Commathe No.89 Autumn 2014 Regional Magazine of Butterfly Conservation

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ies and moths bac g butterfl k to Br ringin itain B • ww w.we stmid lands-butterflies.org.uk Chairman’s Briefing

An eventful summer is good news for all our members reetings, I hope you get The Comma three times a year! Gyou had an I would also like to welcome as new Cover story enjoyable summer. Committee members Simon Primrose, Brown Hairstreak Mike Our front cover picture of a My highlight was Champion ( Small Williams stunning male Brown Hairstreak seeing six is now our Marketing and Coppers Mel Mason was taken by keen photographer on Ragwort Publicity Officer) and , Pete Withers, of Bewdley, at high on the Malvern who will join us as Malvern Hills Branch Chairman John Grafton Wood Nature Reserve. Hills. Whilst not the representative. Earlier in the year Peter Seal Dover You can read about the new most unusual sighting left us due to pressure of other Brown Hairstreak "champion" it reminded me of seeing them on Mint commitments, but I hope we can draw on Page 6, the Grafton Wood in my childhood garden, one of the on his expertise when needed. butterfly walk on Page 11, the experiences which led to an enduring • raise more funds; and ancient woodland and open heathland Chief Executive Dr Martin Interaction with Head Office Brown Hairstreak storyline in interest in butterflies. Earlier articles in • increase and retain membership, we seek to protect, there is some scope Warren (right) with The Comma on Page 14, and the have outlined efforts to help The first significant task the Committee encouraging members to support their for work in urban green corridors, members of the branch Grayling annual Grafton Wood open day the on the Malvern Hills and charged me with when I took over local work party – our wardens will including brownfield sites, road verges, during his visit to Grafton John Tilt on Page 29. we aim to support the Conservators there from in March was to follow welcome you with open arms. See parks and waterways. A bequest to BC Wood. From left: Ian Hart, by making maximum use of a legacy up our interaction with Head Office. our winter programme on Page 30. to be administered by one of our John Tilt, Simon Primrose, granted to us by the Albright Trust – we Thankfully we’d reached a better shared members (an ex-chairman no less) may Trevor Bucknall, Steve Contributions hope through matched funding. understanding of our relationship on the I have spent most of my adult life in afford the opportunity for a matchpot Williams, Robin Hemming, financial front but there were other Birmingham to which I had the good funding bid to take this forward. Peter Seal (Mike Williams) Please send articles and images New Regional Officer aspects to explore. Martin Warren, fortune to return in July and assist with a There are many small scale initiatives to the editor at: thecomma@ First and foremost I would like to extend Chief Executive, came up from in butterfly walk along the River Cole led we could be associated with. As an btinternet.com. The opinions a very warm welcome to Rhona May to see us for a very positive by Jan Tomlinson, Birmingham Park example the Rea Valley Conservation expressed in this newsletter are Goddard. Rhona is now in ..more than day which was rounded off by Ranger. Nothing unusual to report but Group has been running for many years not necessarily those of the West post three days a week and 70% of the a sun-filled walk round the family orientated event at Sarehole in South Birmingham and undertakes Midlands Branch or Butterfly will be supervised by Jenny population covered Grafton Wood. This led to Mill was well organised and in turn practical work to improve the by our Branch live Conservation. Joy who we also welcome discussion about priorities, well attended. surroundings and help wildlife – do in an urban back to her Senior Regional environment an exercise given extra Birmingham with its wildlife corridors consider joining them to give urban Company limited by Officer post two days per incentive by renewed Regional is far from devoid of interest. I remember butterflies a boost. To join contact guarantee, registered Copy deadline week. Their early priorities are the Officer input. a Small Heath on my lawn in Kings Roland Kedge on 0121 477 2629 in England (2206468) The deadline for editorial Wood White project across three We took the opportunity to share our Norton – admittedly in the hot summer To take a wider view of opportunities for Registered office: contributions to the Winter counties, the next phase in the Wyre views on the Regional Officer role and of 1976. And this brings me on to an development across the West Midlands Manor Yard, East Lulworth, edition of The Comma is Forest and volunteer based activity on priorities but we also have adopted a set important point: more than 70% of the region and to help members become more Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP. 12th January 2015. Cannock Chase. I would also like to of broad priorities. These include: population covered by our Branch live in involved, the Committee wants to take Charity registered in welcome all those who have joined us • strengthen joint working between paid an urban environment. forward plans to put in place local or England & Wales this year. Remember, even if you are not staff and the Branch; county networks. A couple of options are (254937) in a position to join activities, just • maintain reserves and other Urban green corridors under discussion and I hope to be able to and in Scotland renewing your membership helps in the landscape scale conservation projects Whilst it is right that our resources are (SCO39268) Batch Number: C015022 goal of protecting wild butterflies – and in line with our Regional Action Plan; focused on prime sites such as the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

2 the Comma Autumn 2014 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Need to Know about Butterflies in in Harborne. Do let me know if the West Midlands” – proceeds to there is a favourite walk of yours Wood White publicise these in the next edition of Branch funds. This is to be led by which would qualify. (Dave Williams) The Comma. Our New Members another ex-chairman, Ian Duncan. Finally, I want to take the Mating pair of Day on 31st May proved to be a We are at an early stage with opportunity to pay tribute to those Dingy Skippers great success (see Page 5), but it is scoping out the task and it is involved in producing The Comma. (Dave Williams) the case that such events need a lot dependent on obtaining funds. We Becoming more closely involved of preparation. If we are to get local are seeking your help by identifying has demonstrated how much goes groups off the ground it will be butterfly walks. Our “30 Walks in into preparing an accurate edition important that people come forward the West Midlands” has sold out and getting it out to over a to help with the organisation. One and we wish to produce an update thousand members. Producing The way of doing this would be to have within the new publication, or if not, Comma is essential, however the two leaders or coordinators to as a revised walks booklet. We postage costs weigh heavily on our support each other. would like to increase the walks limited budget. One thing would featured to 50 and include more help us: is there a local business New booklet urban routes. I am sure the Cole which could assist us with franking? One other initiative I must mention and Rea Valley would be suitable is the production of a book “All you and indeed the disused railway line Spotlight on Rhona Goddard West Midlands Branch : Chairman Peter Seal sent a can’t remember exactly when I developed an Llanymynech golf course and Llynclys Quarry. This personal invitation to our I interest in butterflies, it could have stemmed from was for the benefit of a number of species including new members to visit the New Members’ a school project or an afternoon walk spent with Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl- Wyre Forest to see some of my family. The only thing that I can be certain about bordered Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper, is that my parent’s enthusiasm and love for nature Dingy Skipper and Grayling. our more interesting Day triumph definitely had a huge influence. I’ve been working butterflies and moths. in conservation for almost 10 years. Dedicated volunteers I started at Slapton Ley NNR where I was However, none of this would have been possible his New Members’ Day was found Pearl-bordered Fritillary “Back to Orange” project involved with a number of projects including a without working with and supporting a number Talso a golden opportunity for and Dingy Skipper. The management of Wyre Forest has Large Blue habitat restoration project. When I of very dedicated volunteers, who helped with them to meet some of our members been a long-term project for the West moved to the Great Orme Country Park again I every aspect of the project including botanical and hear about our activities. Butterflies:14 Pearl-bordered Midlands Butterfly Conservation. The had a varied role, which included rounding up the and butterfly monitoring, erecting fences, scrub Twenty new members attended and Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered “Back to Orange” project and its Fritillary, Peacock, Speckled Orme goats, restoring areas of heathland, and clearance and checking livestock. Peter, Dave Williams, John and successor project “Reconnecting the Wood, Common Blue, 8 Dingy walking the butterfly transect, recording hundreds My personal highlights include: seeing Pearl- Miriam Tilt acted as guides. Skipper (including a mating pair Wyre” in partnership with the Forestry of beautiful Silver-studded Blue and occasion- bordered fritillaries flying at Llanymynech Rocks which provided a good photo Commission, Natural England, SITA ally Grayling. nature reserve in 2012 – the first time in over 10 Successful time opportunity), Brimstone, Green- Trust and other organisations, has Since 2008, I’ve been working for Shropshire years; and leading a butterfly survey day for volun- Everyone met at Earnwood Coppice veined White, Wood White. been a great success. Wildlife Trust and during this time I’ve managed a teers, seeing over 20 Pearl-bordered Fritillaries on and went north to Long Coppice to Moths: Mother Shipton, Burnet Butterfly Conservation is continu- Companion, Brown Silver-line, number of butterfly projects in the Oswestry Hills one site in just over an hour this spring! Grayling find the small colony of Wood ally monitoring the improvements Common Heath, Common area. The aim was to restore, manage and connect were seen by a volunteer surveyor at Llanymynech White and Small Pearl-bordered Carpet, Speckled Yellow. to the Forest butterflies through species rich grasslands and increase butterfly Rocks in August – the first time in almost 20 years. Fritillary butterflies. Despite the transect recording and timed counts. populations using a series of core sites, wildlife I’m really looking forward to working for Butterfly rather dull weather, this was Add in the flowers, the Glow- Anyone who would like to help corridors and stepping stones. This involved Conservation, meeting volunteers and especially successful and all the new members worm larva and the Grey Wagtail should contact Mike Williams or working on a number of nature reserves and working on sites that support a number of rare were able to see these butterflies. – in the car park of all places – and Jenny Joy. privately owned local wildlife sites, including the butterfly species found in our region. After lunch the party walked it proved to be a very enjoyable south to the “Pipeline” where they session. By John Tilt

4 the Comma Autumn 2014 5 Pearl-bordered Fritillary at Grafton Wood in May (Dave Williams) New champion for Grant to help protect Wood White Brown Hairstreak distribution of the Wood White in Mortimer Forest Wood White (Peter Eeles) together with other wildlife. In many ways, the Forest fter nine years of championing and the fantastic wildlife it supports is Ludlow’s best kept A the plight of the rare Brown secret and we hope that, through our project, more Hairstreak butterfly, which has its people will come to appreciate the wonderful forest stronghold in the Feckenham Forest they have on their doorstep. The Wood White is on the area, Mike Williams is handing wing in May and June and again usually in early August over the reigns to a seasoned and we need volunteers to undertake butterfly counts at campaigner – Simon Primrose. its known sites and to look for it in new locations.” Mike became the "official" Brown Fritillaries success Hairstreak Champion in 2005 when Rich heritage at Grafton Wood he produced the first Brown Simon Primrose The West Midlands branch of Butterfly Commenting on the award, Mike said: “It’s great that Hairstreak ebulletin as a means of Conservation is one of the first groups in we have been awarded this. There is so much to he Pearl-bordered Fritillaries re-introduced to sharing information about the butterfly and its discover and we are really excited to be in a position, TGrafton Wood in 2011 have shown their conservation, and encouraging people to assist with the UK to receive a Heritage Lottery Fund thanks to the HLF grant, to tell other people about our resilience to put on a fine flying display this spring. recording. Nine years later, the ebulletin has reached Sharing Heritage grant. findings and share the rich heritage and history of the Several members of West Midlands branch issue 113! Forest with the wider community.” reported seeing reasonable numbers of the butterfly he Spotlight on the Wood White project is focused Reyahn King, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in May, which is excellent news after rain and poor Searching for Brown Hairstreak eggs Ton Mortimer Forest near Ludlow, which is one of the West Midlands region, added: weather affected numbers in 2012. “My personal involvement with Brown Hairstreak goes few remaining sites in the region for the nationally “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful The re-introduced project was launched four years back much longer to the mid-1980s when I first endangered Wood White butterfly. This new project, opportunity for communities to ago when permission was granted by the Forestry became involved with searching for Brown Hairstreak which is aimed at engaging volunteers in conservation delve into their local heritage and Commission and Natural England for a dozen adults eggs around Grafton Wood, something which has efforts to help save the Wood White, has been given a we are delighted to be able to from the Wyre Forest to be used for a breeding continued every year since,” said Mike. grant of £8,400. offer this grant so that West Midlands Butterfly programme. Trevor Bucknall and Nick Greatorex “Our knowledge about the ecology of the Brown Conservation can embark on a real journey of Davis reared hundreds of larvae on violets and Hairstreak has grown over the years and the increase 65 per cent decline discovery. Heritage means such different things to released them in Grafton Wood in 2011. in recording effort combined with the advent of various The project was launched at the Appletree Theatre in different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of countryside stewardship schemes leading to improved Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, and Dave Green gave a opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s 2,000 hours of unpaid toil hedgerow management has led to the Brown talk about the Wood White which has undergone a 65 important to them in their area.” Natural England and the Wildlife Hairstreak expanding its range in Worcestershire. From per cent decline over the past If you would like to get involved or find Trust also played a key part in the programme, but fewer than 40 1km squares back in 2005, with the 30 years. A recent study has out more please contact Julia Walling special thanks must go to Grafton Wood’s work party help of the regular Thursday 'streakers', we recorded shown that only around 50 email: [email protected] or volunteers who put in more than 2,000 hours of the 200th square last winter.” colonies of this butterfly remain telephone 01584 874636. unpaid toil to create the right habitat for the release. in England – putting it at high Branch member Dave Williams spent several Big Ash Bash risk of extinction. More than By Roger Wasley hours around the new pond in Grafton Wood in Simon has been a keen supporter of Mike’s work and half of all remaining colonies May. He said: “I can’t give a definitive count, but led the first large scale attempt to find new assembly are found on land belonging to we must have seen at least six newly-emerged trees for the Brown Hairstreak – otherwise known as the Forestry Commission which individuals, possibly up to 10, three at the same time the Big Ash Bash – in July 2011. A lot of careful has a key role to play in at least a dozen times. It was extremely exciting to planning and preparation work went in to the surveys ensuring its survival. see so many so early in one spot. They were flying and resulted in dozens of potential assembly trees Mike Williams, of West quite slowly at times even in bright sunshine being identified and later about 10 of them were Midlands Butterfly Conservation, How the indicating to me their wings were still soft.” confirmed as male assembly points. said: “Since the launch, local Shropshire volunteers have now helped Star reported By Roger Wasley By The Editor us survey and monitor the the story Dave Green giving his presentation on the Wood White

6 the Comma Autumn 2014 7 The weather fails to dampen the spirits of visitors looking for One of the excellent information panels focusing on MSc student Natalie Kay finds a caterpillar being Silver-studded Blues (John Davis) Silver-studded Blues (Trish Morgan) tended by Black Ants (Stephen Lewis) Memorable year for Prees Heath reserve When Butterfly Conservation bought the western half of Prees have seen Silver-studded Blues flying were to be seen on the surviving Project, Natural England through the Heath Common in 2006, with a huge amount of support over these areas, but we needed to heathland fragments SSSI (not Higher Level Stewardship scheme find evidence that they were using the re-creation areas), and on 30th and Northern Marches LEADER. from the West Midlands Branch, approximately half of the it for breeding, an essential June Natalie counted over 900 – Trainee air traffic controllers from RAF 60 hectares had been let to tenant farmers and used to grow component of this is the presence of not bad for a below average year Shawbury helped with painting over crops of potatoes, wheat, maize and beans. It was decided Black Ants. – as the butterfly naturally forms the graffiti on the tower’s interior and to embark on an ambitious project to try to restore those Throughout the spring and dense colonies. Late June and early constructing nesting and roosting sites summer this year we have had an July are normally the best times for bats. areas back to heathland and thereby extend the suitable MSc student from nearby Harper to see the Silver-studded Blues at The tower was opened by Butterfly habitat available for the Silver-studded Blue butterfly. Adams University, Natalie Kay, their peak. Conservation member Martin carrying out Silver-studded Blue The year has also been notable for Noble, whose father had worked in e hired the services of a be able to help us. After further egg, caterpillar and adult surveys adding two more butterfly species to the building during the war. In A Garden Tiger moth egg-laying on Wnationally acknowledged consideration he made it clear that for us as well as surveys of the list of records since purchase. A addition we were delighted to have Heather (Maurice Gordon) expert in the field, Dr Phil Putwain we were looking at heathland vegetation and Black Ants on the Green Hairstreak was spotted by a Harry Jondorf and his family present of Liverpool University, to advise re-creation rather than restoration as heathland re-creation areas. On walker on the Shropshire Way, which as Harry’s father, a refugee from Nazi us and, following a detailed the heathland in these areas had one area, in front of the old airfield has been re-routed through the Germany, had been one of over assessment, he told us that his first been totally destroyed, and he hangars, she found not only a large reserve, and an Essex Skipper was 1,000 men interned at Prees Heath instinct was to say that the damage recommended a process of soil number of ants’ nests but also on top recorded by Lucy Lewis, after much in 1940 and he made colour inflicted by the intensive agriculture inversion followed by acidification of one of the nests a Silver-studded examination of antennae tips and sex illustrations of life in the internment was so severe that he would not with sulphur and then re-seeding. Blue caterpillar attended by the brands on the forewing. The species camp which are reproduced on one ants, demonstrating that all the work total for the reserve now stands at 26. of the seven information panels Black Ants tend a Silver-Studded Eight years on we have done is paying dividends around the exterior of the tower. Blue caterpillar (Lucy Lewis) To cut a very long story short, I can for the butterfly. A grand opening A Heathland Re-creation training now report, eight years on, some More than 80 people attended day was held on the reserve in July in significant success. Not only is Over 900 counted the opening of the restored former association with Flora Locale by Phil heather now growing in most of 2013 was a record year for the RAF World War II control tower on Putwain, who has maintained his those areas, but we now have Silver-studded Blues on Prees the reserve on 27th June despite involvement with the reserve, and This Green Hairstreak was evidence that they are becoming Heath, but this year numbers persistent rain. Funding for this project myself. spotted by a walker on the suitable for the Silver-studded were somewhat below average. was provided by the Heritage Lottery Shropshire Way (Lucy Lewis) Blue. Over the past few years we Nevertheless several hundred Fund through the Meres and Mosses By Stephen Lewis A Silver-studded Blue egg (Tony Moore)

8 the Comma Autumn 2014 9 Moth madness at Bishop’s Wood BioBlitz Summer butterflies at Grafton est Midlands branch Vice-Chairman and way to learn more about our moths.” The Grafton Wood Butterfly WConservation Officer Mike Southall took his Branch member Richard Woolley led butterfly walks previous night’s catch of colourful moths to the Bishop’s during the Bioblitz weekend. Walk has become a regular Wood Environmental Centre’s BioBlitz on 15th June. feature of the West Midlands This Eyed Young visitors and their parents were able to see and Hawkmoth was branch events calendar. We handle five species of spectacular hawkmoth, among one of five meet at the Three Parishes Mike’s impressive haul from the extensive grounds of hawkmoth species Hall and walk around the what is a strategic sub-station in the National Grid found electricity power network. in the traps reserve targeting the summer Mike said: “It was a great day for families and a fun (Mike Southall) browns and particularly

Silver-washed Fritillary and Grafton Wood reserve manager John Tilt explains the habitat improvement Wanted... White Admiral. work being carried out by volunteers (Tony Murphy) Transect recorders e net and pot all the species how far people come, so this year The West Wwe see to enable new Miriam Tilt did a survey. The farthest Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has Midlands branch members and less experienced was 3,000 miles from Washington purchased a new reserve called homepage on visitors to see the butterflies at close DC! But it’s rather sad that no one Blackhouse Wood just west of Facebook. quarters. This is also useful for iden- came from nearby Grafton Flyford. the village of Alfrick. e Trust tifying Essex from Small Skipper. Grafton Wood volunteers helped has asked us to do a Butterfly reported finding more than 20 as guides and one of them, Martyn Transect there to monitor the Grayling behind the Bog car Regular summer species Ganderton, was extremely adept effects of habitat management park at Stiperstones, and Mike This year, the weather on July 13th at netting. After the walk we over the next few years. Williams announced the first was perfect and we were able to returned to the hall for Miriam’s The beautiful White Admiral is a A Transect involves a weekly Brown Hairstreak of the season find all the regular summer species. famous tea and cakes. at Grafton Wood just a couple summer speciality at Grafton Wood Forty people attended the event walk over a fixed route during of hours after it was found. (Nigel Spencer) and it’s always interesting to see By John Tilt summer months recording the “It’s a great way for members numbers of butterflies seen to share their sightings and for each species. Transects are photographs,” said Mike. “And New guide for Meres & Mosses best undertaken with a small Keep up to date all credit goes to Scott Martin, team of recorders working on a a branch member living in free identification leaflet but also extends into parts of rota basis. with Facebook Stottesden, and a keen volun- A has been produced entitled Staffordshire and Cheshire. The is is a great opportunity to est Midlands branch teer in the Wyre Forest. He did ‘Butterflies & Day-flying Moths Landscape Partnership Scheme has observe the effects of manage- Wmembers are now all the hard work in setting up of the Meres & Mosses’. been formed by several agencies – ment on butterfly populations in posting their sightings and the site.” A total of 5,000 copies have Wildlife Trusts, Butterfly Conservation, other hot news on Facebook. been printed for members of the Natural England, RSPB, Canal & interesting ancient woodland. A newly-emerged Grayling at To find the homepage, simply public thanks to funding by the River Trust, Environment Agency – e wood straddles a limestone The Bog (Tony Moore) log into Facebook and search Heritage Lottery Fund via the Meres developing a range of projects to ridge north of the Malvern for “Butterfly Conservation West & Mosses Landscape Partnership engage communities and enhance Hills and has a rich flora Midlands”. Scheme and Butterfly Conservation’s awareness of the special nature of important wetland conservation and which will respond to traditional Below the colourful image of West Midlands Branch. this landscape. The area is also restoration work is being carried out. management. a Comma, you can scroll down The Meres & Mosses Landscape one of 12 Nature Improvement If you live in this area and are the latest postings by members is centered on North-east Shropshire Areas established by Defra where By Stephen Lewis interested in taking part in this recording news from across project please contact John Tilt the branch region. Tony Moore The leaflet is available at key locations throughout the Meres & Mosses region. If you would like a copy please e-mail your name and address to Stephen Lewis, Prees Heath Warden, at [email protected]. [email protected]

10 the Comma Autumn 2014 11 the hope that more suckers would soon fill the space. numbers along the Feckenham to Morton Underhill We also decided to coppice the Moors Lane Blackthorn footpath, so butterflies were obviously on the move. Our Blackthorn management at hedge that had never been managed since we final 2012 reserve count was now up to 28. purchased the reserve in the early 1980s. Thanks go to Mervyn Needham and his team of volunteers who The right place at the right time Feckenham Wylde Moor did the work for us. It looked harsh at the time but now On 2nd May 2012 I was lucky enough to find a small the hedge has grown well with plenty of suckers, many caterpillar that had just hatched from a nearby egg. If In 2008 a single Brown Hairstreak egg was discovered on Blackthorn along the southern of which now have Brown Hairstreak eggs on them. only I had been there minutes sooner I would have probably seen it hatch. It’s all about being in the boundary of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Feckenham Wylde Moor reserve near Redditch. New lush Blackthorn suckers right place at the right time but you can’t be The last recorded finds were five in March1997 – and nothing in the years between. It was now becoming obvious that this Our 2013 on site every day unless you are prepared management was right as the area became count rose to a to camp out. This option has not yet been covered with new lush Blackthorn suckers massive 87 eggs ruled out! and so our hopes were high for increasing including some In 2013 egg numbers were similar to numbers of eggs going forward. doubles and a 2012, but these had been found in late triple During the summer we had been looking summer when the females were in full egg- for possible assembly trees but without success laying mode (we have yet to see one laying and to this day have not yet found ours. There must be on the reserve and in fact we have only ever seen one close to where we did the original work and we two on site) and leaves were on the suckers, not the have a couple of possible suspects along that side of easiest time to find eggs. As winter arrived we the reserve. Our egg count for 2011 was 12. continued to look and found more and more eggs not only on our best patch but also on the coppiced Moors Well established Lane hedge and again on the odd variety further up the Then 2012 arrived and the new sucker patch was now lane. Our 2013 count rose to a massive 87 eggs well established but becoming overgrown. We including some doubles and a triple. consulted Mike Williams and John Tilt, of Butterfly All our efforts over the past few years have proved Conservation West Midlands, about further without doubt that planned and extensive Blackthorn management options. We cleared management certainly pays off and Volunteers cutting back old blackthorn on the reserve at The hedge in the following spring after winter the tall grasses and cleavers, which enables a large amount of new Feckenham Wylde Moor management were choking the low suckers. sucker growth, which, in turn has ollowing this find – and the fact that Brown decided to fence off the area so that grazing cattle Following this our egg count resulted in a significant increase in FHairstreak eggs were being found in larger couldn’t eat the eggs and any new suckers. The eggs increased and purely by chance egg numbers. numbers at Grafton Wood – we decided to carry out eventually hatched but there was no sign of any we found 12 eggs on a Blackthorn management work on the old Blackthorn along the caterpillars in May 2010. variation that we had planted some Vast majority hatched southern boundary, which had become In August 2010, I was about to climb years ago to fill a gap in the hedge The vast majority of our eggs hatched overgrown and covered in lichen and not The eggs through the fence to see if there was any along Moors Lane. This was a real this spring albeit there were a few good for females laying eggs, to eventually hatched Brown Hairstreak activity and, when I was bonus as they looked more like that disappeared which I can only An unusual clutch of three eggs encourage new suckers and, hopefully, but there was no half-way through the barbed wire without Damson with the fruit along the put down to predation. We do have sign of any found in 2013 confirm that the butterfly was in the area. my camera turned on, a lone female flew main stems rather than in clumps on significant numbers of spiders that caterpillars in On a cold, bleak day in January 2009 May 2010 off one of the suckers. Unfortunately, she outer branches. The leaf is also ... and the first Brown Hairstreak live on the Blackthorn so maybe they we started the first phase, after checking moved away and didn’t settle again. On different and there are few thorns. caterpillar found in 2013 are the culprits! In May I was again in case there were more eggs. further investigation I found six eggs on the new delighted to find a small caterpillar. suckers. That winter we found more eggs making a Ever-increasing numbers Hopefully, we will manage to The following summer total of nine for the year. At this time, ever-increasing locate an assembly tree this year and During the following summer a reasonable number of In 2011 we considered the possibly of more numbers of Brown Hairstreak eggs by the time you read this we will small new suckers had developed and were growing Blackthorn clearance and in late January we decided were being found not only at have seen females laying. out into the meadow along the fence line and that to coppice the old hedge making an open area down Grafton but also in the Feckenham winter we found six eggs on those new suckers. We to the ditch thus creating a sheltered microclimate with area. We discovered good Report and photos by Paul Meers

12 the Comma Autumn 2014 13 A male Brown Hairstreak (Mike Williams) ore than 40 species of moths Mwere caught in three traps Brown Hairstreak A feast of surprises run in the grounds of The Stables Farm Shop at Astwood Bank, Organisers and visitors alike were pleasantly surprised by Redditch, in Worcestershire. flies in to save the quality of the species caught for the West Midlands branch’s first Big Breakfast Moth Morning. Some had travelled miles Staff brought out a constant supply Brookfield! of bacon butties and piping hot coffee to moth enthusiasts and Some five years ago I was listening to an episode of The farm shop customers – some had Archers on Radio 4 on my way home from a shopping trip. travelled miles to attend the event – as the traps were opened in the Imagine my delight when the local eco-warrior, Lynda Snell, car park. Mike Williams and suddenly spotted a butterfly in the memorial garden – I remember her Roger Wasley brought additional words: “No, Robert, not just any butterfly, that is a Brown Hairstreak!” moths caught overnight in their garden traps. he storyline battled on to the winter when Lynda Convinced Tplanned to attend an egg hunt run by the local Our heroine, the redoubtable Lynda Snell, spotted Number and quality Wildlife Trust. Unfortunately, that was the snowy winter something unusual in a campaign video, filmed during Star of the show was this “We were delighted and surprised and the event was cancelled due to adverse weather a ramble along the proposed route. On closer pristine Gold Spot moth by the number and quality of conditions. Thus it seemed that the Brown Hairstreak inspection, she was convinced it was a Brown (Roger Wasley) moths,” said Mike Southall, who would be consigned to minor Archers history. Hairstreak fluttering around Star Leas Copse (apologies ran a Robinson mercury vapour to true Archers addicts as I have had to guess the The smile says it all as a trap. “Top of the list has to Under threat spelling of this BH des-res area). Lynda immediately young visitor watches a be a beautiful Gold Spot, but However, things have moved on – albeit at the normal contacted the local Wildlife Trust, who called in Butterfly moth about to take off Crescent and Ear Moth were leisurely Ambridge pace – and the community is under Conservation. Latest news is that the search is on to find from her father’s hand also excellent finds.” threat from a proposed new road which will ruin the a “master tree” and the Brown Hairstreak has been (Mike Williams) Event organizer Simon Primrose, village, cutting right through David Archer’s farm, adopted as the logo for the protest against the road. who set up a mercury vapour Brookfield. For those few of you who may be Will it triumph and force the and an actinic trap, said the unaware of Archers history, David is the grandson of planners to re-route (as they did, moth breakfast strengthened links Dan Archer, the original central character when the apparently on the M40 in similar between Butterfly Conservation and series was devised over 60 years ago, as an circumstances, to protect colonies of the Farm Shop, Cafe & Farm Park entertaining way of providing information to the Brown and Black Hairstreak) or will which stocks a range of special farming and rural community of Britain. It is set in it fall victim to the hedge destroyers? edition beers, including Brown Borsetshire (based on Worcestershire), the village Hairstreak Ale and Death’s Head pub, the Bull being inspired by the pub at Inkberrow. Fragile creature Hawkmoth stout. This is very close to Grafton Wood, where the real, In the words of Lynda on the Save Am Vale Environment treasured Brown Hairstreak resides. facebook page: “This fragile creature whose very By Sheila Wasley existence is threatened by the vandals of so-called progress riding roughshod over its home. The Thecla betulae is now the official symbol for our campaign! Do join us!” And what next? May I suggest a new sloe flavour to augment Pat and Tony Archer’s range of organic ice-cream?

By Joy Stevens The colourful display created by Simon Primrose for the farm shop (Roger Wasley) Visitors help check the moth traps

14 the Comma Autumn 2014 15 Photo competition winners and calendar offer

Brimstone (John Tilt) Canary-shouldered Thorn (Roger Wasley) Cinnabar (Trish Morgan)

Elephant Hawk-moth (Mark Peacock)

The winner of this year’s Photographic and Calendar Competiton is Peacock (Neil Avery) Meadow Brown (Gareth Thomas) White-letter Hairstreak (Antony Moore) Mark Peacock, a West Midlands branch member for the past four years, from Blakedown in Kidderminster.

ark used his Canon SX30 camera with a Raynox 1.5x macro lens to take Ma close-up of a colourful Elephant Hawk-moth which he caught in his garden moth trap in June. He said: “I photograph a lot of the moths I trap in my garden and also butterflies both on my local patch in Blakedown as well as other favourite sites like Monkwood, the Wyre and Grimley.” Congratulations also go to Neil Avery, Jon Cartwright, Antony Moore, Trish Morgan, Gareth Thomas, John Tilt, Robert Tunstall, Roger Wasley and Tony Woods, whose entries will also appear in the calendar. Orange Tip (Gareth Thomas) Pale Tussock (Robert Tunstall) Gold Spot (Roger Wasley) Many thanks to everyone who entered and to our judges, HURRY! Des Ong (www.desong.co.uk) and Patrick Clement. Don’t miss out - place The 2015 calendar costs £8.50 (£16 for two), your order including p&p. Please make a cheque payable to NOW ‘Butterfly Conservation West Midlands Branch’ and send it with your name and address to West Midlands 2015 calendar, 55 The Hobbins, Bridgnorth, WV15 5HJ. Thanks for your support! Pearl Bordered Fritillary (Jon Cartwright) Small Skipper (Tony Woods) Small Tortoiseshell (Antony Moore)

16 the Comma Autumn 2014 17 The Great Orme Grayling is delight to watch their quick flight and encounters. With An article by Peter Branson in smaller than its cousins a life-span of a few days on average, they cannot Mike chalks up the Autumn 2013 edition of afford to waste any time finding a suitable partner to ensure the survival of the species. The Comma, rekindled happy another moth memories of childhood Silvery underwings catching the sunlight holidays and Easter hockey The Great Orme Grayling is smaller than its cousins record festivals in Llandudno. Thus and emerges a month earlier. It was delightful in flight on the slopes, its silvery underwings catching the oth enthusiasts from with the weather set fair for the sunlight. They seem to don a Harry Potter invisibility M as far as Suffolk weekend, we booked a couple cloak on landing on the moss-patterned limestone and Somerset came to of nights’ accommodation via outcrops but dart up from under foot as you clamber see an extremely rare a ‘last minute’ website and set across the hillside. They were also in good numbers. moth attracted to a Later in the day I explored further inland, along the mercury vapour light trap off for North Wales on the slopes at the end of Marine Drive, a colony of Ravens run by Mike Southall in This Spotted Clover is a afternoon of 20th June. calling from the overhead crags, and back along the his garden at Norchard first for Worcestershire in Worcestershire. (Mike Southall) Mike, who sets his traps several nights a week if the weather is suitable, has recorded hundreds of The Great Orme rekindles ha ppy memories different species and gained quite a reputation for catching rarities. he Great Orme is an SSSI and home to two Conway estuary inland slope of the Orme. Here again there were His first county record was in 2003 when he caught Tunique sub-species of butterfly, the Western A leisurely drive brought us eventually to where the road masses of SSB, impossible to attempt a count, and a Cream-bordered Green Pea, but he wasn’t Silver-studded Blue and the Great Orme Grayling. curves back inland along the Conway estuary with high numbers of Grayling. I also chased in vain to prepared for the mega-rarity, which landed – almost Both are on the wing at the same time of year. spectacular views of the coast to Anglesey and inland catch a photo of Dark Green Fritillary, hoping it literally – on his doorstep on the morning of 30th July. Saturday dawned bright and sunny, if a little along the river. We parked and were immediately would rest a while on the marsh thistle, but it was far breezy. We decided to drive around the toll road, tak- rewarded with the sight of more blue butterflies. They too active in the warm sunshine. First seen in Britain for 12 years ing our time and stopping to soak up the sights. were indeed the Silver-studded Blue and they were As I made my way back to the car on the West “I opened the trap and spotted a moth which I didn’t Thanks to Peter’s article I had a grid reference located everywhere. According to the description in The Shore, the blues seemed to be settling down for the recognize,” recalled Mike. “I knew it was something towards the end of the planned drive. As soon Butterflies of Britain and Ireland (Jeremy Thomas night. It was a wonderful sight which I tried to capture new and had to look it up in books and check on The as we reached Marine Drive, it was plain and Richard Lewington), they are classed as with a photograph, tiny blue gems amongst the long the Internet.” Silver-studded to see why this was such a good site – Blue has a life-span caernensis form, unusually small with the grass, but my efforts did not do the scene justice. To Mike’s surprise and delight he had caught a wildflowers carpeted the hillsides. of a few days on females exhibiting a bluish tinge. It was a Spotted Clover – the first recorded in Worcestershire average so cannot The summit of the Orme and the first seen in Britain for 12 years. Around 60 were Limestone headland afford to waste On Sunday morning we took the tram to the summit recorded between 1835 and 2002, and 30 were on any time finding The Great Orme is a limestone headland a partner of the Orme. This area was even more exposed with a single day in 1943. The moth is mainly an Eastern with a variety of habitats including heathland, areas of gorse and heather poking through. There European and Asiatic species and probably would have sea cliffs, limestone grassland, farmland and were only one or two blues here, the territory being crossed the North Sea on its journey to the Midlands. woods. The hill was a sea of mainly yellow (Rock-rose claimed by Small Heath with a few Meadow Browns Mike believes his good fortune is partly due to his rural and Birdsfoot Trefoil) and purple (Wild Thyme), fairly The Western in the longer grassy areas alongside the tramway. location with very little light pollution, and the variety stunted as a result of the harsh environment and Silver-studded Many thanks to Peter Branson for recommending of fragrant flowers planted by his wife, Wendy, in the grazing by rabbits and the herd of Kashmir goats Blue this destination. Llandudno and the Great Orme are garden. “When I go out to inspect the trap with a torch roaming freely. There are outcrops of limestone and spectacular locations, made all the more special by at night in the summer, there are nearly always moths scree – ideal areas for Grayling to disappear. Bell the remarkable flora and fauna – incidentally we didn’t nectaring on the buddleia and hemp-agrimony” said heather was also around but very restricted in growth. even get to the woodlands – but we are pleased to Mike. “But Wendy’s secret weapon for attracting moths, We immediately stopped for a brief investigation – report that Welsh breweries are flourishing! even in the daytime, may be a salvia called ‘hot-lips’!” Large Skippers, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Blues enjoying the flowers. Report and photos by Joy Stevens By Roger Wasley

18 the Comma Autumn 2014 19 A Chequered Skipper Small Copper All members of the group had excellent shares a thirstle with sightings of our target species, Chequered Skipper a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Green Hairstreak at Allt Mhuic

Midge-feast 2014 and the Chequered Skipper sudden movement of a dark butterfly clearly be heard calling nearby. Fritillary pupae had emerged – Haggis or porridge, salmon or the full Scottish were the developed into a chase around the After about an hour searching an immaculate imago with newly choices for breakfast, but the highlight of each morning were four kilometre trail, but when it came between the grass and bracken, I pumped wings spread for the the many moths displayed amongst the slices of toast and to rest, it displayed almost iridescent went to admire a patch of bluebells perfect photograph. Does anyone green underwings – a Green Hair- in a small glade beneath birch, have a mate? copious pots of tea – Elephant Hawk, Light Emerald, Pale streak. Then, like waiting for a rowan and bog myrtle. A Prominent, Pebble Hook-tip, Scalloped Hazel, Map-winged bus, several more hairstreaks sudden movement – my Freshly baked scones and jam Swift, Shears, Buff-tip and Drinker to name but a few. appeared at once and ...like waiting own first sighting of a The next day involved a ferry for a bus, several flew off in different direc- Chequered Skipper crossing and a car drive along the more hairstreaks tions. Eventually return- appeared at once as it rested on top of a scenic coastline of Loch Sunart ut the moths were overwhelmed more complex and colourful ing to the entrance, I and flew off in bluebell, providing the to Glenborrodale to visit Janette Band outnumbered by thousands pattern of cream spots and subtle found the majority of our different perfect photo opportu- Borwick, a member of Scotland BC of Culicoides impunctatus – the brown shading. group had ventured no directions. nity. Others soon discov- and a keen moth trapper. On the notorious Highland Midge – more than 10 metres where ered a second and an way, we glimpsed a Pine Martin which formed a black layer on the Great expectations Oliver and Flora had caught sight expensive array of Canon, Pana- running across the road. Greeted inside of the moth trap each morn- The first day’s forecast was mixed, of a male Chequered Skipper. They sonic and Nikon did their magic of with freshly baked scones and jam ing. After several days, Chris, our so we postponed the sightseeing had lingered there until, a few recording another high spot of the with mugs of tea and coffee, we sleep-deprived moth trapper, devel- plan and drove quickly to Allt- hundred photos later, another first day. On the way back to our examined the specimens from the oped a measle-like appearance Mhuic, about one hour north of Fort skipper was spotted. Armed with cars, Neil discovered a Narrow- previous night – Wow! the sheer from the many bites endured during William, which proclaimed itself at Mike’s recording and mapping Bordered Bee Hawk Moth whilst number and variety of moths were each nightly inspection. the entrance as the best location to sheets, we didn’t take long to list our Carol and John tripped over several impressive… Clouded Border, But our main mission was to see our target species. I set off in sightings. Then, determined to find small but rare orchids – a Small Brimstone, Peach Blossom, Pebble locate different sites for the uniquely great expectation of finding our more, we set off for Glen Loy to the White or Pseudochris albida! Hook-tip, Peppered, Green Silver- Scottish Chequered Skipper – as skipper around the steeply sloping West and started to look along a Back in the B&B, Roger had a lines, Saxon, Birch Mocha, Satin White-spotted Sable moth charming as its Silver Spotted site, blessed with an abundance of sloping bank 200 metres wide by happy event. Congratulations! One

(Anania funebris) cousin in the south but with a far purple-moor grass for the larvae. A a river where a Cuckoo could of his Hungarian Lesser Spotted CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

20 the Comma Autumn 2014 21 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Chequered Skipper appeared from pers. Then a beautiful White- that had settled on the window every direction, alighting on thistles spotted Sable moth (Anania during our meal. My own memento and bramble flowers, vying for funebris) settled on a white orchid of this last day was discovered later, position with a plethora of Small to complete this magic moment. back in Malvern, on my shin after a Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Nothing shower – a Highland tick! camera shy about this lot – in fact Second show of skippers four Fritillary and two Skippers After a picnic in the woods over- A memorable foray shared the same thistle in front of me looking Loch Creran, whilst Liz Special thanks to Mike and Mary while many others jostled for posi- attempted a quick watercolour for organising another memorable tion on the surrounding flora. Pairs sketch of the glaciated valley, we foray into the Scottish Highlands were trying to mate but the urge to returned to the lower path to get a and Islands. The work involved is feed on nectar seemed greater. second show of skippers just as considerable and much appreci- The group don life-vests before boarding our boats for the short crossing to Miriam sat on the side of the main Roger and Sheila arrived after their ated by everyone on the expedition. the Isle of Carna Moth Shipton moth track under a power line with a flask morning jaunt across Rannoch Many thanks to Janette Borwick and of coffee and admired the spectacle Moor. Expectations were extremely her BC team for the glorious moths, Lutestring, the fabulous Poplar tip eggs attached to the stems. My of flying, feasting and sated Skip- high but cloud now covered the superb scones and refreshing tea at Hawkmoth, and many more. surprise was to discover that these sun and it soon started to Glenborrodale. Many thanks beautiful eggs are coloured the drizzle. A few Fritillaries Chequered too to Andy Jackson for the Loch Sunart same orange as the wing tips of the stood their ground but Skipper appeared visit to Carna, the use of At Janette’s we also met Andy adult male – perhaps the same every Skipper had from every his motor boats and the direction, alighting Jackson, another of Mike’s Scottish chemical pigment. After my burger disappeared presum- excellent BBQ. Thanks on thistles and Corinna contacts, who invited us to Carna, and onions, I just had time to rush ably deep within the bramble to Neil, , Oliver a large island in Loch Sunart, which up to the top of the highest point surrounding long grasses flowers and Flora for helping with he plans to set up as a nature on the island, over 500 feet, a but well out of sight. the organisation. Corinna Green Silver-lines and several reserve. We bought sausages and “Marilyn” not a “Munro”. Breathless Back at base in Onich for our warned us in advance about hundred midges! burgers for a BBQ, and then at the top I saw distant views of farewell evening meal, Mary and midges ‘brandishing fangs’. donned life jackets before embark- several islands jostling for position Mike recounted their day with the This event was special because ing into one of two motor boats. I between the mainland and the Inner Osprey at Loch Garten, while Dave of the location, the weather and the captained the first boat and set off Hebrides, including nearby Mull… and Steve displayed digital images fauna and flora. But its success on a 00.00 bearing – directly north back down just in time to captain of what everyone agreed looked depended on the nature of the – in the hope of hitting land before my boat for the return journey. I like a Golden Eagle. Meanwhile, group, their enthusiasm and sup- icebergs. Fifteen minutes later the would love to return to this island – Jenny tempted us with tales of Black port, their knowledge and skills, and second motorboat caught up and well worth visiting for its beauty, Hairstreak around her home in their eccentricities. Breakfasting with indicated a hidden port around a remoteness, fauna and flora. Cambridgeshire. Neil couldn’t resist moths and rearing Hungarian Fritil- spit of land. At 13:00 hours, having Another great day! Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary collecting a Brown House Moth laries in a Scottish B&B cannot be A Burnet moth cocoon all safely disembarked, Andy asked normal, but with the WMBC it can the group to explore the island and Glasdrum Wood Chequered Skipper - the star performer seem so! report back on the variety of fauna Monday was DIY day… So I joined and flora present before the BBQ at Ann and Carol along with my wife, Report and photos by Mel Mason 14:30hours.Bodies dispersed north, Liz, on a visit to Glasdrum Wood, south and east from the jetty – some just 20miles south of Onich, our Special thanks go to the desperate for a pee – but soon we B&B base. There we bumped into Scottish BC for hosting our trip were finding Small Heath, Orange John and Miriam who had had the The group: Jennie Foster, Corinna -tip, Red Sword-grass moth, same idea, while the sun shone Gregory, Neil Gregory, (Oliver & Flora Northern Marsh Orchid, a rather brightly and the temperature began Gregory), Ann Hadfield, Chris Johnson, startled red deer, and much more. to rise into the mid-twenties. Then it Liz Lloyd, Mel Mason, John Tilt, Miriam Tilt, Roger Roger found a very attractive happened… one of those magic Wasley, Sheila Wasley, David Williams, Mike Williams, Elephant Hawkmoth patch of Lady’s Smock with Orange- moments in searching for butterflies… Mary Williams, Steve Williams, Carol Wood.

22 the Comma Autumn 2014 23 Queen Elizabeth National Park Butterflies, Chimpanzees, Gorillas, So on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we immediately saw large numbers of Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos, Warthogs, and much more in Uganda Kob, and Waterbuck on our way into the park to stay at Mweya Lodge, situated on a ridge overlooking the Kazinga Channel Nine of us (2 vegetarians, between Lake George and Lake Albert, 3 Hungarians, and 4 with a view of the distant Ruwenzori omnivores) met up at Mountains. An exciting early morning Entebbe Airport for game drive, with a glimpse of a Lioness, was followed by a swim in the pool, followed an 18-day trip to by a wonderful boat trip up the Kazinga many of the best Mabira Ghost Channel with great views of Crocodiles, Hippos, wildlife sites in (Mike Williams) Buffalos and many birds. Before leaving next day Uganda. we were able to join a group of British scientists from Exeter University involved in an 18-year study of Banded Mongooses. We saw the mongooses, just after emergence from their night-time retreat, at the back of a pile of old bath tubs, groom together and set off foraging. Passing on through more of the National Park we failed to find the tree-climbing Protogoniomorpha Lions but saw Topi and Reedbuck, and stopped temora for some roadside butterflying where we saw several (Mike Williams) Orange Tips (Colotois species).

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest e went straight to Mabira Rainforest Lodge for accommodation on the edge of Kibale National Then on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (it’s not really Wthree days where we stayed in cabins in the Park. We were greeted by a troupe of Red Colobus impenetrable!) where we stayed in Silverback Lodge, forest “serenaded” by screaming nocturnal Tree monkeys in a site which proved excellent for a lovely small guesthouse, on a hillside overlooking Banded Hyraxes. On a nearby hilltop Safi showed us Epitola many butterfly, bird and mammal species (e.g. Forest the rainforest covered mountains. We were entertained Mongoose blues and other Leptinids associated with Cremato- Mother of Pearl (P. parhassus), Cymothoe by some spectacular thunderstorms each evening and (Mike gaster ant nests on the remaining trees (many had been herminia, Red-tailed monkeys, Grey Cheeked had a highly productive butterfly walk along the main Williams) illegally logged); Regal Swallowtail (Papilio rex), Mangabeys, Black and White Colobus, a pair of track past the visitor centre, the highlight of which was Close Africa’s second largest butterfly flew overhead, and we Great Sparrowhawks, and a White-spotted Flufftail. the huge stunning blue Protogoniomorpha temora. encounter first saw magnificent Great Blue and Ross’s Turacos. We found huge numbers of butterflies mud-pud- Next was our Gorilla trekking day and after a with a Uganda Ghosts (Pseudopontia mabira) fluttered dling along the road through Kibale National Park briefing by rangers we split up, with the three younger Mountain about in the deep shade and, among many others, we and the next day went on a guided butterfly walk, Hungarians being sent off on a long challenging walk Gorilla saw Charaxes species, Golden Piper (Eurytola where Safi erected many traps baited with ferment- up and over steep forested ridges and into a state of (Mike dryope), Euphaedra medon fraudata and Bebearia ing banana with the help of his assistant utter exhaustion, while us older Brits found our Gorilla Williams) species, some attracted to Safi’s baited traps. A lighted Bonny. We then came by chance on a party of group only about 800 yards from the visitor centre! sheet attracted a wonderful assemblage of tropical Chimpanzees with which we were able to have a As David said: “If they had been any nearer they moths; a Grey Parrot and two species of Hornbill en- marvellous close encounter. On the following day, would have been in the car park.” It was lovely to be livened our breakfasts. some of the party went on our official Chimpanzee around them for an hour while they sat feeding and trek and four of us went with a specialist bird later relaxing together, with a mother clutching a tiny Kibale National Park guide to eventually successfully see a Green- four-day-old baby. After a long nine hour journey we arrived in breasted Pitta, and both parties had further Kibale Forest Camp for a two-day stay in tented Chimpanzee encounters. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

24 the Comma Autumn 2014 25 Euphaedra sp Good year for (Mike Williams) Clouded Yellow

There were good numbers of Clouded Yellow to be seen across the West Midlands region with the A family of Roger Umpelby’s photo of the colourful Death’s-head Hawkmoth caterpillar first migrant reported from African Elephants near Bewdley on 3rd (Mike Williams) Roger finds rare Death’s-head August. Garth Lowe spotted a Clouded Yellow Hawkmoth caterpillar while walking his transect in the Big Meadow at Knapp Entomologist Roger Umpelby could hardly believe his and Papermill reserve on eyes when he found a Death’s-head Hawkmoth caterpillar 5th August and Lucy Lewis in pristine condition on the driveway of his home in saw two more at Prees Heath while on a ragwort CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Ashton-under-Hill, near Evesham, on 19th August. pulling work party. Kampala e spotted the striking yellow potato foliage during the next We then set off on a hot and very long and rough Hlarva ‘resting’ on the side of two days and in the cool ride back to Kampala to stay at Cassia Lodge the tarmacadam alongside the daytime temperature it remained Hotel overlooking Lake Victoria. A drive through wall of the house, virtually in the relatively sluggish, but active. Kampala’s terrible traffic jams took us to Mabamba centre of the village. Roger managed to photograph Swamp,where we had a blissful canoe ride through “There was no obvious source the larva and by the morning of a pristine wetland environment full of beautiful birdlife, morning after re-crossing the Nile we motored up to of food-plants nearby, nor were 22nd August it had covered but our principal target, the Shoebill, had unfortunately the top of the Murchison Falls where the river there any reports of decimated itself with its pre-pupation gone AWOL that day. spectacularly races through a narrow cleft in the rocks potatoes in gardens nearby,” secretion. Clouded Yellow to plunge down towards Lake Albert. On the way back said Roger. “A large area of (Patrick Clement) Murchison Falls National Park to Entebbe our vehicle broke down but we managed neglected ground is adjacent Aggresive Our final destination was to Murchison Falls National to get the flight back home very early next morning. to the house, with bramble, “Subsequently it was very active Spreading the word Park in the northwest where on arrival we discovered We saw over 250 species of butterflies, 223 bird thistle and ragwort as the all the time, and was ‘aggressive’ that our Uganda ground agents had gone bust and we species, many mammals including much big game and dominant plants, but very few when handled,” he said. After West had to find enough cash to pay the park fees, get a nine species of monkeys, and very close encounters Solanaceous plants present. transferring the caterpillar to a Midlands ferry across the Nile, and pay again for our stay at with Chimpanzees and Gorillas. container with loose soil and branch Paraa Lodge. Such is travel in Africa! Each morning Well over 110mm long compost, it buried itself within Chairman Peter Seal gave an and evening a “snowstorm” of swarming Termite alates Gratitude The origin of the specimen two hours. It was then left in early morning live interview covered the vehicles and ground and caused extraor- Many thanks to Mike Williams and Lajos Nemeth, remains unclear, but given its peace in ambient temperatures with BBC Hereford and dinary sights such as “flycatching” Marabou Storks. of Greeneye Ecotours, for arranging the trip and to Safi size, well over 110mm long, to pupate. Worcester about National Another morning game drive gave us our first views of our expert butterfly guide, and Daniel our driver. and its behaviour, it seemed Hopefully, the adult moth will Moth Night. The local radio Giraffes, Oribi, and Kongoni (Hartebeest), many more We were fully exposed to the sights, sounds, smells likely that it was mature and was emerge next year and, if so, station evidently picked up birds and a sad old Lion. (including Safi’s bucket of fermenting bananas), rough moving away from its food-plant Roger will be at the ready with and arduous road journeys, and the general chaos of and had paused while seeking a his camera. on BC's press release, but Victoria Nile East Africa, but the wonderful wildlife, scenery, and the suitable pupation site. gave Peter little time to In the afternoon we took a boat ride in the African people made it an unforgettable trip. The caterpillar refused to eat By The Editor prepare his notes. However, Queen to the bottom of the falls on the Victoria Nile he did manage to plug events with more splendid views of game and birds. Next By Tony Simpson at Chaddesley and Malvern.

26 the Comma Autumn 2014 27 previous weeks, but not so critical that it would send a bat to sleep. By the pile of droppings beneath it, this must be a favourite place to hang out safely. Butterflies Right at the back of the cellar more sleeping creatures were found hanging on the ceiling. There must have been half a dozen each of Small Tortoiseshell and and beer Peacock looking like they were heading for a long wait until spring. One hopes the sleeping bat does not awake to find them for a snack! a winning A fairly common moth Sleeping with the butterflies were also several of the few combination hibernating species of moths in the adult form we have, called the Herald. They too have a long wait until spring arrives. This is a fairly common moth with The annual open day at Grafton distinctive wing shape and wing markings, and also Wood Nature Reserve on the August Peacock on Bluebell can be the first moth to be seen every year and possibly Bank Holiday Sunday was a tremendous This female Brown Hairstreak laid (Jason Kernohan) the last. success with some 50 Butterfly eggs on blackthorn just a few metres Another temporary inhabitant of the cellar back in the from the crowd (Dave Williams) spring had been a family of Wrens. The lazy or smart Conservation members treated to close male, whichever way you look at it, had used an old views of Brown Hairstreak butterflies. Gloomy cellar Swallow nest attached to a beam. He only had to put a roof on it, to try and attract a female, and had been rown Hairstreak “champion” Simon Primrose, there was a chance to buy the new Brown Hairstreak pin successful in persuading her this was a secure site. Breserve warden John Tilt and new marketing and badge and a range of From the Notebook beers, is haven for Interestingly, both the Wren and a pair of Swallows publicity officer Mike Williams led three groups including Brown Hairstreak ale and Death’s Head nested close together, with only a main supporting around the extensive reserve in search of butterflies Hawkmoth stout. All profits benefit BC funds. beam between them! and day-flying moths. In the past both Robins and Blackbirds have also The best spot turned out to be near the pond where By Roger Wasley wildlife found the cellar a safe place to rear a family, so that four Brown Hairstreaks put on a fabulous flying made a grand total of seven species using this damp, display for visitors and photographers. My long-term study of Barn Swallows Cameras and binoculars to the fore as members crowd gloomy underground space, with a 5ft wide door at around a female Brown Hairstreak (Dave Williams) in Alfrick, which is on the edge of west the bottom of some steps. Over the moon Worcestershire, takes me into odd places Branch member Rachel Fryer, from Cannock, said: “I By Garth Lowe really enjoyed the Brown Hairstreak open day. Grafton such as a cellar where these birds have Wood is a lovely reserve and seems very good for been nesting for many years. The Herald invertebrates in general, but I'm over the moon to have moth seen my first Brown Hairstreak butterflies and also my n the middle of August, while checking a nest out that overwinters first Brown Argus. Thanks to everyone who tried to help Ihad already produced chicks, the owner told me as an adult me get a good photo! It was lovely to meet you all.” about other surprising occupants that were there… in a sheltered After the walk, virtually everyone returned to the nearby In the gloom at the back section, the torch lit up a location Three Parishes Hall where Miriam Tilt had laid on tea, Lesser Horseshoe bat hanging like the proverbial plum! (Roger coffee and lunch. The displays included a Poplar It failed to wake up for the few minutes that we were Wasley) Hawkmoth caterpillar and Vapourer moth eggs, and there, and was obviously well into “shut down mode”. Small movements from it indicated it was definitely Keep up to date with Brown Hairstreak news and share your sightings, photographs, observations and trip alive, but why had it gone into hibernation mode in a reports by joining http://betulae.blogspot.com or e-mail Gillian Thompson at [email protected] summer month? The weather had cooled down from

28 the Comma Autumn 2014 29 Dates for your diary Committee Members and Officers

To ensure that Branch members and newcomers know what is happening in our region, event and Chairman work party organisers should e-mail full details of upcoming events to the editor of The Comma at Peter Seal [email protected] 01684 564524 [email protected] and to web-master David Green at [email protected] Vice Chairman & Conservation Officer Mike Southall [email protected] 01299 251467 Treasurer Worcester to Stratford road (GR: SO963557). Ron Hatton [email protected] 01242 673923 Contact: John Tilt on 01386 792458 or National AGM Branch Secretary e-mail [email protected] Saturday 15th November at Stoneleigh Park, Joy Stevens [email protected] 01384 372397 Warwickshire. For full details go to the national Monkwood Nature Reserve Fungus Foray Regional Officers Dr Jenny Joy (Senior Regional officer) [email protected] 01952 249325 website www.butterfly-conservation.org Saturday 11th October meet at 10.30am in the reserve car park (GR: SO803603) for the annual Rhona Goddard [email protected] – fungus foray with Diana Bateman. Charge: adults Link Trustee £3.00, children £1.50. Booking essential. Neil Thompson [email protected] 07736 948341 Brown Hairstreak egg hunts Contact: George Groves on 01905 620721 or Branch Recorder Saturday 29th November, Saturday 3rd January e-mail [email protected] Nigel Stone [email protected] 02476 335189 (mincepie and mulled wine special) and Saturday Transects 31st January. Meet at 10.00am at Grafton Flyford Monkwood Nature Reserve work parties John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 Church car park just off the A422 Worcester - Meet on the first Sunday of the month at Reserve Managers Stratford road (GR: SO963557). 10.00am in the reserve car park off the Sinton Ewyas Harold - Ian Hart [email protected] 01981 510259 Contact: Simon Primrose 07952 260153 or Green to Monkwood Green road (GR: SO803603). Grafton Wood - John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 e-mail [email protected] Contact: George Groves on 01905 620721 or Monkwood - George Groves [email protected] 01905 620721 e-mail [email protected] Prees Heath - Stephen Lewis [email protected] 07900 886809 Ewyas Harold Common Work Parties Trench Wood - John Holder [email protected] 01905 794854 Saturday 20th September, Saturday/Sunday Prees Heath Common Reserve work parties 18th/19th October, Saturday 22nd November, Wednesday 24th September, Wednesday 22nd Conservation Officers Saturday 24th January 2015, Saturday 21st October, Wednesday 17th December. Meet at Worcestershire - Trevor Bucknall [email protected] 01905 755757 February, Saturday 21st March, Saturday 18th 10.30am on the access track opposite the Steel Herefordshire - Ian Hart [email protected] 01981 510259 April. Meet at 10.00am at the northern Cwm Hill Heath turning off the A49. Moth Officers end of Ewyas Harold Common adjacent to the top Contact: Stephen Lewis on 07900 886809 or Bham & the Black Country - David Jackson [email protected] 01902 344716 cattle grid (GR: SO382302). Approach from e-mail [email protected] Herefordshire - Robin Hemming [email protected] 01568 797351 Abbey Dore off the B4347 at GR: SO384306. Worcestershire - Mike Southall [email protected] 01299 251467 Contact: Ian Hart on 01981 510259 or Trench Wood Nature Reserve work parties County Leaders e-mail [email protected] Meet every Thursday at 9.30am and on the North Staffordshire - John Bryan [email protected] 01782 541870 fourth Sunday of the month at 10.00am in the Central Staffordshire - Robert Winstanley [email protected] 01889 576768 Mortimer Forest work party reserve car park (GR: SO930588). South Staffordshire - David Jackson [email protected] 01902 344716 Sunday 15th February. Meet at 10.00am at Contact: John Holder on 01905 794854 or Herefordshire - Dean Fenton [email protected] 01568 611575 High Vinnalls car park (GR: SO474733). Free e-mail [email protected] Malvern Hills - Mel Mason [email protected] 01684 565700 lunchtime barbecue courtesy of the FC. Part of the Brown Hairstreak Champion Mortimer Forest Heritage Project. Wyre Forest work parties Simon Primrose [email protected] 07952 260153 Leader: Julia Walling and Mike Williams. Sunday 19th October, Sunday 21st December, Committee Members Contact: 01584 874636 Sunday 15th March. Meet at 10.00am at Vicki Liu [email protected] 07731 924822 Earnwood Copse car park on B4194 Bewdley-Kinlet Steven Williams [email protected] 07974 152081 Grafton Wood Nature Reserve work parties road (GR: SO744784). Grafton Wood work parties began on Wednesday Wednesday 22nd October, Sunday 18th January Publicity and Marketing Officer Mike Williams [email protected] 01299 824860 13th August and continue until the end of March 2015. Meet at 10.00am at start of old railway 2015. The Sunday work parties start on 14th line at bottom of Dry Mill Lane, Bewdley Newsletter Editor September and continue on the second Sunday of (GR: SO773764) Roger Wasley [email protected] 01242 603765 the month until March 2015. Meet at 10.00am at Contact: Mike Williams on 07802 274552 or Web site coordinator Grafton Flyford Church car park just off the A422 e-mail [email protected] David Green [email protected] 01922 452238

30 the Comma Autumn 2014 31 The Year of the Bee Moth There’s always something new to learn… From mid-April to mid-May this year, the upstairs bedrooms in our Victorian house in Ludlow were ‘invaded’ every day by two or three small moths which were new to us, appearing on the walls and curtains in double-glazed rooms – fresh insects each day.

imilar in profile to Clothes Moths, although larger and brickwork Sat 16–17mm, their unique nuisance value was were stacked their habit of taking flight in the early hours of darkness with palisades and homing in on the face of the sleeping inmate, of bee-combs, waking him/her up with a fluttering, tickling action. some with grubs and some not. Bee Moth Three dozen These, I believe, belong to (Gareth In all, we caught and released outside more than three masonry bees which are constantly Thomas) dozen, choosing not to kill them. I was, however mining our soft lime mortar and making nests in the concerned that they may have larvae that consumed brickwork. wool or fabric, for there is a lot in our house, so I sent There was one window not touched, in the room a photo to Mike Williams for identification as they where they mainly appeared, and this frame will also were not in my moth ‘Bible’, being micro-moths. doubtless accommodate many unseen bee-combs. By return he had identified them as Bee Moths, We assume that these have been parasitized in Aphomia sociella. Quite unwittingly, my wife had numbers by Bee Moths which, on hatching, find their already stumbled upon this ID much earlier, when she way into the room through small shrinkage fissures at declared, frequently: “I’ve just caught another three of the sides of the frame. those B*** moths in the bedroom!” So – a genuine mystery now had a logical solution, thanks to Mike. They don’t eat wool, luckily These lay their eggs in the old cells and other debris Intriguing cryptic markings found in bumble/solitary bee and wasp nests The moths themselves are unremarkable, beige-brown generally above ground. They predate the grubs darts, easily overlooked, though on a macro-photo they within the nest and sometimes other insects. But they show some intriguing cryptic markings. don’t eat wool, luckily. In 40 years here this was a new experience, and I The mystery of how they appeared in sealed rooms do believe that 2014 was an exceptional year for each day was now solved – and although we did not these. From now on though, I shall be looking out for have a bee or wasp nest in the roof space, I had them in future with fresh eyes. noticed last year, on removing some window frames on the top floor, the spaces between the wood frames By Gareth B. Thomas

Postscript: On mentioning this experience to a local colleague, it seems that he also had a parallel situation in his Tudor house. His bathroom was continually invaded by these Bee Moths over the same period, and a large nest of Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) was discovered outside in the half-timbered wall of this room. Perhaps other readers of The Comma will identify with this 2014 phenomenon?

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