February 1997
The Suffolk Argus
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Forthcomingtalk on Butterfliesand Moths It is not very often that we have the opportunity to go along to talks on Butterflies and Moths so a forthcoming talk by Rafe Eley, one of the county's leading lepidopterists, muse surely be too good to miss. Organised by The Friends of St. Nicholas' Hospice, this event deserves our support. It will take place on Wednesday 12th March at the Hospice, Bury St. Edmunds (behind West Suffolk Hospital) at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available on the night at £3 each including refreshments but if you would prefer to book in advance, they may be obtained from the following outlets: St. Nicholas' Hospice - 01284 766133 Croydons, Jewellers, Comhill, Bury St. Edmunds Landers Bookshop, Hall Street, Long Melford Lavenham Newsagent, High Street, Lavenham and St. Nicholas, Hospice shops in Bridge Street, Thetford Gainsborough Street, Sudbury and Market Place, Mildenhall
Watching Purple Hairstreaks by Paul Gilson
PurpleHairstreak
Dingy Skipper Our rarest breeding butterfly is to come under the spotlight this year. Two weekend visits are planned for June in an endeavour to survey as much of its known preferred habitat as possible. Please help by attending, the more people present the more areas covered. See your 1997 Programme for details.
Moth Recording
Having spent an enjoyable mid-August afternoon relaxing on the foreshore of the river Aide at lken we made our way back to the picnic site car park. Our car was just to the left of the lken footpath display board at the lower end of the car park. The time was approaching 5.00 pm and with the sun still shining it was still pleasantly warm; just perfect for the picnic we had brought with us. To the left of the display board are two oak trees, about 20-25 feet high. le was whilst eating that I noticed movement in one of the oaks. Reaching for the binoculars it soon became apparent chat the silvery movement at the top of the tree were Purple Hairstreaks. Having packed away our picnic, I decided to look at the other tree for signs of life. It was not long before movement was detected. My wife and I were soon able to observe these beautiful insects at head height as they alighted forthe, down the tree. A perfect end to a perfect afternoon in a beautiful part of Suffolk. I wonder if any of our readers have seen Purple Hairstreaks on shorter oak trees?
by AngieSteele
With 1997 seeing a greater focus on moth recording, if anyone would like copies of articles on moths from past editions of the Suffolk Argus please contact the editor. The subjects concerned are: Light Trap Construction: January 1995 Identification of Moths - Making Field Notes: May 1995
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