Suffolk Argus 9, Oct 1996 by Suffolk Naturalists' Society

Suffolk Branch Contacts

Chairman

fame, Mann, The Old School, The Street, Darsham, Saxm(:mdham,Suffolk, IP17 3QA (01728 668532) Membership Secretary . Paul Gilson, 18 Cheltenham Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk !PI 4LN (01473 253276)

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SUFFOLK ARGUS

Newsletter Editor Steve Goddard,47 Colchester Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 3BT (01473 252598) Programme Secretary

Alanjohmo11,28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 OQH (01473 715701)

¼Jlunteers Needed If you feel you 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.

Conservation Officer & County Recorder (Butterflies) RichardStewart, 'Valezina', 112 Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2X'W (01473 216518) Conservation Officer (Moths) To11yPrichar:f,3 Powling·Road, Ipswich, _ Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047) •

October 1996 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Member's Evening

County Record.er (Moths)

Arthur Watchma11, Onchan, Back Lane, Monks Eleigh, Suffolk IP7 7BA Secretary

To11yPrichard,3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9JR (01473 270047)

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation (The British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd.) Reg. No. 2206468 ·.· . Reg. CharityNo. 254937 Head Office, P.O. Box 222. Dcdham, Essex CO? 6EY. Tel. (01206) 322342

Editedby Stev, Godd,wl Printed by Greg Herbert 6- Sons. Logo(Silver-<tudd<d Blue) Doug Hammm/,y Designed:and produced by Suphen Ion, Cat & Mouse Design (01473 729423 answer phone} © 1996 all righrs reserved

Treasurer

Thedata:

16thNovember 1996

GrahamBull, Oakbank, Ardleigh Road, Dedham, Essex CO7 6EG (01206 323530)

TheTI•:

7.00pmfor7.30pm

Publicity Officer Steven Goss,Yaxley Manor House, Yaxley, Eye, Suffolk IP23 8OG (01379 783386) Committee Members\•,.

Michael &Jen11yKebey,25 Prospect Place, Leisten, Suffolk IP16 4AL (01728 830975) President

Howard Mendel, clo Ipswich Museum, High St., Ipswich, Suffolk !PI 3QH (01473 213761)

1111place: TheButterfly Hotel, BurySt.Edmunds

What a wonderful summer for butterflies (and moths)! You must have taken some photographs chat you are well pleased with. How would you like to enter your best pictures in competition with fellow members? This is che theme for our next Member's Evening so be sure co join in and enjoy the memories of a golden summer. We are delighted co have Michael Chinery, well known author on natural history, as our guest judge for the evening. Let us make sure chat he has plenty of entries to choose from. There will be a moth as well as a butterfly category and a prize will be awarded to each wmner. There will also be chat and discussion on a number of topics as well as the first presentation of our l 997 Events list. We look forward co your company and competition entries. See page l 8 for further details.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Newsletter of the SuffolkBranch of Butterfly Conservation

Volume9

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BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

October 1996

The Suffolk Argus

Contents Members Evening .......................................................... Cover Contents ................................................................................

Newsletter Details

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

Nores form the Editor ............................................................ 3 1996 AGM & Accounts ..................................................... 4-5 Roger (Moth) Kendrick .......................................................... 6 1996 Field Trips ................................................................ 7-9 The Landrover Woodlands Campaign ................................. 10 Encounter with a Beauty ...................................................... l 0 Suffolk Show is a Big Success ............................................... 11 Hornet Predating Small T ortoishell ..................................... 11 Biodiversity & Suffolk Branch ....................................... 12-13 The Millennium Survey ................................................. 14- 15

ToAdvertisein THE

Any piece of writing that is considered to be of interest will be published together with line drawings/prints/photographs. The Suffolk Argus is your magazine, so please let us hear from you.

SUFFOLK ARGUS

Pleasecontact:

Steve Goddard (01473 252598)

Butterfly HOTELS

Spectacular Migrants ............................................................ 16

i'-.,.

What a Summer for Garden Butterflies ................................ 17 Competion Rules/For Sale ................................................... 18

ButterflyLine

Newsletter Details & General Information ........................... 19

0891 884505

Suffolk Branch Contacts ........................................ Back Cover

,~ 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

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A purpose built Hotel with all the facilities that today's travellers require yet in a rustic traditional environment that is welcoming and comfortable.

Butterfly Hotel, A45 Bury East Exit. Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds

01284 760884 19

The Suffolk Argus

Member's

Evening

October 1996

For Sale Suffolk Branch has the following books for sale:

16th November 1996 Competition

Hardback. £2.50. (see November I 995 Newsletter for Book Review).

Rules

by R & R Goodden. Hardback. £3.50.

I. Colour prints only - approx 6" x 4".

'The Concise Guide to Butteiflies'

'Handguide to Butte,flies

&Moths of Britain &Europe'

3. Any stage of life cycle permissible.

by J. Wilkinson & M. Tweedie. Softback. £1.99.

5. 1996 photographs only. 6. Preferably send entries to Richard Stewart before the night. (seeback cover for address). 7. If entered on the night, they must be handed to Richard by 7 .15 pm at the latest. 8. A pencilled number will be printed on the rear of the photograph for identification purposes. 9. Entries will be returned on the night. If any member is unable ro attend please provide a s.a.e. for their return. 10. Prizes:-

Butterfly Category:

'The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Butterflies &Moths' by Dr. V Stanek. Hardback. £4.50.

'Butte,fly Plants for the Garden' by Margaret Vicary. Paperback. £2.50.

Butterfly Conservation guides to:'WoodlandButterjlies', 'ThePurpk Emperor', 'Gardening/or Butte,flies', 'The White-ktter Hairstreak', 'The Swallowtail' and 'Butte,flies of the Chalk Downlands'. All paperback. All £2.50 each.

'Saving Butte,flies' by David Dunbar. Softback. Normally £11.95 but we have a few copies available at only £8.50.

Glorious Butterflies and their flora with paintings by Valerie Baines.

Please send your cheque (made payable to Butterfly Conservation) to Steven Goss,

Moth Category:

YaxleyManorHouse, Yaxley,Suffolk, IP23 8DG. Please add £1 to cover postage

Insects of Britain & Western Europe by Michael Chinery.

the Editor

'ObseversBook ofButterflies'

2. Two categories - Butterflies and Moths.

4. Maximum number of entries - 3 for each category.

Notes from

Queen of Spain Fritillary Many Suffolk Branch members together with hundreds of enthusiasts from all around the country were fortunate to see Queen of Spain Fritillary in our county this summer - and all due to the kind cooperation of the RSPB Minsmere staff. Whilst I make reference to this memorable event elsewhere in this Newsletter (see Spectacular Migrants), I would like to give special thanks here to GeoffWelch and his team for the effort they put in to ensure that as many people as possible could see these lovely butterflies during their eleven day presence. Lot's of people are extremely grateful.

A week-end trip • Queenof Spainftitillary (Argynnislathonia)

With a desire to see several butterflies that cannot be seen in Suffolk we are considering a visit to reserves in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire next year involving a twonight stay. Two of the reserves, Monkwood and Prestbury Hill are described in the Butterfly Conservation Nature Reserves booklet issued ro members last year. We would travel in our own cars on Friday 30th May, staying overnight at our first destination before moving on next day and then staying over on Saturday night, heading for home on Sunday afternoon, June 1st.

If you think you might be interested, please contact Alan Johnson before the end of the year since numbers may have to be limited.

& packing. Alternatively, you can take it to the Member's Evening.

The SuffolkArgus

1996 Annual General Meeting The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30 pm and began with thanks to the committee for their hard work in organising the 14 Field Trips, rhe Member's Evening, attendance at the Suffolk Woodlands Conference, the Suffolk Show and also for the not inconsiderable work that goes on constantly behind the scenes. He talked of how as a boy, 50 years ago, he could remember many more butterflies than are about today but that with TEN species becoming extinct in Suffolk and many more showing severe decline in this time, it was sadly not surprising. He also went on to explain rhat the coming year would see the beginning of working relationships with other groups as part of the Biodiversity Challenge and that • we are part of the Suffolk Group involved with this initiative. Further, we were reminded that at the same time, branch members will continue to be busy recording for the Millennium Atlas. Each Officer of the Committee then gave a brief report on their work during the year. The Butterfly Conservation Officer asked thar records be sent to him rhroughout the year to enable him to spread his workload. The Treasurer's report is included within this article in the form of a Balance Sheet and Income and Expenses Report.

October l 996

The election of the committee was disappointing in so far as no new names came forward but the current committee expressed their willingness ro continue in office with the exception of Roger Kendrick who is off to Hong Kong to study for his Phd. Dr. Neil Ravenscroft gave a very interesting talk which he had entitled 'The Recoveryof Butterfliesin Suffolk', a programme that is now being jointly pursued with Suffolk Wildlife Trust. This presentation paved the way for a return to the Chairman's vision expressed as part of his opening address. After refreshments, there ensued varied discussion together with a question and amwer session that proved to be of real value to all since both Neil Ravenscroft and Howard Mendel our Presid.c:ntwere taking part, responding to many questions and giving good opinions. The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking our speaker and also the Butterfly Hotel for generously sponsoring the event. He also wished the 20 or so members who had attended, a safe journey home.

What a summer for garden butterflies byJean Garrod

I 996 has been an exceptional year for butterflies in our garden. I expect most of you will say the same. Before the storms and heavy rains of August 28th and 29th, the Buddlejas heaved with Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Peacock and perhaps surprisingly to a lesser extent, Small Tortoiseshell. The former were clearly the most prolific and surely, 1996 will become known as 'the Painted Lady Year·.After rhe storms, the numbers were dramatically reduced bur still Painted Ladies were the most numerous. From April 9th, when we saw our first Small White in the garden, we noted that all species sightings had increased in number with the exception of the Common Blue. We added two new species to our garden list this year namely, Ringlet on August 1st and Brown Argus on August 21st. Silver Y moths also came in profusion and at close quarters, the noise from rhe whirring wings of both the moths and butterflies was quite incredible. The icing on rhe cake however, was two prolonged visits by a Hummingbird Hawk-moth on August 22nd. At least four other people in various parts of Ipswich have told me that they roo were privileged to watch this remarkable insect in their gardens round about the same date. As I write we are now weli into September with far less activity in the garden but there is always 1997 to look forward to!

October

The Suffolk Argus

Spectacular Migrants by Steve Goddard As Jean Garrod suggests in her article elsewhere in this newsletter, this was certainly the year of the Painted Lady. However, although perhaps less attractive, the Silver Y must have run a close second in terns of numbers. But how did they reach us in numbers which arguably were the largest in living memory? Well first of all, breeding conditions must have been ideal in their country of origin probably the south of France, Spain or even North Africa. Then, as their natural urge takes them north so the southerly winds • which developed at the end of May and continuing well into June, were respo~sible for drawing them on to our shores. Millions must have been involved on a broad front. Jean and Ken Garrod and I saw scores streaming north across Dunwich Heath during the first week of June never stopping to be examined. The perfect summer weather that followed meant that their offspring emerged in vast numbers during August their life only seeming to have been cut short by those late August storms and the early September cold. Painted Lady and Silver Y were not the only insects to make their way in on the southerly winds. Three Bedstraw Hawkmoth were seen at Bromeswell on 18th, June and well-grown larvae were recorded at Tunstall towards the end of July. A Striped Hawk-moth was reported from Thorpeness. Humming-bird Hawk-moths were also present.

Again however, it was the butterflies that captured everyone's imagination. Clouded Yellows must have been part of the early summer immigration with their progeny being regularly seen from many parts of Suffolk during August and possibly augmented by further immigration. Up to ten, including a female Helice, could be seen for two weeks or so at Peewir Hill, Felixstowe. Here also, two Chalkhill Blues were seen on separate occasions in August. It will be interesting co hear learned views on their origin. Bur undoubtedly, the scar of them all must be the Queen of Spain Fritillaries which frequented an area not normally accessibleto the public on the RSPB Minsmere reserve from 17th to 28/29 August the time of those August storms! Due co excellent and considerate wardening arrangements and regular communications on the 'birdiines'by the RSPB, these beautiful butterflies were enjoyed by enthusiasts from allover the country with up co three being seen on most occasions providing superb views and marvellous photographic opportunities. Although these butterflies may well have arrived at a later time, it must be reasonable to speculate that they were raised from an earlier arrival on the southerly winds referred to earlier. Certainly, wild pansy was in evidence, a recognised larval food plant. Interestingly, an adult was found on the reserve last year but unfortunately the victim of a pit-trap. Let us hope this Fritillary becomes a regular feature of the Suffolk countryside and that we are graced with their presence again in 1997. Finally, August also gave us sightings of Death's Head Hawkmoth by the Suffolk Moth Group at Halesworth on the 16th and earlier would you believe, from the Eel's Foot Inn at Eastbridge! Altogether, a remarkable summer and one to be long remembered.

Butterfly Conservation (Suffolk Branch) Balance Sheet as at 31/03/1996

1996

Butterfly Conservation (Suffolk Branch) Income and Expenses Report 01/04/1995to31/03/1996

Assets

Total

Category

Total

Bank and Cash Accounts

Income

Deposit ............................................... 0.00 Girobank (current) ......................... 720.45 Petty Cash ........................................ 18.62 Total Bank & Cash Accounts ......... 739.07

Fundraising ....................................... 26.36 General Donations ........................... 12.10 Membership Subs ........................... 572.10 Sales Revenue ... Zero VAT ............... 54.50 Sales Std Rate ................................. 200.00 Income- Unassigned .......................... 0.00

Other Assets Accounts Receivable ........................... 0.00 Stocks for Resale .............................. 70.00 Total Other Assets ........................... 70.00

Total Income ................................. 865.26

Expenses

Liabilities

Total

Other Liabilities Accounts Payable .............................. 60.60 Total Other Liabilities ..................... 60.60

TotalLiabilities ................................ 60.60

Bank Charges .................................... Conservation .................................... Exhibition Costs ............................... Newsletters ... . .. .. ... . .. .. .. . ... .... . ... .. .. . ..

23.50 33.11 75.00 164. 51

Office Expenses..Std. VAT ............... 36.86 Office Expenses.. Zero VAT .............. 39.67 Photocopy ........................................ 11.40 Post .................................................... 3.13 Purchases ... Zero VAT ..................... 33.12 Purchases ... Std Rate ...................... 105.80

Net Worth ..................................... 748.47 Room Hire ....................................... 30.00 Subscriptions .................................... 23.50 Sundry .............................................. 15.82 Travel ............................................... 40.00 Expenses - Unassigned ....................... 0.11

Total Expenses ............................... 648.58 Income Less Expenses ................... 224.68

October 1996

The Suffolk Argus

Roger

(Moth) Kendrick

. . . . . . . . . . . ........ . A tribute by]ames Mann

I could not let Roger escape to Hong Kong without saying a few words about him. I rememb~r telling him that I was not really interested in moths, he was not worried by this b~t just said that with well over a thousand moths common to this country, they were very interesting. I went roun·d to his house one evening to see the running of his mothtrap and that was the beginning of moths for me. He said it was a bad night but I was fascinated by the twenty or so different species that Roger could name and sex in an instant. I felt very humble in that I could not identify any of them. I have now been on several moth nights with him and have become influenced by his quiet and enthusiastic manner. I now run a simple mothtrap in my garden and I am able to name many of the common species. The Branch has recently bought its own generator and has an enthusiastic moth following headed by Tony Prichard and Graham Bull. The development of this interest has been greatly influenced by Roger's willingness to freely pass his knowledge to others. We are yet to achieve his ability to give a very long scientific name to many of the very small micro-moths but we have a target to aim for. Roger, we all wish you great success in your studies and you know that you will be very welcome when you return. Thankyou for all the work you have done for the Branch and all the help you have given to everyone who has come in contact with you.

into a long trouser pocket and offers everything a good guide should. There are sections about butterflies likely to be seen in different habitats, a full and in most cases double page treatment of each British species, including life cycle, illustrations of different stages of development, distribution map, full description and colour photograph. Rarer migrants are also covered and probably the best of all is a series of pages where similar species appear together, with differences noted. Even better, to consult before and after a trip where you anticipate seeing a new species, is the award-winning 'The Butterflies of Britain and Ireland' again by Jeremy Thomas with illustrations by Richard Lewington. This is published by Darling Kindersley at £16.99. My own copy was second-hand and I have

seen both books recently in shops at less than full price. The great advantage of the second book is the in--0epth treatment, from personal experience, of each species. Finally, please note my new address: Valezina', 112, Westerfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 2XW. For quickness, please send records directly to me rather than the museum address on the recording sheet. My new telephone number is 01473 216518.

0 TG 63 TM62 9 9 TL 52

~ 15

October 1996

The Suffolk Argus

The Millennium Survey by RichardStewart

Cloudedyellow (Coliascroceus)

First, a reminder to all involved that records for 1996 should be sent in by the end of November. Believe it or not, I had some 1995 records arrive as late as June 1996 which meanfthat some recorders could have been wasting their time looking for butterflies where, belatedly, they had already been recorded. The aim this year is to produce a booklet covering all tetrads recorded but only for a small number of species with recording maps for each. This will go to all main recorders and anyone else requesting a copy. Only records received by the end of November will be included though later records will eventually be added. Records for Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow are vital this year. Unfortunately, I have had to reject a considerable number of records for various reasons, the vast majority coming into the 'genuine mistake' category. Prime examples include: non-migratory butterflies recorded which no longer breed in Suffolk, a species recorded at the wrong time of the year or a butterfly listed nowhere near its normal habitat for example, garden records of Duke ofBurgundy Fritillary and Large Tortoiseshell. Obviously, any survey of this nature is not just aimed at experienced recorders but also hopes to enco~rage new observers. Two telephone calls recently, both needed a detailed explanation from me to convince the caller that they had not seen a Large Copper, it seems that the problem is often what our P'resident would call a 'dinky' book. To help overcome identification and distribution problems may I suggest that particularly with Christmas in mind,you try to persuade someone to buy you a copy of what in my opinion, is the best field guide available - 'Butterflies of the British Isles' by J. A. Thomas, published by Hamlyn at £7.99. It is tough for field use, slips neatly

1996

Field Trips Narborough Railway Line, near Swaflham (Joint Meeting with Norfolk Branch) Sunday 19th May 1996 byAlan Johnson A cloudy morning with a fresh to strong southerly wind blowing did not deter the 'optimists'attending this field meeting. Fourteen members of the Suffolk Branch and three from Norfolk Branch duly met in the reserve car park at 11.30 a.m. The reserve is just over one mile long, a stretch of the now disused King's Lynn to Swaffham railway line which supports a rich chalk flora. It is well known for its 31 butterfly species including White-•letter, Green and Purple Hairstreaks although the purpose of our visit was to see both Grizzled and Dingy Skipper. We were fortunate to have the reserve's warden, Stuart Hall, to give us a conducted tour of 'his 'patch'but even so, as we proceeded it became obvious that the weather conditions , would mean that sightings would be few and far between. However, we were pleased to see at least a dozen Brown Hares in a field adjacent to the reserve and to hear both Nightingale and Green Woodpecker.

A Wood mouse feeding in the long grass appeared to be oblivious to the sea of faces peering down at it and to the clicking of camera shutters. Later, after the more hungry members of our party had returned to their cars, a breathless 'runner' arrived to announce that Stuart had sighted a solitary Grizzled Skipper. Some returned in the hope of seeing it, others decided that lunch was more important. After our 'picnic' a Holly Blue was seen flying around the car park and also, an unidentified 'white'. At this point, Stuart suggested that we cancel the proposed visit to Foulden Common and go instead to the nearby Marham Fen. This was agreed by all. The Fen which is owned by Anglian Water, is gradually drying out due to water extraction and has become mainly scrub and rough grassland. Stuart was able to lead us to a grassy clearing where several Grizzled Skipper were seen. These small butterflies with their distinctive brown and white wing pattern were captured on film, resting on grass ,terns. On dull days this uncommon butterfly rests from its darting flight with its wings closed together over its back but on brighter days,it spreads its wings flat to absorb the warmth of the sun. Although we had not been fortunate enough to see Dingy Skipper on this occasion nevertheless, I think everyone enjoyed the day thanks once again to Stuart Hall for giving up his time to show us around.

-.. • '--/Jf ....,/t.c: -.:.::.:~,,·-.£'

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GrizzledSkipper (Pyrgusmalvae) by Douglas Hammersley

October 1996

The Suffolk Argus

The King's Forest, a joint meeting with the Suffolk Naturalists' Society Sunday June 2nd by RichardStewart Twenty three members of both our groups explored Chalk Lane, with initial sightings of Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Brimstone heralding what turned out to be a very rewarding morning. The intention to explore the lane and then double back along nearby wooded rides did not materialise because of the need to examine several sunlit areas just off the lane. The first of these, scrub with grasses and some gorse, was chosen initially for the possibility of Green Hairstreak. This was found together with a Dingy Skipper, now 're-discovered' after not being recorded here for a few years. Added to this was Brown Argus, a second Dingy Skipper, Peacock, Small Copper and the vanguard of what was to turn out later to be a massive influx of the Painted Lady. 11-iedeep flowering sunlit corner of the next block of woodland produced Small White, one Small Tortoiseshell, one Common Blue, four Small Copper and Small Heath. Dingy Skippers were here also, one staying at the tip of a fallen branch for many minutes, allowing very close examination. The Orange Tips seemed to be nectaring exclusivelyon ground ivy and the Small Coppers noted were in 'mint' condition. Despite growing cloud, bursts of sunlight came through just as we reached the most productive areas and other wildlife noted included a muntjack, common lizard, cuckoo and good views of woodlarks.

• Dingy Skipper . (Erynnistages)

In the afternoon, some of the party made the short journey to Marmansgrave wood but this Dingy Skipper site was not productive for the species. We recorded three Orange Tips, Painted Lady, Small Heath, Peacock, Small Copper, Small White, Mother Shipton and a Green Carpet, the latter beautifully positioned against a background of green nettles. A cuckoo was seen and heard plus the calls of greater spotted and green woodpeckers. So far the Dingy Skipper has been recorded at four sites, covering just two tetrads. A priority next year must be a full survey of all likely areas from the edge of Thetford across to Rampart fields and down as far as the Culford area. This is Suffolk's rarest breeding butterfly and its preferred habitat can only be maintained to maximum advantage if we can locate all existing colonies.

On Friday 19th June 1996, I attended a conference entitled 'Biodivmity in Suffolk Establishing a way forward'. This meeting was attended by statutory agencies, local authorities and voluntary bodies. The conclusion and agreement was that we should all act and work together to produce and implement Action Plans first for all endangered species and habitats then for all other species and habitats. It was recognised that our first priority must be the globally threatened and then the nationally threatened species and habitats followed by those that are threatened locally. We also had to accept that as individuals or groups, we must understand that what we might consider important may not be at the top of the list. Our first aim is to compile action plans for species for which such plans have been developed by the national group. This list does not include one Suffolk butterfly but does include an endangered moth, the Bright Wave. The next phase will include Suffolk species that have shown a considerable decline over the last 50 years which will include the Silver-studded Blue and several other moths. When combined with the national target to increase existing lowland heaths by 6000 ha. by the year 2005 this is good news.

So, what part is Suffolk Branch playing in the Biodiversity challenge? Well, I am pleased to say that we are working in conjunction with Suffolk Wildlife Trust on a project entitled 'Recoveryof Butterflies in Suffolk'. This initiative has already put us in front of many counties and organisations which is most encouraging at these early stages. The task involves a study of all habitats in Suffolk to determine whether any are suitable to sustain any of the 21 butterflies lost to the county since I 850 (I 0 since the second world war). If suitable sites with continuing management programmes are identified, a plan of possible reintroduction will be pursued. The plans which I have outlined mean that we are all part of the Rio Earth Summit. We should all aim to provide some input if we wish to make a positive change to our environment and ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience some of the joys of our own childhood. Of course, this will involve a great deal of hard work for all concerned but it is certain to say that the more helpers there are the more we can do and the easier it will be. Please make a little time to consider what part you think you can play towards Biodiversity in Suffolk and let us know. Together we can make a difference.

by BerylJohnson

The SuffolkArgus

Biodiversity &Suffolk Branch .fromour ChairmanJamesMann

October 1996

In 1992 ar the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Grear Britain and over 150 other nations signed up to rhe Rio Convention on Biological Diversity, the buzzword for chis is BIODIVERSI1Y. The concept is ro prevent the continuing erosion of existing species and habitats and co reverse this decline by bringing about a sustainable and stable climace for all endangered species and habitats . The Government is fully committed to this objective and has taken up the challenge set by the Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group Report produced in 1995. To succeed it is necessary for statutory government bodies,local authorities and the private/voluntary section co work together. le has been decided chat this will be achieved at county level with national coordination. In June of this year, the 'Action for Wilalife in East Anglia' was published giving guidance on the way forward for Ease Anglia. I believe their opening statement sums it up well: "Our environment is already for poorer than the one in which our grandparents grew up. We carinot alww our chilaren and grandthilaren to inh~rit a countryside where birdsong is a novelty and wi/,dlife is only found on a few reserves. We must act now to keep what we have and restore what we have wst for fature generations to enjoy".

Silver-studdedblue (Plebejusargus)

Catfield Fen N .N .R. Sunday 30th June 1996 bySteven Goss Fifteen hardy souls made the trip to Catfield on a rather cold and windy morning in the hope of seeing Britain's largest native butterfly, the Swallowtail, and to learn more about the habitat and management of this important Butterfly Conservation reserve. Our guide was Roland Rogers, chairman of Norfolk Branch, who began by showing us an aerial photograph of the whole site, making it easier to appreciate the area of reed beds, sedge beds, alder carr woodland and open waters chat make up the reserves' 58 acres. We set off through some woodland to an area of open sedge which is cue on a three co five yearly cycle and sold for thatching. Then through more woodland and along the edge of a dyke (where the mosquicos were particularly vicious) to a clearing with young buckthorn trees. Here we found numerous Brimstone caterpillars superbly camouflaged on the leaves of these young trees. As;the trees were only waist high, photography was easy. We then made our way back to the car park via a slightly different route. Sightings of butterflies so far comprised just two Large Skippers, although we had also seen about a dozen species of moth including the rather noteworthy Pinion-streaked Snout, plus dragonflies and damselflies including a Black-tailed Skimmer. With rain forecast for the afternoon we thought we had better make use of what time we had by exploring the other end of the reserve which is much more open and where I had seen Swallowtails only a few days earlier in similar weather conditions.

Thankfully, the sun did appear a little and so coo did the Swallowtails, neccaring on various plants along the edge of the dykes. Considering it was the end of June and nearing the end of their main flight period, they appeared in immaculate condition and there were plenty of opportunities for photography. At times, they appeared in pairs which gave us a chance co compare the different sexes - the only real difference being that the female is larger and some of us watched a courtship flight over one of the dykes which was truly:a sight to remember. Other butterflies seen were just one Meadow Brown and one very tatty Brimstone which was co be expected on such an overcast day. We decided that it would be pointless going on co Horsey Gap as planned because there simply would not be any early Dark Green Fritillaries out, especially given the terrible weather we had endured throughout June so, after visiting Catfield, we decided to call it a day. Our thanks must go co Roland Rogers for giving us his time and experience to help. make this a-memorable day.

Swallowtail(Papiliomachaon)

\!f

by Roy Bedford

October l 996

The Suffolk Argus

The LandroverWoodlands Campaign,Wednesday July10th by RichardStewart The long-awaited visit of Gary Roberts, Butterfly Conservation Press Officer and the Landrover Woodlands Campaign was blessed with a good day but regrettably no media presence. Both Gary and I had contacted all local and regional press, radio and rv but the only response, via a telephone call on the day and a good, detailed article a few days later, was from Dave Green of the East Anglia Daily Press. It was nevertheless, a good opportunity to renew acquaintances with representatives of SWT, RSPB and the Forestry Commission to whom our thanks must go to Richard Davis for allowing us co use their land. Possibly as a consequence of the dreadful weather in May, the White Admiral, our target species, was late emerging and only one was seen by a few at the rear of the group. The 'late' emergence was further emphasised by many brambles still in bud. Other species recorded were Large and Small Skipper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Comma and Small Heath. Broad-bordered Bee-Hawk moth and two fallow deer were also seen.

Encounter witha Beauty byJohn Dolman Cycling along the lcknield Way on 30th, May this year I stopped co enjoy my first Green Hairstreak of the season. Whilst writing up the record, I became aware of something fluttering against my bike as it lay on the ground. Expecting it to be a piece oflitter, imagine my surprise as I turned to see a large dark butterfly, with a white margin to the wing, perched on the rear wheel. Fortunately, 1 froze at once and was able to study the insect for upwards of one minute at a distance of as little as two metres. As I watched what was clearly a Camberwell Beauty, my initial delight was tempered somewhat by disappointment in that it was a rather aged specimen having lost the blue spots and cream from the upper wings, appearing as only black or dark brown and white. Nevertheless, what a wonderful find. Then suddenly, my efforts to take an even closer look were curtailed as just the slightest movement from myself caused the insect to take off and soar up and over nearby birches against quite a strong wind. That was the last I saw of this lovely creature but my encounter will last long in my memory. When I reported my sighting co the County Recorder his comment was "Well, I don't know if this is the first record for Britain this year but I can say for certain you are the first person co see one on a bike!" Returning to this location on 28th July, I was sad to see a gypsy caravan occupying the site. Still, one on the caravan roof would have made a notable double, Richard!

Suffolk Show is a big success by Steven Goss Suffolk Branch members will be pleased to know that our display at this year's Suffolk Show was well received and that we managed to cover our costs. This was our third year at this event and once again, we extend our thanks to the Suffolk Naturalists' Society for inviting us to share their marquee. Thanks must also go to those members, particularly Judy Clarke and Paul Gilson, who grew butterfly attracting plants to sell on the stall. We sold nearly all of the plants and a few books but more importantly, we took the opportunity to talk with interested people and hopefully, made them more aware of our work and why we need co enlist further support. One of the new ideas at this year's show was our Butterfly Conservation quiz. Entrants were asked to fill in our questionnaire with most of the answers concealed within the information on our display boards. The prize was a copy of 'Saving Butte,flies 'by David Dunbar and this was won by Timothy Davies, aged 14, from Melton. Congratulations to him.

Hornet predating S01all Tortois~shell byJean Garrod

The kitchen _,., __ window • . od ,,,, , 1sa go vantage 1/ point from which to• watch various Buddleja bushes in our back garden. The morning of Tuesday, August 27th 1996was warm and sunny. Five species of butterfly were nectaring on the nearer bush whilst several Painted Ladies and a lone Small Tortoiseshell were basking, with wings outstretched, on our scorched lawn. Glancing away for a second, I looked back again to see a strange looking butterfly laboriously taking off from the ground. As I ran outside it alighted on the Buddleja. I found that it was a Hornet which had taker the Small Tortoiseshell. It bit off the wings and as they fluttered to the ground, it sucked the insect dry before flying away. In the past I have witnessed this at Minsmere, when the victims then were Small Tortoiseshells even though Red Admirals and Peacocks were there for the taking. I wonder if Hornets tend to predate this species in preference to others and if so - why? Either way, it is not a pretty sight!

October l 996

The Suffolk Argus

Hornet predating S01all Tortois~shell byJean Garrod

The SuffolkArgus

Biodiversity &Suffolk Branch .fromour ChairmanJamesMann

October 1996

Silver-studdedblue (Plebejusargus)

Swallowtail(Papiliomachaon)

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by Roy Bedford

October 1996

The Suffolk Argus

• Dingy Skipper . (Erynnistages)

by BerylJohnson

October 1996

The Suffolk Argus

The Millennium Survey by RichardStewart

Cloudedyellow (Coliascroceus)

1996

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GrizzledSkipper (Pyrgusmalvae) by Douglas Hammersley

October 1996

The Suffolk Argus

Roger

(Moth) Kendrick

. . . . . . . . . . . ........ . A tribute by]ames Mann

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October

The Suffolk Argus

Butterfly Conservation (Suffolk Branch) Balance Sheet as at 31/03/1996

1996

Butterfly Conservation (Suffolk Branch) Income and Expenses Report 01/04/1995to31/03/1996

Assets

Total

Suffolk Argus 9, Oct 1996

Articles inside

Spectacular Migrants

The Landrover Woodlands Campaign

Biodiversity & Suffolk Branch

Roger (Moth) Kendrick

Newsletter Details & General Information

What a Summer for Garden Butterflies