Prize Winner

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congratulations to Suffolk Branch member Russell Edwards on being awarded First Prize in the UK Moths section in the 1993 Butterfly Photographer of the Year competition organised by Butterfly Conservation. Russell's winning picture was of a Poplar Hawk-moth taken in his own garden. His award was presented to him by Gordon Beningfield, President of the Society, at this year's National AGM.

Target species for 1994

Just to remind you all of the appeal made in the first issue of the SUFFOLK AR6US for us all to make a special effort to look for and take note of six particular species when recording our observations this year. These are (in alphabetical order): Brown Argus, Dingy Slcipper,Grizzled Slcipper, Silver-studded Blue, White Admiral and White-letter Hairstreak.

Whilst we should all be aware of the status of our mascot, the Silver-studded Blue, the others are no less vulnerable. As I said before, it may already be too late for the Grizzled Slcipper which was last positively recorded in 1979. This latter species is in serious decline in many parts of central and southern England and is the subft:ct of a three-year research project at the University of East London. The aim is to generate recommendations on how this little-studied butterfly may be most effectively conserved. Therefore, any observations will not only be of help to us but will also be forwarded on to support this major study.

As you read this, Grizzled Skippers could well be on the wing somewhere in Suffolk. Their flight period is usually mid-May to end Jw1e. lt was last recorded on 19th May 1979, at Felshamhall (Bradfield) Woods. Could it still be here in the woodland edges? Elsewhere in this issue, Steve Doyle talks (see p.12) of seeing it in Thetford forest. Who knows, you could go down in local history as the finder of the first colony since the 1970's. We will ce11ainly be printing any such news in the SUFFOLK ARGUS. Records of all butterfly sightings should be sent to Richard Stewart, who is deputising for Steve Piotrowski as County Recorder until further notice (see back cover).

The season's just getting under way - have a lovely summer - look forward to hearing about your adventures for the autumn edition. Steve Goadard