed some good slides of butterflies, moths and •caterpillars. TonyPrichardand then Steven Goss gave us a good variety of British butterflies.

The last three all showed variations of Common Blue and Brown Argus and explained how they differentiated between them (Seearticleonpage 8 -Ed.).

After a break for a chat, the draw and refreshments fames Mann talked of his' wanderings in South Africa and illustrated some forty-three different species of butt~rflies and moths he had seen in a week.

Unfortunately Roger Kendrick was not able to make it to show his rare moth migrants bur we willget him next time. It was a very enjoyable evening, we plan to have another in the autumn including a competition of photos taken this year, so get snapping!. More details in the next Suffolk Argus. Finally thanks to JanicePritchard,Paul and Sue Gilsonfor on the spot organisation.

Butterfly Garden Nectar Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . .......

by Paul Gilson

LJ

.

One garden plant that I could never be without is Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) which last year was in flower in March. By June the plants which mainly grow on my from garden wall were in full flower. They require no particular attention apart from cutting back after the first flush of flowers.

This is advisable as the seed can find its way into all sotts of unwanted places and before you know it you will have a garden foll of Valerian. The plant never requires any watering (apart from the rain above) and during last years summer positively thrived in the hot conditions.

Last year I observed the following butterflies nectaring on this plant: Small White; Green-veined White; Small Skipper; Red Admiral and Small T orroisehell.

During the second flush of flowers through August and September I ofren observed nearly double figure numbers of Small Tortoiseshells on this plant.

If the long hot summers are to continue in the years ahead then this plant will me my choice for a good drought resistant butterfly attracting plant.

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglaisurticae)

13

The Suffolk Argus

May 1996

Area Covered (1995)

1995 Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . .........

0

M

N

<O

(0

l? ~ 0

I-

I-

en

V

-IN

I->!)

0)

WhiteAdmiral (LadogaCamilla)

12

Kenton Hills, near Leiston.

Saturday, July 15th 1995.

.

byJenny Kelsey We have always thought of Kenton Hills woods, next to the Sizewell belts, as being one of the sites with the greatest variery of butterflies in this area. This hot Saturday afternoon in July was no exception.

About 25 enthusiasts, some from as far away as Bury St. Edmunds and Dedham, began to see butterflies as we assembled in the car park. A few Large Whites, Red Admirals, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers were nectaring on the brambles, and a vivid Comma flew across the gorse bushes.

Once on the woodland path we began to see more and more varieties. Meadow Browns were in abundance, and we saw at least 39 Small Tortoiseshells, including (later) about thirry which had apparently just emerged as a group and were brilliantly fresh. The most easterly path has conifer woods on one side and mixed broad-leafed trees and rhododendrons on the seaward side. This is the best part of the woods for butterflies and here we kept seeing restless, bright orangeybrown Commas (11), which now and again settled on the bracken so that we could see them to perfection.

There were the common Small (7) and Large (5) Whites, Ringlets (8), Red Admirals (7), and Gatekeepers (5). A few folk at the tail of the walk saw what was, as far as we knew the first-ever Brimstone, an unmistakable female.

Then we began to see White Admirals, the first-ever sightings for some of the group, and an exitement for us all.

5

The Suffolk Argus

They muse be among the beautiful of British butterflies as they nectar on the bramble flowers or glide in and out of the sunlight though who can say which are the most beautiful among so many! W'hite Admirals have been increasing here since we saw the first on July 26th 1991. This rime we saw fourteen, and some were recorded on video.

Along a more open area, replanted with deciduous trees since the 1987 tempest, we saw three Large Skippers, six Small Skippers, one Peacock (a week lacer there were over thirty), five Green-Veined Whites, one Small Copper and one Painted Lady.

Some of the White Admirals were in this area. The wild raspberries were sampled by some of us as well as by the Red Admirals! Some of the group saw six Speckled Wood, which have also recently begun to spread in these woods.

Two White-lener Hairstreaks were also seen by some of the group. It can be quite a good area for these, along the most westerly path, close to the fields, where wych elms still grow. There are also Purple Hairstreaks in these woods, though none were seen on this occasion, and Green Hairstreaks in season.

Between us we saw eighteen species of bunerfly in one short afternoon, so if you want an exciting butterfly outing head for the Kenton Hills woods near Leiston on a sunny afternoon in July. Car park at TM 454 637 approximately, just up a din track behind some buildings where the road to Sizewell does a sharp bend.

6

May 1996

North Warren & Thorpeness (joint meeting with the Suffolk Naturalists' Society), Saturday August 5th

by RichardStewart The expertise of Rob Mak/in, the RSPB chief warden, enabled the 30 members present to identify a wide range of species.

The Buddleia at the bottom of the garden next to the reserve q.r park was again full of butterflies, species noted being Grayling, Small White, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Peacock, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown and a Holly Blue flying over. On the walk we added Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Small and Large Skipper, Green-Veined White, Common Blue, Wall Brown and a male Brimstone, only the second of the season here.

Ringlet, Comma and Purple Hairstreak produced a total of 21 species, a personal record for one sire on one day in Suffolk though Brown Argus was not noted.

Rob also identified Common Darter dragonflies, Black-Tailed Skimmer, Southern Hawker and Migrant Hawker.

The rare Brown Hawker was also noted near the cleared river Hundred. Blue-Tailed damselfly, Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Spot Burnet moth and White Knapweed added to the riches on offer, plus a wealth of managementcurrent and future-information from our guide, who is ro be thanked for taking us round. I hope he used his skills as successfully in his afternoon cricket match!

Hubbard (lace). Grayling were also reported well away from usual habitats, including Onehouse, Dodnash and two sites on the Shotley Peninsula. Holly Blue appears to be out of its recent 'trough' and in 1995 I recorded it from 19 different tetrads, mainly second brood. On the debit side, several recorders reported a lack of Common Blues at usual sites and, despite the rare migrants, it was definitely not a Clouded Yellow year: only seen by three recorders. Dingy SkipP._eris still maintaining a precarious toehold-only recorded from 4 sites-with White-lener Hairstreak in a similar position. I am still convinced that all the Hairstreaks are under-recorded in Suffolk, in particular Green and Purple. The former is small, brown and easily overlooked in flight and single-brooded relatively early in the year. Purple Hairstreaks tend to be most active late a.(ternoon and early evening and need an upward observation, though they can be quite active low down and much earlier in the day. Any combination ofoak and ash in July is well worth a close study as these are often host trees.

1995 will be chiefly remembered for the number of are migrants but other highlights were three January 15th. sightings of early·butterflies, (Brimstone-,.-Nigel Smart at Creeting Sr. Mary, Comma-Stan Dumican at Great Whelnetharn and Peacock-Bill Lastin Ipswich), a total of 29 species at Minsmere and chief warden at North Warren, Rob Macklin, still had time to record 25 different species in his garden at Snape.

Please note when you receive the 1996 recording form, that there are two changes: first all records to go to me at the Biological Records Centre, Ipswich Museum, and a

GreenHairstreak • (Callophrysrubi) •

request for records by the end of November, which will allow time to get all completed in time for the 1997 season. I set two targets for 1996-a personal one to cover 125 tetrads (I managed 128) and a total coverage of 600 (600 so far with a few records still to chase up). This has been a very promising start but filling the gaps· is obviously a more difficult exercise.

Finally, can I thank all 1995 recorders and hope this summer will match the last.

The very latest information I have from Richard Stewart is that Camberwell Beauty was recordedin 40 tetrads and Queen of Spain Fritillary in 6 tetrads in Suffolk during

1995-Ed.

Pleaseseeoverleaffor TetradsMap

11

The Suffolk Argus

May 1996

The

The Map indicates tettads covered by records received by 28th February 1996.

Records accepted were those that could be deciphered, were realistic, accompanied by a grid reference and were in Suffolk. Yes, several came from Norfolk and Essex, two from Brighton and York respectively.

All contributors will receive 1996 forms, a letter and a copy of the 'tetrads covered'map. The emphasis in 1996 must be on 'new' records i.e. those from areas not yet covered or additional species from tetrads already recorded. Can I ask everyone to study the map carefully and try to 'fill in the gaps' especially if they are close by. I shall also be contacting over 40 of those

by RichardStewart contributing wide-ranging and extensive1995 records and inviting them to (SuffolkButterflyRecorder) be 'principalrecorders'from 1996 onwards.

At present the sheer number of records has prevented me from completing distribution lists for individual species but , these will eventually be made available. It is therefore difficult to comment on 1995 at \ this point but certain trends are evident. \ I. The long hot summer did produce '/. •••••••••• ..a home-bred bonanza of

Devil's Dyke, Newmarket (joint meeting with the Suffolk Naturalists' Society), Sunday August 6th

Millenniutn Butterfly Survey

by Richard Stewart

1995

a

by \ Angie".

Steele

PurpleHairstreak (Quercusiaquercus)

10

butterflies, especially Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral and Painted Lady in many areas but the premature disappearance of many nectar sources led to other comments about relative scarcity. White Admiral, Brown Argus and Speckled Wood are still colonising new areas, including my former garden in very urban Ipswich for the Speckled Wood. One factor in its success in recent years may be the long flight period emphasised by sightings at Great Whelnetham (2.4.95) and Creeting St. Peter (3.11.95), recorders being Mervyn Crawford (early) and Janis and Alan

.,

•I

33 members were helped to identify the butterflies present thanks to the expertise of j ohn Dawson from the Essex/ Cambridgeshire group, who was able to record Brown Argus at some distance, a great help on the steep slopes. The Dark Green Fritillary, occasionally noted here, was not recorded but by the end of the day, in addition to an Emperor moth caterpillar, species seen were: Brown Argus, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small and Essex Skipper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue, Small Heath, Wall Brown, 3 Whites, Small Copper and at least 39 Chalkhill Blue.

Tangham for late Butterflies (Joint meeting with the Suffolk Naturalists' Society), Saturday September 9th

by Richard Stewart On a balmy early Autumn day 18 members saw many Small Coppers and Graylings attracted to sunlit flowering Heather, though other expected nectar sources, such as Ragwort, Yarrow, Knapweed and Mayweed were largely missing because of the dry hot Summer. Brown Argus were identified at four points along the walk and other species recorded were: Comma, Red Admiral, Small Heath, Wall Brown, Small and Green-Veined White, Speckled Wood, Common Blue and Small Tortoiseshell.

Perhaps the highlight was a late Meadow Brown in excellent condition, suggesting a possible second brood. With no dragonfly expert present only Common parter and Migrant Hawker were positively identified. Undoubtedly Grayling (30+) and Small Copper (100+) were the chief attraction, though in the case of the latter the blue-spotted aberrant form, Caeruleopunctata,usually present on this site, was not recorded.

Grayling (HipparchiaSemele)

7

The Suffolk Argus

Which Lycaenid?

A. Agestis (Brown Argus, top pie.), P.Argus (Silverstudded Blue, middle pie.), or P. icarus (Common Blue, bottom • .)f. ptc (Remember, reference to Argus in this article is Silver-studded Blue and not Brown Argus!).

by SteveGoddard

£'J

'Colo 'NoSp

May 1996

The 20th July last year was another· hot and sunny day. 1 was looking for butterflies in the Tunstall area when I came across a beautiful carpet of heather on Tunstall Common. Here I saw but two butterflies; one a Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) and the subject of this article, a Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) both nectaring on bellheather.

I was able to watch this particular insect for what seemed to be a good five minutes during which time not for one moment did it show me its upper wings and for most of the time only its hindwing. This was a time when note-taking became invaluable. The following points were hastily noted: Colour/Markings: Ground colour a smokey brown with black spots encircled white, conspicuous on the forewing. Strong orange spots. No distinct blue although body hairs gave a hint of blue in the bright sunshine. Clear white 'jlttsh'on the hindwing. 'Colon'shaped black spots near outer-edge of the hindwing. No black spot nearer than half-way in to the body on forewing. No 'silverstuds' evident in black hindwing spots. Very fresh condition.

Size: Noticeably smaller than adjacent Small Copper.

I( 7Beryl 'Pohnson

\.

by DouglasHammersley

8

So what was it? Remember only the underside was visible. (I should emphasise that my experience with these species enabled me to focus on the 'text book'features but great patience was required particularly as far as the forewing spot was concerned!).

Let us break down the notes: The date, 20th July.

Right for P. argus with a flight period oflate June/July. Marginal for second brood of A. agestis which is usually late July to early

September and right for P. icarus which can be seen at any time in summer but late July to September brood is strongest.

The habitat.

Bell-heather is a prime area for P. argus. No sign of rock rose, storksbill or dove's foot cranesbill (A. agestis) or bird's-foot trefoil (P. icarus).

Size.

Smaller than Small Copper, this favours A. agesris or P. argus since P. icarus wingspan is similar (bur could be a small icarus!).

White hindwing 'jlttsh'.Present on P. icarus and A. agesris bur not P. argus. (P. argus now looking unlikely).

Silver-studs. Absence of silver-studs seems to rule our P. argus but they maybe extremely small (only very rarely are they absent altogether). Given normal circumstances, I should have seen something inthe bright sunshine. (P. argus looking more unlikely).

No distinct blue.

A. agestis will nor show any blue, on P. argus it is unlikely and on brown forms of P. icarus the blue could be so indistinct as to indicate none at all.

What about the spots-in fact the key features?

First, th·e forewing. 'No black spot nearer than half-way in to the body'. P. argus and A. agestis match this description.

P. icarus has two spots near the base.

We can now eliminate P. icarus bur what about the others. We need to look closely at the hindwing. The 'colon'(:) near the outer edge matches A. agestis only. In other blues this pair of black spots tend to be sideways on(..).

Therefore, this fresh Lycaenid in unexpected habitat on an early July date was Aricia agestis (Brown Argus). In addition to my notes I was able to take photographs to further confirm my identification later.

A useful i.d. feature which could have helped further was the flight. Although it flew only briefly if I had been concentrating on the flight pattern I should have been able to detect a silvery reflection as the sun caught its underwings. This can only be mistaken for Small Blue (not a problem in Suffolk).

Summary When faced with underside views of these species focus on the forewing and hindwing spots. (Longer views will of course reveal other key features of P. argus particularly, silver-studs, broad orange band and absence of 'whiteflash' on the hindwing). It is A. -agestisand brown female P. icarus which cause the problems.

1. Forewing.

A. agestis and P. argus show no black spots nearer than half-way in to the body, brown female P.icarus, has two such spots.

2. Hindwing.

Only A. agestis has has a pair of black spots formed like a colon near the edge of the ourerwing.

N.B. Underside views may be required to distinguish female P. argus and A. agestis even when upper wings shown!

I hope these notes prove helpful in recognising Brown Argus in particular, whose first brood will be on the wing from around mid-May.

We will.bepi.easedtopublishyour own observatiomor experienceswith thesespecies-Ed.

9

The Suffolk Argus

Which Lycaenid?

A. Agestis (Brown Argus, top pie.), P.Argus (Silverstudded Blue, middle pie.), or P. icarus (Common Blue, bottom • .)f. ptc (Remember, reference to Argus in this article is Silver-studded Blue and not Brown Argus!).

by SteveGoddard

£'J

'Colo 'NoSp

May 1996

The 20th July last year was another· hot and sunny day. 1 was looking for butterflies in the Tunstall area when I came across a beautiful carpet of heather on Tunstall Common. Here I saw but two butterflies; one a Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) and the subject of this article, a Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) both nectaring on bellheather.

I was able to watch this particular insect for what seemed to be a good five minutes during which time not for one moment did it show me its upper wings and for most of the time only its hindwing. This was a time when note-taking became invaluable. The following points were hastily noted: Colour/Markings: Ground colour a smokey brown with black spots encircled white, conspicuous on the forewing. Strong orange spots. No distinct blue although body hairs gave a hint of blue in the bright sunshine. Clear white 'jlttsh'on the hindwing. 'Colon'shaped black spots near outer-edge of the hindwing. No black spot nearer than half-way in to the body on forewing. No 'silverstuds' evident in black hindwing spots. Very fresh condition.

Size: Noticeably smaller than adjacent Small Copper.

I( 7Beryl 'Pohnson

\.

by DouglasHammersley

8

So what was it? Remember only the underside was visible. (I should emphasise that my experience with these species enabled me to focus on the 'text book'features but great patience was required particularly as far as the forewing spot was concerned!).

Let us break down the notes: The date, 20th July.

Right for P. argus with a flight period oflate June/July. Marginal for second brood of A. agestis which is usually late July to early

September and right for P. icarus which can be seen at any time in summer but late July to September brood is strongest.

The habitat.

Bell-heather is a prime area for P. argus. No sign of rock rose, storksbill or dove's foot cranesbill (A. agestis) or bird's-foot trefoil (P. icarus).

Size.

Smaller than Small Copper, this favours A. agesris or P. argus since P. icarus wingspan is similar (bur could be a small icarus!).

White hindwing 'jlttsh'.Present on P. icarus and A. agesris bur not P. argus. (P. argus now looking unlikely).

Silver-studs. Absence of silver-studs seems to rule our P. argus but they maybe extremely small (only very rarely are they absent altogether). Given normal circumstances, I should have seen something inthe bright sunshine. (P. argus looking more unlikely).

No distinct blue.

A. agestis will nor show any blue, on P. argus it is unlikely and on brown forms of P. icarus the blue could be so indistinct as to indicate none at all.

What about the spots-in fact the key features?

First, th·e forewing. 'No black spot nearer than half-way in to the body'. P. argus and A. agestis match this description.

P. icarus has two spots near the base.

We can now eliminate P. icarus bur what about the others. We need to look closely at the hindwing. The 'colon'(:) near the outer edge matches A. agestis only. In other blues this pair of black spots tend to be sideways on(..).

Therefore, this fresh Lycaenid in unexpected habitat on an early July date was Aricia agestis (Brown Argus). In addition to my notes I was able to take photographs to further confirm my identification later.

A useful i.d. feature which could have helped further was the flight. Although it flew only briefly if I had been concentrating on the flight pattern I should have been able to detect a silvery reflection as the sun caught its underwings. This can only be mistaken for Small Blue (not a problem in Suffolk).

Summary When faced with underside views of these species focus on the forewing and hindwing spots. (Longer views will of course reveal other key features of P. argus particularly, silver-studs, broad orange band and absence of 'whiteflash' on the hindwing). It is A. -agestisand brown female P. icarus which cause the problems.

1. Forewing.

A. agestis and P. argus show no black spots nearer than half-way in to the body, brown female P.icarus, has two such spots.

2. Hindwing.

Only A. agestis has has a pair of black spots formed like a colon near the edge of the ourerwing.

N.B. Underside views may be required to distinguish female P. argus and A. agestis even when upper wings shown!

I hope these notes prove helpful in recognising Brown Argus in particular, whose first brood will be on the wing from around mid-May.

We will.bepi.easedtopublishyour own observatiomor experienceswith thesespecies-Ed.

9

The Suffolk Argus

May 1996

The

The Map indicates tettads covered by records received by 28th February 1996.

Records accepted were those that could be deciphered, were realistic, accompanied by a grid reference and were in Suffolk. Yes, several came from Norfolk and Essex, two from Brighton and York respectively.

All contributors will receive 1996 forms, a letter and a copy of the 'tetrads covered'map. The emphasis in 1996 must be on 'new' records i.e. those from areas not yet covered or additional species from tetrads already recorded. Can I ask everyone to study the map carefully and try to 'fill in the gaps' especially if they are close by. I shall also be contacting over 40 of those

by RichardStewart contributing wide-ranging and extensive1995 records and inviting them to (SuffolkButterflyRecorder) be 'principalrecorders'from 1996 onwards.

At present the sheer number of records has prevented me from completing distribution lists for individual species but , these will eventually be made available. It is therefore difficult to comment on 1995 at \ this point but certain trends are evident. \ I. The long hot summer did produce '/. •••••••••• ..a home-bred bonanza of

Devil's Dyke, Newmarket (joint meeting with the Suffolk Naturalists' Society), Sunday August 6th

Millenniutn Butterfly Survey

by Richard Stewart

1995

a

by \ Angie".

Steele

PurpleHairstreak (Quercusiaquercus)

10

butterflies, especially Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral and Painted Lady in many areas but the premature disappearance of many nectar sources led to other comments about relative scarcity. White Admiral, Brown Argus and Speckled Wood are still colonising new areas, including my former garden in very urban Ipswich for the Speckled Wood. One factor in its success in recent years may be the long flight period emphasised by sightings at Great Whelnetham (2.4.95) and Creeting St. Peter (3.11.95), recorders being Mervyn Crawford (early) and Janis and Alan

.,

•I

33 members were helped to identify the butterflies present thanks to the expertise of j ohn Dawson from the Essex/ Cambridgeshire group, who was able to record Brown Argus at some distance, a great help on the steep slopes. The Dark Green Fritillary, occasionally noted here, was not recorded but by the end of the day, in addition to an Emperor moth caterpillar, species seen were: Brown Argus, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small and Essex Skipper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue, Small Heath, Wall Brown, 3 Whites, Small Copper and at least 39 Chalkhill Blue.

Tangham for late Butterflies (Joint meeting with the Suffolk Naturalists' Society), Saturday September 9th

by Richard Stewart On a balmy early Autumn day 18 members saw many Small Coppers and Graylings attracted to sunlit flowering Heather, though other expected nectar sources, such as Ragwort, Yarrow, Knapweed and Mayweed were largely missing because of the dry hot Summer. Brown Argus were identified at four points along the walk and other species recorded were: Comma, Red Admiral, Small Heath, Wall Brown, Small and Green-Veined White, Speckled Wood, Common Blue and Small Tortoiseshell.

Perhaps the highlight was a late Meadow Brown in excellent condition, suggesting a possible second brood. With no dragonfly expert present only Common parter and Migrant Hawker were positively identified. Undoubtedly Grayling (30+) and Small Copper (100+) were the chief attraction, though in the case of the latter the blue-spotted aberrant form, Caeruleopunctata,usually present on this site, was not recorded.

Grayling (HipparchiaSemele)

7

The Suffolk Argus

They muse be among the beautiful of British butterflies as they nectar on the bramble flowers or glide in and out of the sunlight though who can say which are the most beautiful among so many! W'hite Admirals have been increasing here since we saw the first on July 26th 1991. This rime we saw fourteen, and some were recorded on video.

Along a more open area, replanted with deciduous trees since the 1987 tempest, we saw three Large Skippers, six Small Skippers, one Peacock (a week lacer there were over thirty), five Green-Veined Whites, one Small Copper and one Painted Lady.

Some of the White Admirals were in this area. The wild raspberries were sampled by some of us as well as by the Red Admirals! Some of the group saw six Speckled Wood, which have also recently begun to spread in these woods.

Two White-lener Hairstreaks were also seen by some of the group. It can be quite a good area for these, along the most westerly path, close to the fields, where wych elms still grow. There are also Purple Hairstreaks in these woods, though none were seen on this occasion, and Green Hairstreaks in season.

Between us we saw eighteen species of bunerfly in one short afternoon, so if you want an exciting butterfly outing head for the Kenton Hills woods near Leiston on a sunny afternoon in July. Car park at TM 454 637 approximately, just up a din track behind some buildings where the road to Sizewell does a sharp bend.

6

May 1996

North Warren & Thorpeness (joint meeting with the Suffolk Naturalists' Society), Saturday August 5th

by RichardStewart The expertise of Rob Mak/in, the RSPB chief warden, enabled the 30 members present to identify a wide range of species.

The Buddleia at the bottom of the garden next to the reserve q.r park was again full of butterflies, species noted being Grayling, Small White, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Peacock, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown and a Holly Blue flying over. On the walk we added Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Small and Large Skipper, Green-Veined White, Common Blue, Wall Brown and a male Brimstone, only the second of the season here.

Ringlet, Comma and Purple Hairstreak produced a total of 21 species, a personal record for one sire on one day in Suffolk though Brown Argus was not noted.

Rob also identified Common Darter dragonflies, Black-Tailed Skimmer, Southern Hawker and Migrant Hawker.

The rare Brown Hawker was also noted near the cleared river Hundred. Blue-Tailed damselfly, Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Spot Burnet moth and White Knapweed added to the riches on offer, plus a wealth of managementcurrent and future-information from our guide, who is ro be thanked for taking us round. I hope he used his skills as successfully in his afternoon cricket match!

Hubbard (lace). Grayling were also reported well away from usual habitats, including Onehouse, Dodnash and two sites on the Shotley Peninsula. Holly Blue appears to be out of its recent 'trough' and in 1995 I recorded it from 19 different tetrads, mainly second brood. On the debit side, several recorders reported a lack of Common Blues at usual sites and, despite the rare migrants, it was definitely not a Clouded Yellow year: only seen by three recorders. Dingy SkipP._eris still maintaining a precarious toehold-only recorded from 4 sites-with White-lener Hairstreak in a similar position. I am still convinced that all the Hairstreaks are under-recorded in Suffolk, in particular Green and Purple. The former is small, brown and easily overlooked in flight and single-brooded relatively early in the year. Purple Hairstreaks tend to be most active late a.(ternoon and early evening and need an upward observation, though they can be quite active low down and much earlier in the day. Any combination ofoak and ash in July is well worth a close study as these are often host trees.

1995 will be chiefly remembered for the number of are migrants but other highlights were three January 15th. sightings of early·butterflies, (Brimstone-,.-Nigel Smart at Creeting Sr. Mary, Comma-Stan Dumican at Great Whelnetharn and Peacock-Bill Lastin Ipswich), a total of 29 species at Minsmere and chief warden at North Warren, Rob Macklin, still had time to record 25 different species in his garden at Snape.

Please note when you receive the 1996 recording form, that there are two changes: first all records to go to me at the Biological Records Centre, Ipswich Museum, and a

GreenHairstreak • (Callophrysrubi) •

request for records by the end of November, which will allow time to get all completed in time for the 1997 season. I set two targets for 1996-a personal one to cover 125 tetrads (I managed 128) and a total coverage of 600 (600 so far with a few records still to chase up). This has been a very promising start but filling the gaps· is obviously a more difficult exercise.

Finally, can I thank all 1995 recorders and hope this summer will match the last.

The very latest information I have from Richard Stewart is that Camberwell Beauty was recordedin 40 tetrads and Queen of Spain Fritillary in 6 tetrads in Suffolk during

1995-Ed.

Pleaseseeoverleaffor TetradsMap

11

The Suffolk Argus

May 1996

Area Covered (1995)

1995 Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . .........

0

M

N

<O

(0

l? ~ 0

I-

I-

en

V

-IN

I->!)

0)

WhiteAdmiral (LadogaCamilla)

12

Kenton Hills, near Leiston.

Saturday, July 15th 1995.

.

byJenny Kelsey We have always thought of Kenton Hills woods, next to the Sizewell belts, as being one of the sites with the greatest variery of butterflies in this area. This hot Saturday afternoon in July was no exception.

About 25 enthusiasts, some from as far away as Bury St. Edmunds and Dedham, began to see butterflies as we assembled in the car park. A few Large Whites, Red Admirals, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers were nectaring on the brambles, and a vivid Comma flew across the gorse bushes.

Once on the woodland path we began to see more and more varieties. Meadow Browns were in abundance, and we saw at least 39 Small Tortoiseshells, including (later) about thirry which had apparently just emerged as a group and were brilliantly fresh. The most easterly path has conifer woods on one side and mixed broad-leafed trees and rhododendrons on the seaward side. This is the best part of the woods for butterflies and here we kept seeing restless, bright orangeybrown Commas (11), which now and again settled on the bracken so that we could see them to perfection.

There were the common Small (7) and Large (5) Whites, Ringlets (8), Red Admirals (7), and Gatekeepers (5). A few folk at the tail of the walk saw what was, as far as we knew the first-ever Brimstone, an unmistakable female.

Then we began to see White Admirals, the first-ever sightings for some of the group, and an exitement for us all.

5

The SuffolkArgus

Member's Evening, 20th January

1996

CamberwellBeauiy•· (Nymphalis antiopa)

4

May 1996

It was a cold evening but despite this nearly thirty members turned up to make an interesting and successful evening. The evening opened with a brief introduction and the running order from fames Mann our chairman, we then got down to the serious business.

Wilfrid Georgeopened showing us some of his old slides from around the fifties. He enthralled us by how with wire, string, old lenses, cocoa tins, pliers, vices etc. he was able to produce good results with the limited equipment of the day. I am still amazed how he got butterflies to stay still with a piece of wire beside them.

RichardStewarttalked about this years rare migrants and gave us some excellent shots ofCamberwell Beaury. (Chairmans note: I think I am the only person who did not see one this year).

Michaeland Jenny Kelseygave us a double act of Portugese and British butterflies, unfortunately we were not able to help in identifying some of the Portugese butterflies for them.

David and ChristineOrme showed some good slides of butterflies, moths and •caterpillars. TonyPrichardand then Steven Goss gave us a good variety of British butterflies.

The last three all showed variations of Common Blue and Brown Argus and explained how they differentiated between them (Seearticleonpage 8 -Ed.).

After a break for a chat, the draw and refreshments fames Mann talked of his' wanderings in South Africa and illustrated some forty-three different species of butt~rflies and moths he had seen in a week.

Unfortunately Roger Kendrick was not able to make it to show his rare moth migrants bur we willget him next time. It was a very enjoyable evening, we plan to have another in the autumn including a competition of photos taken this year, so get snapping!. More details in the next Suffolk Argus. Finally thanks to JanicePritchard,Paul and Sue Gilsonfor on the spot organisation.

Butterfly Garden Nectar Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . .......

by Paul Gilson

LJ

.

One garden plant that I could never be without is Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) which last year was in flower in March. By June the plants which mainly grow on my from garden wall were in full flower. They require no particular attention apart from cutting back after the first flush of flowers.

This is advisable as the seed can find its way into all sotts of unwanted places and before you know it you will have a garden foll of Valerian. The plant never requires any watering (apart from the rain above) and during last years summer positively thrived in the hot conditions.

Last year I observed the following butterflies nectaring on this plant: Small White; Green-veined White; Small Skipper; Red Admiral and Small T orroisehell.

During the second flush of flowers through August and September I ofren observed nearly double figure numbers of Small Tortoiseshells on this plant.

If the long hot summers are to continue in the years ahead then this plant will me my choice for a good drought resistant butterfly attracting plant.

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglaisurticae)

13

The Suffolk Argus

Branch Photograph Album& Branch Display Boards - Photos Appeal

May 1996

We are putting together an album of photographs to use for publicity purposes at events like the Suffolk Show. If you can spare any pictures of butterflies, sites, members on field trips etc. please sendthem to me (address on back cover) with details of the location etc. All photos used in the album will be attributed to the photographer when known.

I am also preparing some display boards for the Suffolk Show and urgently need pictures of Dingy Skipper, Swallowtail, Large Heath and Brown Hairstreak. For these four species I need either-a transparency (I'll get a print made and return transparency to you), or a photograph I can cut to size and use, or a 35mm negative (to get a print and return negative to you). Please help if you can. Thank you

by Steven Goss

Wanted Butterflies of Trinidad and Tobago by M. Barcant. Pub!. 1970.

If you've got a copy of this book, let me try and make you an offer you can't refuse!

Tel: Steven Goss (01379) 783386.

Notes from the Editor Millennium Survey Update Around thirty members from the Suffolk branch and the Suffolk Naturalists' Society attended this event at the Ipswich Museum on Saturday 23rd March. RichardStewart gave a detailed account of the first year of the survey in terms of numbers of tetrads covered and several individual species tetrad maps were shown on overhead projector for the members to see (thanks Martin).

Howard Mendel had arranged for part of the Museum collection of butterflies to be on display. Sadly, many of the butterflies on display no longer being resident in Suffolk.

For many people there it was the first time they had seen the collection.

Thanks go to Howard Mendel, Martin Sanford and RichardStewart for arranging this event.

For a more detailed account of the first year of the survey please see RichardStewarts article starting on page 10.

A good, usable secondhand moth trap.

Mercury Vapour preferred.

Thanks again to DouglasHammersley,Beryl Johnsonand Angie Steek for their splendid line drawings that appear in this issue of the Suffolk Argus.

Branch Conservation Officer (Moths) In the last Newsletter we announced that TonyPrichardwill be taking over from Roger Kendrickin the summer. I would to take this opportunity to thank Rogerfor all the work he has done for the Branch (not only moths) since its creation in 1993.

Cold Winter As many of you will have noticed it was the coldest winter for many years. At the recent Millennium survey update at Ipswich Museum, Howard Mendel explained that a hibernating butterfly is likely to use less energy reserves in a cold winter than a mild one. Richard Stewart has already received reports of a hibernating Camberwell Beauty and 3 on the wing (unfortunately not in Suffolk). Could it be that this year sufficient numbers survive to breed for the first time.

You never know it could be you that records this event.

1996 AGA-fReport We are sorry that this edition of the newsletter does not have the 1996 AGM report. A full report with accounts will be in the next edition of the Suffolk Argus.

Scientific Names

Wanted

Illustrations

We have decided to discontinue use of scientific names in text unless required by the article. If you have any particular feelings otherwise, let us know.

Member's Evening The committee are trying to arrange another members evening for the autumn. We would like to hold a branch photographic competition (prints only) at this event. Full details will be in the next edition of the Suffolk Argus.

Tel. Steven Goss (01379) 783386.

14

3

The Suffolk Argus

May 1996

Contents

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

The Suffolk Show ........................................................... Cover Contents ...............................................................................

:2

Newsletter Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .

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

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

January May September

Christmas Eve April Fools Day August Bank Holiday

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

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

Members Evening .................................................................. 4 1995 Field Trips ................................................................ 5-7 Which Lycaenid ......... :..,..................................................... 8-9

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

The Millennium Butterfly Survey 1995 .......................... 10-12 Butterfly Garden Nectar Plants ............................................ 13 Photo Album/Display Board Appeal .................................... 14 Newsletter Details & General Information ;'.......................... 15 SuffolkBranch Contacts ........................................ Back Cover

Butterfly HOTELS

ButterflyLine 0891 884505 byAngie Steele

d~ ~ef

-i'...

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

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

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

2

Butterfly Hotel, A45 Bury East Exit.

Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds

01284 760884 15

Suffolk Branch Contacts

Chairman

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

---

Membership Secretary

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

THE

SUFFOLK ARGUS May

Newsletter Editor Steve Goddard,47 Colchester Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3BT (01473 252598) Programme Secretary Alan Johnson,28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701)

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

01473 252598.

1996

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

Conservation Officer & County Recorder (Butterflies) RichardStewart, 'Valezina', 112 Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, _IP42XW (01473 216518) Conservation Officer (Moths) TonyPrichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047) County Recorder (Moths) Arthur Watchman,Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP? ?BA

The I

Suffolk Show

1

j..

Secretary

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

GrahamBull, Oakbank, Ardleigh Road, Dedharn, Essex CO? 6EG (01206 323530)

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation (The British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd.) R<g, No. 2206468 R<g.Charity No. 254937 Head Office P.O. Box 222. Dedham, EssexC07 6EY. Tel. (01206) 322342

F.ditedby Si,v, Goddard Printedby Gr,gHerbm & Sons.

Logo(Silver-studded Blue) DougHammml,y Daigned and produced by St,phen !on,

Cat & MouS<Design (01473 729423 after 7pm) © 1996 all rights reserved

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

Thedate:

29th& 30thI/lay1996

Thatime:

Gatesopen7.30 am

Thaplace: SuffolkShowground, NactonRoadEntrance

Committee Members

Michael&jenny Kelsey,25 Prospect Place, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4AL (01728 830975)

JanicePritchard,89 Leopold Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 4RN (01473 718137) President

HowardMendel, clo Ipswich Museum, High St., Ipswich, Suffolk !Pl 3QH (01473 213761)

We are delighted to inform you that the branch will be attending the County Show for the third successive year thanks to the Suffolk Naturalists' Society with whom we will be sharing a tent.

This is a wonderful opportunity to promote Butterfly Conservation as well as the activities of our own branch. However, running a stall at these events needs as many helpers as possible, the more literally the merrier. Come along, help out and enjoy yourself selling wildflowers, talking butterflies and meeting others with the same interests as you. The branch will also have a new series of display boards created by our Publicity Officer, Steven Goss. Please let fames Mann or Paul Gilson know at the soonest if you feel you can offer assistance.

If you are attending the Show anyway, don't forget to look in, have a chat and see what we are up to! You will find us in the ConservacioriArea near to the Nacton Road entrance.

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

Volume8

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

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION