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. Richard Stewart 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 Richard Stewart for arranging this event. For a more detailed account of the first year of the survey please see Richard Stewarts article starting on page 10.

1996 AGA-f Report

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

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.

Illustrations

Thanks again to Douglas Hammersley, Beryl Johnson and 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 Tony Prichard will be taking over from Roger Kendrick in the summer. I would to take this opportunity to thank Roger for 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.

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.