The Butterfly Observer Cornwall Butterfly Conservation Newsletter No.48
Comma, photo courtesy of Philip Hambly
Common Lime Butterfly Papilio demoleus — AGM Issue please see page 2 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue
An Unusual Pairing
he field trip to Upton Towans in 2010 was a great day for seeing Dark-green Fritillaries, T although not so good for pho- tographing them, as the butterflies – almost entirely males - spent their time dashing to and fro above the grasses, looking for females.
Towards the end of the trip however, when most of us were gathered near a large patch of Valerian where some of the fritillaries were nectaring, Bernard Hocking shouted from a nearby dune, “Mating pair of Dark-green Fritillaries!” This looked like a chance to finally get a picture, and my legs lost no time in Unfortunately the female was easily heading to where Bernard stood. Be- spooked and flew off carrying the male fore I got there, he corrected himself: with her. They landed a short distance “No it’s not” he said, “it’s a Dark-green away and these pictures were taken Fritillary paired with a Meadow before they split up, the Meadow Brown!” Brown flying off, leaving the female to Sure enough, down near the base of a rest a while before she, too, took to clump of marram grass was a male the wing. Meadow Brown paired with a female Paul Browning Dark-green Fritillary. ______
Observer No.47—Correction
A thank you to Malcolm Lee (and oth- ers), for pointing out the butterfly on the front cover was not the European Swallowtail, as stated on p21.
He believes it to be the Common Lime Butterfly Papilio demoleus ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Papilio_demoleus ), a very widely dis- tributed sub-tropical/tropical species from Africa to Asia, as well as Austra- lia and recently spread ( introduced ?) into Central America and Jamaica.
2 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation AGM
he Annual General Meeting of commodate members who do not have the above Branch was held at online facilities. Phil has also retired as Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Head- our Moth Officer. quarters, Allet on Saturday Tnd We have also become very involved 22 January 2011. with conservation work on the land 1. Apologies from Barry Ofield, owned by new Committee member Shaun Poland and John Foster. Keith Wilson near Stithians and are 2. The minutes of the meeting held very excited about the potential for a on 16 th January 2010 were ac- variety of butterflies to be re- cepted as a correct record and established in this area, including the there were no matters arising. Marsh Fritillary (a web has already been found!), and even possibly the 3. Three items were raised for dis- White-letter Hairstreak. We had a cussion in AOB later. lovely day there during Save our But- terflies week and we hope this will now CHAIRMAN’S REPORT be an annual event. Meanwhile, a se- This has been a year of big changes. It ries of work days at Trelusback farm is rare to have four new members of will be advertised on the website. our Committee join us at the same time and it has really shaken us up – mostly In recent weeks we have received in a good way! Because we have a news which has really taken us aback. larger Committee than usual we have John Worth, our County recorder has been doing quite a bit of work through decided to give us notice of his retire- sub-committees as more can be ment after 15 years of dedicated work. achieved this way. I think we will find it extremely hard to replace him and if anyone knows We have been persuaded to enter the someone who might be prepared to st 21 Century with the production of a take on this task, please get in touch. mainly online magazine and a new in- teractive website which is shortly to be We don’t usually give presents to our launched. Jayne Herbert has been our departing members but in the case of very successful web-mistress for many Phil Boggis and John Worth they have years but is shortly to relinquish her devoted so much time, energy and role to Shaun Poland who is taking the commitment to their respective ser- new type of website forward. vices we would like to show our appre- ciation by giving them a small gift each. We were sad to lose our established We also want to acknowledge the dedi- magazine editor, Phil Boggis in the cation of our web-mistress, Jayne, in New Year but Paul Brewer and Gillian the same way. (At this point Phil Bog- Thompson have valiantly taken this gis was presented with a book and in task on and have done an excellent job the absence of John and Jayne, their through a difficult transition period gifts will be forwarded.) when we have also been trying to ac- As far as the butterflies themselves are
3 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Cornwall Butterfly Conservation AGM concerned, we have had a mixed least one of these trips this coming year. We have formed an Audit sub- year as they are most enjoyable occa- committee to monitor a range of but- sions. terfly species in more detail on a Finally, I would like to thank all the yearly basis. We have half completed committee and other members who the review of this last year and as contribute their time in various ways to might be expected some species have look after our Cornish butterflies. We fared better than others. There is too need all members to be especially much to report here but it is worth alert in the coming year in the light of mentioning a few things. The Brown government cuts. We should be aware Argus fared better than we dared hope of the possible consequences of sell- after virtually none were recorded in ing off land, planning permission 2009. On the whole, the Fritillaries did changes, the reduction of Higher–level well. Although some sites were lost, stewardship schemes and the likeli- new ones have been discovered hood that local and national Govern- (especially true of the Marsh Fritillary). ment agencies will lose staff. It is The reintroduced Heath Fritillary probable that in common with other seems to have survived in reasonable charities, Butterfly Conservation will numbers at Greenscombe. On the be expected to take on more responsi- negative side, there are concerns bilities as a result of this and this could about the loss of sites for the Dingy pose some difficult questions for us. Skipper in Camborne and serious wor- ries about the Grizzled Skipper on ACCOUNTS Goss Moor despite all the conserva- Paul Browning presented the accounts tion work achieved in the last few win- for the financial year 1 st April 2009 to ters. In the summer months all the 31 st March 2010 and these were good work is undone as lush vegeta- adopted. The opening balance on 1 st tion takes over the cleared areas and April 2009 was £3,653.68 and the there is minimal bare ground which closing balance on 31 st March 2010 this butterfly requires. We also have was £3,951.74. Total credits were some concern about the more com- £1,401.92 and total debits were mon grassland species and will be £1,103.86. Money coming in is still monitoring their numbers over the next primarily from membership. We also 10 years to see if numbers are declin- had the proceeds once again of Tim ing. The more records we have the Dingle’s Garden Day and a trickle of better! royalties from the Atlas. We now have the remaining copies of the Atlas in We have had a very good year for our possession available for sale at field trips with record attendance at half price. many of the events. For a change we had good weather for most of these COMMITTEE ELECTIONS trips and large numbers of butterflies Jim Barker, Paul Browning, Paul were seen and recorded. We would Brewer, Maggie Goodere, Phil Harris, encourage all members to sample at Steve Hoskin, Jo Poland, Shaun Po-
4 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Cornwall Butterfly Conservation AGM land, Lee Slaughter and Adrian Spal- ganizations) if not enough squares ding were willing to serve on the Com- could be covered by members. (Details mittee for another year. Phil Boggis, of Jim’s talk can be found on p.18) Chris Hylands and Keith Wilson have PUBLICITY and FUNDRAISING resigned from the Committee (although Jo Poland reported back on what has Keith is willing to continue as member- been happening concerning publicity ship secretary), whilst Carly Hoskin is and fundraising which she has taken due to retire in rotation but is eligible on since joining the Committee. The for re-election. Philip Hambly and Jack new display boards which she had re- Keeping had already expressed an cently purchased got their first outing interest in joining the Committee and today and Jo was anxious for feedback Paddy Saunders also volunteered dur- and suggestions. She reported on the ing the meeting. They were duly pro- valuable advice she has received from posed and seconded. The block elec- BC’s Head of Fundraising and possible tion of the whole Committee was pro- future grant applications. She would posed and carried unanimously. also like Waitrose to adopt us as one of There being no other proposals, the their charities and is looking for Saltash following were confirmed by the meet- members to help out with approaching ing as: them as it appears to be the only Chairman Phil Harris Waitrose in Cornwall. There was a sug- Treasurer Paul Browning gestion from the audience that perhaps Secretary Maggie Goodere CBC could combine with one of the bird organizations to have a stall at the TRANSECTS REPORT Royal Cornwall show which Jo will fol- Jim Barker then gave a most interest- low up. ing presentation illustrated by graphs and charts using the statistics collected WEBSITE from the information gained from the Jo also appealed for volunteers to help various monitoring schemes which he Shaun run the new website. The first has co-ordinated this year. There are stage is up and running but the second now 19 transects with two more likely stage, which will be a forum, is still to start next year. The Wider Country- work in progress! In the meantime the side monitoring scheme has not proved Yahoo site will continue to operate and very popular within Cornwall, partly due whether it will continue to run side by to access problems but he had a very side with the website will be debated at good suggestion which involved en- a future time. couraging members to adopt one of a BUTTERFLY OBSERVER number of 10km squares in Cornwall, The audience was asked to give feed- not normally covered by any recording, back about the changes that have in order to get a fuller picture of butter- taken place in the delivery of the news- flies in the county. Additional sugges- letter. The reaction was mainly very tions from the audience included going positive, especially as those without through CWT or other wildlife channels internet facilities are being accommo- (particularly making use of birding or-
5 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Cornwall Butterfly Conservation AGM dated. Despite much hard work tele- where to look and help with iden- phoning members, we still don’t have tification if needs be. See page 9 everyone’s email address but those for more details who have supplied them commented on the usefulness of email reminders 3. Drawing attention to the fact that (advertising the AGM was a good ex- the Fritillary Action Group was ample). A few comments from the audi- not a sub-group of CBC but pre- ence included a preference for names viously included representatives and addresses of the Committee to from a variety of agencies. They return to the back page and some needed to remain involved. problems with linking to our website.
4. There was concern that Natural England ’s priorities may not in- ANY OTHER BUSINESS clude the protection of the Fritil- 1. Paul Brewer thanked those laries on Bodmin and the exam- members who had volunteered ple was given of the Pearl- to search for the White-letter bordered Fritillary not even being Hairstreak. See page 7 for more mentioned on the notification details. Paul particularly wanted when Bodmin was designated volunteers to monitor the eastern an SSSI. There is little happen- part of Cornwall in the coming ing in the way of management year and he made a plea to pho- on Bodmin and unfortunately tograph any unusual sightings. further funding applications from BTCV, who have been vital in 2. Paul Brewer wished to thank Tim recent years to the management Dingle for his work on the Bod- of key sites, have been rejected. min Moor Fritillary Project. Tim Examples of concerns included wishes to retire from his long a recently widened track on a time role of chairing the Fritillary Pearl-bordered site at De-Lank Action Group and Paul would Quarry which was completed like more people to get involved without consultation. on the Moor. In particular, he hopes to encourage volunteers 5. The training programme for to spend a little time surveying Natural England on Grassland the north part of Bodmin Moor species has been planned by for the Marsh Fritillary. He sug- Paul Browning and Adrian Spal- gests that on a sunny day peo- ding and it is hoped that this will ple walk some of the likely be trialed in the near future. places where this species has been seen in the past to see if 6. Phil Harris was thanked for colonies are still in existence. If growing and distributing Alder you phone him, Paul will be Buckthorns which is encouraging happy to give directions as to the spread of Brimstones.
6 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Cornwall Butterfly Conservation AGM
7. Members were urged to sign the ant M sabuleti). Although the butterfly petition against forests being is doing very well in Somerset it seems sold off as recently proposed by to be no longer present in Cornwall. the government. There are plans to reintroduce again when the conditions are exactly right A short break followed when refresh- but it is important that management ments were served and the raffle continues to ensure the conditions re- drawn. main optimal. Adrian will summarise
his talk for a future article in the Ob- LARGE BLUE RE-INTRODUCTION server. Adrian Spalding gave us a fascinating illustrated talk about the reintroduction Phil Harris closed the meeting by of the Large Blue to the West Country, thanking our presenters and everyone after its extinction in 1979. He included who had attended. successes and failures and possible explanations for both (mainly to do with Maggie Goodere sward length and the presence of the Secretary
Whiteletter Hairstreaks Forestry Sell-off
I would like to thank those few Mem- I am delighted to report that the Gov- bers who volunteered to seek out ernment have now withdrawn their these elusive butterflies. They are proposal to sell or lease the entire for- Leon Abbott, Jim Barker, Maggie est estate . Goodere, Kim Hawkey, A G Mackono- We are aware that there are still many chie, Paddy Saunders, Lee Slaughter, threats, but also some opportunities in Keith Wilson. the discussions ahead. I will be using I have received no reports of sightings the statement we issued to argue for anywhere in Cornwall. There was a improved measures to conserve but- report of a possible sighting some- terflies, moths and biodiversity in the where but no one has told me exactly ensuing debate. I have also written to where, for it to be verified or followed both the Environment Minister and the up during this coming year. FC Chief Executive, Brian Mahoney, expressing our concerns and keen- So I make the plea that if anyone has ness to engage in discussions to im- a sighting of any butterfly which they prove the biodiversity benefits of the cannot identify for certain, please FC Estate. Brian is a big fan of our would they phone me on 07990- joint work, so we have a good platform 881052 or any Committee Member to build on. We are all very grateful of and someone will attempt to go to the the role Branches play in building our site and identify that butterfly, or relationships with FC. please photograph and inform us im- mediately. Dr Martin Warren, Chief Executive, Paul Brewer Butterfly Conservation 7 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue CBC Annual Accounts to 31 st March 2010
Receipts Payments Receipts from Head Office Payments to Head Office Subscriptions 933.95 Grants Cost of generating funds Donations Other 6.53 Charitable Grants and donations outwards Receipts from another branch Conservation Direct receipts Other: Subscriptions 161.51 - recording (moth pheromones) 72.50 Donations - publicity (radio GSk, petrol) 15.64 Legacies - management (refreshments) 13.60 Sales income Fundraising (raffle) 59.00 Membership Costs Grants Branch newsletter 876.72 Bank interest 2.81 Other: mailing appeal 67.00 Butterfly Atlas royalties 238.12 - special field trip expenses 18.40
Management and Administration 40.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS 1,401.91 TOTAL PAYMENTS 1,103.86
Balance b/fwd at start of year 3,653.69 Balance c/fwd at start of year 3,951.74
TOTALS 5,055.60 TOTALS 5,055.60
Paul Browning Treasurer
8 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Bodmin Moor Marsh Fritillary
invite Members to volunteer a little If you are not sure about identifying the time this coming year to help with a Marsh Fritillary we can show you a survey of the North part of Bodmin good likeness at the website, but really, I Moor for the Marsh Fritillary. This on the Moor, there are only a few but- will also help Jim Barker in his cover- terflies flying and once seen a fritillary age of Cornwall’s squares. will not be forgotten. We just need the sightings map reference or a good de- What is being suggested is to walk scription where seen and a follow up likely places where this species has will be done to verify. been seen in the past, to see if there are any colonies still in existence. If With regard to map references it would you have a couple or three hours free be extremely helpful to get 6 figures and the weather is sunny, please rather than a grid square reference. If phone me and I will be able to explain anyone needs the grid or 6 figures ex- which area needs to be walked. Initially plained please ask. we will try and cover areas that have had the species recorded in the past. Paul Brewer
WEBSITE REDESIGN
ello everyone! I would like to register and become part of this lively bring your attention to our and informative group exchange. new website design which I I am building a collection of photos for have recently taken over. H use on the website. Could any mem- Along with the new look, we have in- bers who may wish to contribute some troduced a new ethos which is to bring of their own please contact me. I am the website into a closer bond with the not looking for perfect pictures but activities of Cornwall Butterfly Conser- more of a representation of our mem- vation. A consequence of this is that bers diversity. the content of the site will change on demand, to keep pace with our in- I am still improving various aspects of creasing level of activity. the site but any suggestions for other improvements would be most wel- I would therefore urge you to visit the come. I have really enjoyed creating website regularly, so that you don't the new site and I hope that you will miss out on any of our news, events or enjoy using it. other exciting activities.
Shaun Poland A major change has been the addition Webmaster of the forums. To those of you who are www.cornwall-butterfly- unfamiliar with using a forum – it is a conservation.org.uk place where anyone can join in to Jayne Herbert was our web-mistress share conversation, news, sightings, for many years and a tribute to her is recording, photographs etc. You can given in the AGM Report. Ed.
9 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Separating the Dark Green and High Brown Fritillary
he Dark Green Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary is predominately High Brown Fritillary are most green . It is much more difficult to dis- easily distinguished by their tinguish the Dark Green Fritillary from T undersides, since only the the High Brown Fritillary based on High Brown has a row of "ocelli" just their uppersides. However, the first
Dark Green Fritillary
Dark Green Fritillary (left) and High Brown Fritillary (right) inside the outer margin. In addition, as row of dots from the outside edge of the name suggests, the High Brown the forewing upperside do give a clue. Fritillary has a predominately brown The 3 rd dot from the apex of the fore- hue to the underside, whereas the wing is in line with the other dots in the
Dark Green Fritillary (left) and High Brown Fritillary (right)
10 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue
Separating the Dark Green and High Brown Fritillary
Dark Green Fritillary, but indented to- Some people might think that the pho- ward the body in the High Brown. tograph of a High Brown Fritillary (left) could very well have been a Dark Green Fritillary—not seeing the under- side, but I think you will agree that it is indeed a High Brown, the ‘indented’ spot is quite clear .
The butterfly was seen nectaring on bramble and the photograph was taken after waiting a further two hours for it to return—camera at the ready
Article supplied by Phil Boggis and taken from UK Butterflies at: High Brown Fritillary, Dunsford Wood Re- http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species. th serve, Devon, 8 July 2009. php?vernacular_name=High%20Brown Photo: © P.H. Boggis. %20Fritillary
Corrections to the Butterfly Observer
found a couple of incorrect state- gis points out a better form of wording ments in the latest "Observer". On would have been: “Unfortunately from page 7 the article was wrong in that moment on, its fate was sealed, stating that "moths spin cocoons – as it never pupated properly.”) I and butterflies do not" . The truth is There is a vast number of species of that neither moths nor butterflies have parasitic wasp, each of which affects silk glands and cannot make cocoons. the host species differently. (There are Most, but not all, moth caterpillars spin even some parasitoid wasps which cocoons for pupation, but the caterpil- can recognise when a butterfly cater- lars of many moth species never do. pillar is ready to pupate. It waits until Most butterfly caterpillars do not make pupation has occurred and then in- cocoons, but some do, notably the jects its egg into the soft, newly Skippers. formed host pupa before it has Another error is on page 14 which "hardened off". Then before the butter- states that after a caterpillar had been fly normally emerges the fully grown "stung" it would never pupate properly. parasitiod larva, having absorbed This is misleading as some parasitoid most of the nutrients inside the host, wasp eggs or larvae will remain dor- thereby killing it, bites its way through mant in the body of the host until after to make its own cocoon below).
the host has pupated. It all depends on the species involved. (As Phil Bog- John Gregory
11 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Disturbance is Key to Grey Carpet Success
n the East of England Butterfly 2009 and demonstrated that it is possi- Conservation has been working ble to create suitable habitat for Grey with Forestry Commission England Carpet on forest rides by creating bare I to create bare ground plots along ground. The Grey Carpet moth is re- Forest rides in the Brecks of Norfolk stricted as a breeding species to the and Suffolk to improve habitat for but- Breckland district in the UK, which is terflies and moths. The presence of also the main centre of distribution of bare ground and early successional Flixweed, the larval foodplant. The habitats is an important feature of foodplant and consequently the moth heathlands and dry grasslands and depend on frequent soil disturbance. vital for many scarce moths such as Grey Carpet and Marbled Clo- ver and butterflies including Dingy Skipper and Griz- zled Skipper. Grey Carpet, Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper are priority species in the UK Biodiver- sity Action Plan (BAP).
The establishment of conifer planta- tion on previously Bare ground created at Cranwich with a bulldozer in March 2009 open Breckland —photo by Sharon Hearle heathlands has removed much of the suitable habitat. The project was able to demonstrate a In recent years management by mow- range of bare ground techniques, com- ing and sheep grazing combined with pare costs and benefits of each treat- some very wet summers has contrib- ment at 15 different sites. Over 60 plots uted to a decline in bare ground on were established, mostly in late win- Breckland grass heath sites and forest ter/spring 2009, but some were estab- rides. lished in the autumn of 2009. Most late winter/early autumn bare ground plots With funding from SITA Trust, Butterfly were colonised by abundant nectar Conservation has been able to create plants over the spring and summer. over 60 bare ground plots using a Flixweed was confirmed on 12 plots range of techniques. This project was and Grey Carpet adults were seen on successfully completed in December four of those plots in 2009. By 2010
12 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Disturbance is Key to Grey Carpet Success the Flixweed had developed on four Threatened Butterflies and Moths rotovated plots and there were records funded by Wren Biodiversity Action of Grey Carpet larvae on four of these Fund which began in Jan 2010. plots at King's Forest and Cranwich. Extract taken from the ‘Speckled
Wood’ newsletter The bare ground plots created along forest rides in the Brecks have been Sharon Hearle alive with butterflies and moths this East of England Regional Officer, year due to the abundance of flowers Butterfly Conservation. and nectar attracting key breckland Email: shearle@butterfly- species including Marbled Clover, For- conservation.org ester and Dingy Skipper. The For- ester, a UK BAP priority species already extinct in other counties in the East of England, was confirmed on seven bare ground plots on forest rides.
One 150 metre long plot along the forest ride in Cranwich (Grade A priority site in the FC/BC Lepidop- tera Conservation Strategy) was covered in Viper’s Bu- gloss, a typical wildflower in the Breck, but usually re- stricted to small areas of disturbance created by rab- bits or moles. Underneath the canopy of Viper’s Bu- gloss other plants included Common Bird’s-foot trefoil, foodplant for Dingy Skipper, and Basil Thyme, foodplant for Basil Thyme Case- bearer moth (also a UK BAP priority species).
Monitoring work and habitat creation will continue through a new three year Cranwich Brecks 16th months later project Norfolk Brecks —photo by Sharon Hearle Heathland Restoration for
13 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Trelusback Project
hen Phil Harris stumbled Seriously—this project has been a upon a larval web of the fantastic example of how enthusiasm Marsh Fritillary in one of and team spirit can move mountains W my neglected fields at or in our case gorse bushes. Commit- Trelusback, I didn’t know what I had tee members: Maggie and Dick let myself in for! Goodere, Jim Barker, Paul Brewer, Jack Keeping, Shaun Poland and Carly Hoskin have joined us on our conserva- tion days.
They have cut down and re- moved vast quantities of gorse, which blocked out the sun, which the Marsh Frit- illaries’ larvae and larval food A few minutes at one of our Commit- plants needed to thrive. In addition, tee meetings a few weeks later has members of our branch Nigel Barrett, turned my plodding retirement years Anne Paul, Simon and Anne Lowe into something more like being back at have also rolled their sleeves up and my previous career with a sales team. helped. Jerry who is a trusted friend, I now have to attend meetings with the Liz from Duchy College and David, branch’s Fundraiser and Publicity Offi- Mike, Fraser and Owen who are stu- cer Jo Poland who finds me some- dents from Falmouth have also given thing to do whenever I am planning to up their time to help. have a break.
The support received from the above We now have team meetings with the is wonderful enough but later we had sub-committee of Phil Harris our two groups of students from Duchy Chairman, Paul Browning our Treas- College and six groups of students urer and Steve Hoskin our Conserva- from Cornwall College Newquay who tion Officer, which usually result in were led by their tutors Angela Web- more work for me and Jo. Sometimes ster, Mike McMahon, Jacqueline other members of the Committee join Davey and Mel Edwards. Mel distin- us to make further suggestions to guished herself by breaking more make my life even more demanding. forks than the rest of us put together!
14 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Trelusback Project Jewel Among the Nettles
What have we achieved? The word ‘we’ n 7 th September I came is in my opinion the best thing about the across a number of Small whole project because it has been a Tortoiseshell caterpillars on team effort that has removed the gorse O the Lizard Peninsula, in from about an acre of land with consider- various stages of development. able extra benefits. Among them was one suspended un- der a nettle leaf, preparing to pupate. We have now met some of our charita- The next day I returned to the site and ble members who had previously paid found a soft, newly formed chrysalis. their £28 per year without enjoying the Close by, on that same day, I spotted company of other enthusiasts. Four two male Speckled Woods sitting to- members of the public have become gether. I took a picture as a record of members after working at the site. We this since I had never before wit- have had two BBQs provided by Steve nessed such a truce. When I got back and Carly Hoskin using a BBQ kindly home and put the picture on my com- provided by Jerry and delicious soups puter I noticed in the bottom corner from Jo. Members of our group have what looked like a blurred image of a also spoken at a local school and a gar- Comma caterpillar hanging down dening club as a result of the project. ready to pupate. This prompted me to return the next day to check it out. What next? The students from Newquay Unfortunately I was too late to see the are to monitor the site during the next caterpillar, but with the help of the few years and will record the outcomes photo I managed to find the chrysalis. of our hard work. The Marsh Fritillaries I took photographs of this as well as will now have somewhere to live in an the chrysalis of the Small Tortoise- environment which is being altered to shell, which had by now hardened and suit their needs and which will be care- was reflecting beautiful mother-of- fully maintained as necessary. pearl colours.
We would like to expand and increase My apologies, the author’s name is their new habitat, making it at least four not known to me. Ed times larger over the next three years. To support this dream, applications for grant funding are currently poised for OwnaSquare imminent action! My apologies but there simply wasn’t sufficient space to include an explana- Mr and Mrs Aurinia have asked me to tion of the colour codes used on the thank you on their behalf! and, if you OwnaSquare map—see page 21. Ed. haven't yet seen their new home, please pay them a visit soon, you will be very Transects welcome. WCBMS BC walk Keith Wilson Owned Square
15 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Plant for Butterflies—4th April 2011
his year sees an exciting new Do your bit for butterflies by planting initiative to help butterflies, as these plants in April and enjoy taking well as the return of the Big part in the count from 16 th—31 st July Butterfly Count—the biggest 2011. T ever nationwide count of butterflies There was a fantastic response to the and day-flying moths, carried out by first ever Big Butterfly Count last year, members of the public to assess the with a staggering 187,000 individual health of our environment. sightings that winged their way across the internet from all over the country. Over 10,000 people carried out more than 15,000 counts during last year’s event. We hope to make this year’s count even bigger! The count was designed to give scientist an overall indication of the state of the nation’s butterfly population, particularly in gardens and urban areas.
As well as being beautiful visitors to our gardens, Small tortoiseshell on a Buddleia— butterflies are valuable photo courtesy of Philip Hambly indicators of the environ- ment. The Big Butterfly Count is helping to build a picture of The charity Butterfly Conservation, in the changes taking place in our towns, partnership with Marks & Spencer, is cities and countryside. launching the national Planting for Butterflies campaign on 4 th April, to The survey will be run by Butterfly encourage people to plant butterfly- Conservation, in association with friendly plants in their gardens on the Marks & Spencer as part of the Plan A run-up to the Big Butterfly Count. commitments to encourage sustain-
able agriculture and help to protect the The top five nectar plants Butterfly environment. Celebrities including Sir Conservation recommends are: Budd- David Attenborough, Alan Titchmarsh leia, Verbena bonariensis, the peren- MBE and Mike Dilger have given their nial wallflower ‘Bowles Mauve’, Laven- enthusiastic backing. der and Marjoram (Oregano). For more information about butterfly Press Release issued by Butterfly friendly gardening, visit www.butterfly- Conservation. conservation.org.uk .
16 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue
Butterfly Plants
Of all the plants that butterflies feed on, there is one that is so favoured that it has earned the title of 'The Butterfly Bush' – it is of course Buddleia. It is a shrub that comes in many varieties and should be available from all good garden centres. However, different species of butterfly have their own favourites when finding nec- tar – here are just some of the butterflies that you may find in your garden and the plants they like :
Large White Lavender, Runner Bean, Lobelia, Aubretia, Honesty, Michaelmas Daisy, Field Scabious, Marjoram, Catmint, Phlox, Purple Loosestrife, Wallflower, Verbena, Nastur- tium Small White Lavender, Aubretia, Marjoram, Red Valerian, Honesty, Hebe, Michaelmas Daisy, Runner Bean, Ice Plant, Forget- me-not, Bramble, Senecio, Honeysuckle Small Tortoiseshell Ice plant, Michaelmas Daisy, Aubretia, Lavender, Red Vale- rian, Field Scabious, Hebe, Marjoram, Candytuft, Lobelia, Mint, Hemp Agrimony, Common Fleabane, Wallflower, Ver- bena, Alyssum Red Admiral Ice plant, Michaelmas Daisy, Red Valerian, Ivy, Hemp Agrimony, Bramble, Field Scabious, Aster, Lavender, Privet, Marjoram, Honeysuckle, Hydrangea Peacock Ice plant, Michaelmas Daisy, Aubretia, Hebe, Red Vale- rian, Hemp Agrimony, Field Scabious, French Marigold, Dandelion, Grape Hyacinth, Wallflower, Verbena Orange Tip Honesty, Aubretia, Forget-me-not, Sweet Rocket
Holly Blue Bramble, Forget-me-not, Hebe, Ivy, Marjoram, Escal- lonia
Brimstone Runner Bean, Phlox, Primrose, Aubretia, Honesty, Red Va- lerian, Wallflower, Michaelmas Daisy, Cranesbill, Hyacinth
Green-veined White Lavender, Aubretia, Marjoram, Honesty, Field Scabious, Forget-me-not, Sweet Rocket, Lobelia, Red Valerian, Candytuft, Dandelion Common Blue Marjoram, Lavender, Birds-foot-trefoil, Mint, Clover, Com- mon Fleabane, French Marigold, Field Scabious, Ice Plant, Knapweed, Thyme, Hemp Agrimony
List compiled by Jo Poland , see also: www.cornwall-butterfly-conservation.org.uk
17 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Transects and Squares in 2010
Let us look at the transect results in take it on? The idea sounds good, a 2010—see opposite. random selection of one kilometre squares to be walked once in July and There are nineteen on the list including once in August but apart from a few eight new ones, although four transects squares walkers have found it difficult are still outstanding. The biggest num- to find a reasonable route and in one ber of species was seen at Upton To- case the farmer wasn’t very happy. wans, the only butterflies of the regu- Richard Clegg is very happy with his larly seen 36 Cornish species not cov- square in Penwith and we hope he ered were the Grizzled Skipper and the might write an article for us about the Marsh Fritillary but ... Keith Wilson at development of the route and what he Trelusback farm had some caterpillar has seen. webs in late summer.. next year Keith? Five butterflies were present on all 15 Finally we have a new 2011 census of the transects: Small White, Peacock, called OwnaSquare which absolutely Red Admiral, Common Blue and EVERYBODY who lives in Cornwall Speckled Wood; seven were present can take part in, BC members or not. on 13 or 14, three species on 12 and More about this scheme on page 20. two on 11. So 15 species were rea- sonably widespread. Fifteen were pre- Jim Barker sent on five or less. The other four Transect Co-ordinator were recorded on around half of the —————————————————- walks. We have been promised at least three new transects in 2011 which is Place Codes—see table opposite wonderful. Butterfly Conservation both nationally and locally would like to C Bodmin Beacon LNR—SX0666 thank all the walkers for their efforts. If D Butterfly Lane ( St Ives)— you would like to join in then please SW518378 contact Jim Barker the local transect E Cubert—SW785599 man. F Dodman—SX000394 G De Lank quarry—SX103753 We will be holding a morning walk H Drakewells Mine—SX424706 along the Steeple Woods transect near I Gaverigan—SW937535 th St Ives on 9 July, recording as we go, J Greenscombe Wood—Ridge then putting our records onto the com- SX395725 puter and looking at previous records K Porthgwarra—SW364224 and what the system can tell us about L Gwithian Common (Green)— trends in butterfly populations in Corn- SW587413 wall. For more details see p.31 . M Luckett G'scombe Trust— SX391726 How about the Wider Countryside But- N Steeple Woods—SW518388 terfly Scheme? I really don’t seem to O Trelusback farm—SW7035 be getting much response with this al- P Upton Towans—SW579396 Q Watch House Field & Penlee Battery though we did have some 1km squares —SX435492 walked. PLEASE can somebody else
18 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue
Cornwall Butterfly Transects 2010 Rank Sites Name C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q Small White 1= 15 Common Blue 1= 15 Red Admiral 1= 15 Peacock 1= 15 Speckled wood 1= 15 Large White 6= 14 Meadow Brown 6= 14 Green veined 8= 13 White Small Copper 8= 13 Small Tortoise- 8= 13 shell Comma 8= 13 Ringlet 8= 13 Large Skipper 13= 12 Orange-tip 13= 12 Gatekeeper 13= 12 Painted Lady 16= 10 Wall 16= 10 Small Skipper 18 9 Small Heath 19 6 Holly Blue 20= 5 Dark Green 20= 5 Fritillary Brimstone 22= 4 Green Hair- 22= 4 streak Silver studded 22= 4 Blue Grayling 22= 4 Brown Argus 26= 3 Clouded Yellow 26= 2 Small pearl 26= 2 Fritillary Silver washed 26= 2 Fritillary Heath Fritillary 26= 2 Marbled white 26= 2 Dingy Skipper 32= 1 Purple Hair- 32= 1 streak Pearl Fritillary 32= 1 19 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue OwnaSquare; a spot of O and R
n undercover reporter has sure that they are sat down! Some of recorded this conversation for us are not as young as we were and the magazine; somewhere in still get quite excited about rare spe- Cornwall: cies.” A “A real Oh and Aah moment then? “So what’s all this about Oh & Aah and Why haven’t I got a list of moths?” “ Do making Cornwall blush Jim, another you know how many species of moths night spot you’ve found for us?” “ Two appear in Cornwall? You don’t have to of the most exciting things that a pair of record moths but day flying ones are enthusiasts can get up to – butterfly often visible so why not record them?” enthusiasts that is. It’s O for observa- tion and R for recording by the way.” “Oi, somebody has pinched my square!” “ We can have as many re- “Does Frances know about this?” “ She corders as we like in each square, is very good at it.” many eyeballs make for better obser- “How do I get involved?” “ You can vation.” download a report form from the web- “This isn’t making me blush.” “ If you site or I can post you one. It has a list look at the map on the website you will of the commonly seen species in Corn- see some squares marked in purple, wall and you tick them off one by one, different shades of green, light orange when you see them in your selected and some marked in rose pink – those square.” rose squares are the ones that have “What sort of square?” “ It’s a 10 kilo- been claimed. If all the squares are metre square of Cornwall as marked covered then Cornwall will blush rose. on the OS maps; mine is SW4040, just As claims come in we will update the west of St Ives.” map on the website.”
“Isn’t that just a 1km square?” “ Yes it “So what is the purpose of all this re- could be but since the only lines cording?” “ As a census of Cornish spe- marked are in tens I thought it might cies to compare with those in the But- confuse people if we called it SW44.” terfly Atlas, prepared ten years ago.”
“Do I record my home square?” “Yes “Right I’ve got my list thank you, now please, or a square that you are pre- let us get off to the night spot.” “ Sorry I pared to visit a few times in the year; am off to check the mothtrap.” mine is next to where I live and is a good regular dog walk on the coastal We have managed to get Jim Barker to footpath.” admit to being one of the conversation- alists but he won’t reveal the identity of “Do I have to record every butterfly I the other one for money or under see?” “ No you don’t, just the first of threats. (Frances suggests tickling each species.” him!) “So if I see a butterfly not on the list?” Jim Barker “Ring a committee member and make Transect Co-ordinator
20 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue OwnaSquare—Instructions
Instructions:
• Download the report from the website or ask Jim Barker for one. • Pick any square you live in or a square that you visit at least a few times a year • You may pick more than one! We want to turn the whole of Cornwall rose pink • You may share a square, many eyeballs are better than one • Let Jim Barker know which square or squares you will be recording • Tell us whether you mind your name going on the website map • Tick off the species as you first see them • Add any moths that you can identify • If you see any unlisted butterflies ring a committee member !! Please!!
Return the form to Jim by 30 th September 2011 if possible please. We will only add your name to the website with your specific permission.
We are doing this census of species, to compare their distributions with those in the Cornwall Butterfly Atlas, which was prepared soon after the millennium.
SS SS Sea D 1010 2010 SS SS Mainly sea, not worth counting separately V 1000 2000 SW SX SX SX SX SX Partly sea, worth counting 9090 0090 1090 2090 3090 4090 SW SW SX SX SX SX Partly in Devon, worth counting OsQ D 8080 9080c 0080 1080 2080 4080 SW SW Lundy De Car- Drake WCBS Luckett E 7070 8070 Bay Lank keet wells B’min SW SW SW SW Bunny' SX SX Bea- WCBS V 6060 7060 8060 9060 s Hill 2060 3060 con SW SW SW Gaveri- SX Millan- SX Cubert OsQ OsQ Seaton O 4050 5050 6050 gan 0050 dreath 4050
SW Jim Tehidy SW SW SX004 SX SX Watch OsQ OsQ WCBS N 3040 Barker Woods 8040 9040 0 1040 2040 H.
SW Tre- SW Dod- SX SX SX OsQ OsQ OsQ OsQ OsQ 2030 vean 6030c man 3030 4030 5030 SW SW SW SW SX OsQ WCBS OsQ OsQ 2020 7020 8020 9020 0020 SW SW SW SW Mullion OsQ 3010 4010 5010 8010 For an explanation of the Colour Codes SW SW 7000 Date: 17.2.11 used, see page 15 6000 21 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue CBC Field Trip Reports and Moth Group Meetings
Cotehele House—24 th April Spring Edition of the Butterfly Ob- 2010 server.
On a personal note, the season ‘kicked After the Bunny’s Hill trip I was off to off’ with an interesting moth evening at Trelissick Gardens for National Moth Cotehele House as part of their ‘Full Night. A number of us from the Corn- Bloom’ festivities organised by the Na- wall Moth Group met with members of tional Trust’s ‘Conserving and Restor- the Cornwall Bat Group for a combined ing Traditional Orchard, England Pro- event. As you probably know bats and ject’ ably organised by Kate Merry. The moths don’t go well together so it was weather on the 24 th April was reasona- interesting to observe the reactions of bly dry and had been over that past our Cornish bat fraternity as they week but was set to turn cloudy and damp that evening—perfect for moths! Only a few people turned up but we had several moth traps, one placed within, and the other near to Cotehele’s ample orchards. 19 species came to the mercury vapour lamps—not a great deal but that has been the trend over the past few years as moth numbers decline. The best moth of the evening was the Scorched Carpet which is rea- sonably well distributed over the south- ern half of Britain but rather local north- wards. However, the moth, contrary to most trends, is increasing in some of its haunts in the northern counties such as Yorkshire and Cumbria.
After two hours of ‘moth-ing’ the pro- ceedings were brought to a swift halt by the sudden outburst of heavy rain which threatened to damage the elec- Although the Silver Hook has often been photo- trical ballast for the lamps and short- graphed over the years in the Butterfly Observer, out the lamp-holders, despite their rain it is interesting to mention that this particular specimen, due to the weather, was particularly shields! easy to photograph. In sunshine the moth never ______seems to sit still for long and is easily disturbed, flitting from one grass stem to another, also, due Bunny’s Hill—15 th May 2010 to its contrasting wing pattern, the moth often comes out ‘over exposed’ owing to the camera The first CBC field trip of the year I at- ‘metering’ the light levels of the darker areas of the wing as opposed to the much lighter silvery tended took place at Bunny’s Hill, Near edges. This difficulty was easily overcome as this Bodmin and is fully reported in our photograph proves. Photo: © P.H. Boggis.
22 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue
CBC Field Trip Reports and Moth Group Meetings watched, fascinated at the bats swoop- the small chapel. This is because it is ing in on our light traps in a feeding difficult to negotiate the very rough frenzy. Later in the evening the bats bumpy track that leads to the parking thankfully, seemed to have had their fill area within the reserve. and scooted off to their roosts. Mean- while, back at the traps, no more moth Owing to the inclement weather, few wings, minus a body, were seen float- species were seen but included the ing down upon our heads like syca- following moths: Bactra lancealana , more seeds twirling in the wind. Again, Silver-ground Carpet, Cydia ulicetana numbers were well down on previous (commonly known as the ‘Gorse years, partly due, this time to the unfa- Moth’), Silver Hook, Common Heath, vourable weather (unfavourable for Speckled Yellow, Common Wave, moths that is). Although there was a Clouded Silver, Lead Belle and Microp- new moon—good for ‘moth-ing’, the terix calthella. Only 3 butterfly species weather was clear and cold with tem- were seen namely; Common Blue, peratures down to 8°C. (46° F.)—rather Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and cold for moths and us! Small Heath. Although it was disap- ______pointing not to see any Marsh Fritillar- ies, many were seen during the sun- Breney Common—Saturday shine of the previous week. th 29 May 2010 My thanks to all those who turned up,
Speaking personally, the entry in my despite the weather, some travelling note book for this event sums up this from afar. Perhaps next year will bring season generally—‘weather cloudy’. sunnier skies. However, as is my habit, looking in the newspaper for the daily weather forecast, I no- ticed that throughout June and especially July, the South East had reasonably warm, even hot sunny days contrasted with our damp and wet ones—a disappointment.
Firstly, I must again apologise for not mak- ing it clear that we will aim to meet outside the reserve in future—in Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. This fresh specimen was spotted the car park opposite in the inner car park during a brighter spell and was easy to photo- graph. Photo: © P.H. Boggis.
23 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue CBC Field Trip Reports and Moth Group Meetings
Carkeet (River Vale Farm), Bodmin Moor— Saturday 5 th June 2010
Owing to unavoidable cir- cumstances, Paul Brewer very kindly volunteered, at short notice, to lead us. We all parked along the farm track and made our way to the fields where we were ex- pecting to see the Marsh Frit- illary on this, an exceptionally well managed site for this species. The owner, however didn’t bank on so many cars Small Yellow Underwing, Carkeet, 5 th June 2010. Photo: © parked along his track. He P. H. Boggis. As mentioned in the text, perhaps the Small was expecting a delivery of Yellow Underwing should be more aptly named, Least Yel- farm machinery and the de- low Underwing as it is the smallest of the underwing moths. It has a wingspan of only 20mm and flies actively in bright livery vehicle would not be sunshine. It is a pretty moth and a better sense of its beauti- able to get past our cars! We ful hind-wing can be seen at: http://ukmoths.org.uk/ were all very good humoured show.php?id=3035 about having to walk back and move them despite Paul’s understandable consternation. Thank you Paul for leading us and our host for allowing us onto this marvellous site.
Paddy Saunders and I noticed a good number of Small Pearl- bordered Fritillaries in the fields bordering our approach to the farm, this was a good sign for what was to come with well over 15 Marsh Fritillaries seen by me alone apart from those seen by other members of the group.
Among the species observed Marsh Fritillaries in cop, Carkeet, Bodmin Moor, 5 th June were: Small Pearl-bordered 2010. Again a rather disappointing day as far as the Fritillary, Marsh Fritillary, Small weather was concerned – bright at times, cloudy at others Heath, Small Skipper, Green- but this enabled us to get some really good photos of this veined White. Moths seen pair! Photo: © P.H. Boggis.
24 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue CBC Field Trip Reports and Moth Group Meetings were: Bactra lancealana , Lead Belle , Micropterix calthella , Silver Y , Rush Veneer (a migrant), Glyphipterix thra- sonella , Cinnabar , Red Twin-spot Car- pet , Brown Silver-line , and Small Yel- low Underwing ( Panemeria tenebrata, Scop.). This species should not be confused with the less aptly named Least Yellow Underwing which is larger but its name does not imply this!
Finally, Keith Wilson and Paul Brown- ing managed to weave their way through the holiday traffic to arrive rather belatedly as we were heading slowly back. It was good of them to make the effort and travel so far. Along the way, another photo shoot of the Silver Hook took place before we all climbed into our cars for the journey home with me missing my glasses— blind as a bat without them for driving. th Paddy Saunders managed to retrieve Glyphipterix thrasonella. Carkeet, 5 June them from the dusty track after being 2010. Photo: © P. H. Boggis. This moth is perhaps, in its season and habitat, one of run over by several cars with only the the most common moths with many thou- tip of one arm broken!—Thanks Paddy sands rising, when disturbed, from the for finding them; I was becoming des- juncus sp. (the probable foodplant of the perate at the thought of losing them. caterpillar). It is a moth of surprising variation, sometimes, when catching the Report by Phil Boggis light, a beautiful brassy colour, at others CBC Moth Officer dull and uninspiring.
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation
Members’ Open Day
Saturday, 6th August 2011, 11am at Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth
See page 32 for more details
25 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011
he following schedule was compiled by myself with the assistance of cer- tain very helpful individuals who are willing to lead a field trip or two for this coming season. This is my 19 th successive year compiling the Butter- T fly and Moth events and the current trend seems to be continuing of more people attending and more interest in general in Cornwall's Butterflies and Moths. They are always free to attend and all it costs is whatever petrol it takes to get to and from a particular event.
Please keep attending as there's always much of beauty to be seen on each trip. Thank you very much to those that took the trouble to volunteer or agree to help when I asked. This includes most of our hardworking committee who have contacted me to volunteer to lead an event! They also give up their spare time to do what they can for Cornwall's Butterflies and Moths. Thank you to Paul Brewer and Gillian Thompson for their efforts in publishing this field trips list in 'The But- terfly Observer'.
I have finally got a great selection of meetings throughout Cornwall covering many different and rare species of Butterflies and Moths. Please make an effort to at- tend at least one or more of these and feel free to spread the word to whoever may be interested in any of these trips.
If you have any comments about any of these then please do not hesitate to con- tact me. Lee Slaughter Field Trip Organiser since 1993
Friday 22 nd across April 2011, 8:15 southern pm—Cadson- England in bury, East the last 20 Cornwall. years. The Moth evening moth hiber- arranged by nates as an Cornwall Moth adult. The Group to Marbled Pug is a Notable search for B species Marbled Pug found only in and Orange East Corn- Upperwings . wall. Both The Orange Grayling—courtesy of the BC website species in- Upperwing is habit mature perhaps our rarest moth and its status oak woods. is still uncertain. It has only occurred Leader—Phil Boggis from time to time very sporadically Meet at SX345674. Follow the A390 to
26 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011
Cadsonbury. Just before the bridge Holly Blue, Orange Tip and possible over the River Lynher, take the C class Dingy Skipper will hopefully be seen road on the right (coming from West today. Cornwall). Follow the road for about Leader—Paddy Saunders half a mile. Parking is on the left by the Meet at map ref—SX285546 in Murray- river. For full details phone Phil Boggis ton Monkey Sanctuary Car Park. For on 01726 66124. full details and directions phone Paddy ______Saunders on 01503 262567. ______Saturday 30 th April 2011, 10:30am— Murrayton Monkey Sanctuary, Mil- Saturday 14 th May 2011, 2:00pm— lendreath, nr Looe Bunny’s Hill, nr. Cardinham, Bodmin This is a special early Moor visit to the Millendreath Bunny’s Hill is an to Seaton coastal foot- easily accessible path to search for Brit- site and is one of ain’s earliest flying the best places in Pearl-Bordered Fritil- Cornwall to see the lary butterflies which Pearl-Bordered Frit- will take in some bril- illary butterfly at liant scenery looking close quarters. out to sea on this ex- Please do bring cellent habitat for this your camera as rare species. Yes! You photography is can see the Pearl- Male Orange Tip on a cuckoo flower comparatively easy Bordered Fritillary in at this locality. Brim- April in Cornwall given reasonable stones are usually seen together with weather! This unique habitat, some of Small Heath, Holly Blue, Orange Tip which is an ancient landslip, provides and possible Dingy Skipper. There is the ideal microclimate needed for this plenty of easy parking available. species to be on the wing up to 3 Leader—Lee Slaughter weeks earlier than elsewhere in Corn- Meet at map ref—SX117675 at fork in wall so don’t miss this opportunity to road, with further parking 50 yards up see this for yourselves. Walking boots track. For details and directions phone are a must due to steep terrain and Lee Slaughter on 01726 817505. bring food and drink too! Access is ______through strictly private land at Murray- Saturday 21 st May 2011, 2:00pm— ton Monkey Sanctuary which will be Fellover Brake, Tuckingmill, St. Bre- closed so all attending should be ready ward to be guided through to the cliff path by This site still holds one of Cornwall’s the leader at 10:30am from the Monkey finest colonies of the nationally threat- Sanctuary car park. Pearl-Bordered ened Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterfly Fritillary, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, which can be seen over a wide area of Green-Veined White, Small Copper, well managed bracken covered hillside.
27 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011
Walking boots are essential as the site Rinsey Head to Trewavas Head return slopes quite steeply and can be quite walk on the coastal path to look for uneven in places. Orange Tip and Green Hairstreaks, Small Pearl- Brimstone should also still be on the Bordered Fritillaries, Small Heath, Wall wing. Browns and other spring flying species. Leader—Lee Slaughter Walking boots, drink and sun cream Meet at SX089779, in small lay-by at essential. Gam Bridge. For details and directions Leader—Paul Browning phone Lee Slaughter on 01726 Meet at 1:00pm at SW592271 in N.T. 817505. car park at Rinsey Head. Phone Paul ______in morning if you are unsure about weather and/or travelling long distance. Sunday 22 nd May 2011, 11:00am— For details and directions phone Paul The Dodman Headland Browning on 01736 763677. We are most grateful to Paul Brewer ______for offering to guide us around this fas- cinating headland on the south coast of Saturday 4 th June 2011, 1:00pm— Cornwall. We will be hoping for good Breney Common, nr. Lanlivery numbers of Wall Browns which are be- Our annual visit to probably Cornwall’s coming scarce even here in Cornwall largest Marsh Fritillary colony. Good although 25 were seen here on a sin- numbers of this species should be gle day in May 2010. Small Copper, seen together with Small Pearl- Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Bordered Fritillary, Small Heath, Brim- Green-Veined White and Orange Tip stone, Green Hairstreak and always a should be seen today. We will also few interesting moths too! Photography keep a keen lookout for Small Pearl- is almost always easy here so do bring Bordered Fritillaries which have been your camera and walking boots. recorded from The Dodman histori- Leader—Phil Boggis cally. This area of coast could also pro- Meet at SX053611, small roadside car duce a few surprises and it will be in- park near Gunwen Chapel or Breney teresting what discoveries could be Common main car park (up bumpy made by eagle-eyed members. Walk- CWT reserve track through gate). For ing boots, waterproof (if weather details and directions phone Phil Bog- changeable), sun cream, packed lunch gis on 01726 66124. and drink all essential. ______Leader—Paul Brewer Sunday 5 th June 2011, 11:00am— Meet at SW999405, in National Trust Chapel Porth, nr. St Agnes car park near Penare Farm. For details A new locality for our fieldtrips. During and directions phone Paul Brewer on the 1970’s and 80’s the Small Pearl- 07990 881052. Bordered Fritillary could be seen flying ______in good numbers over the hillsides be- Saturday 28 th May 2011, 1:00pm— tween Chapel Porth and St Agnes but Rinsey Head to Trewavas Head West the butterfly has not been seen in re- of Helston cently by anyone who’s searched for it.
28 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011
We hope to rediscover it here today scoombe Woods, Luckett after it be- and hope that it had just been over- came extinct there after 2002. After it’s looked in recent years. Good numbers re-introduction to parts of the wood- of Green Hairstreaks should also be lands in the summer of 2006 it has be- noted too as this used to be a good come re-established and re-colonised locality for it. Walking boots, drink and its former habitat which has been much sun cream essential. improved by clearance and manage- Leader—Phil Harris ment work. We are grateful to local Meet at SW697495, in N.T. beach car recorder and expert on this species, park. For details and directions phone Richard Vulliamy who will lead us Phil Harris on 07754 583101. around showing us the best areas to ______observe them. The butterfly is breeding well now at Greenscoombe Woods and Saturday 18 th June 2011, 2:00pm— it is always a joy for enthusiasts from Perran Sands and Penhale Sands, Cornwall and often much further afield nr. Perranporth to visit these woods to marvel at the A Mid-summer ramble over Britain’s many Heath Fritillary butterflies that highest sand dunes complex to see would be seen throughout June every large numbers of freshly emerged Sil- year. Bring a drink and your camera. ver-Studded Blues. We would also Leader—Richard Vulliamy hope to see Large Skippers, Small Meet at SX389737 in Luckett Village Skippers, Meadow Browns, Common car park. For details and directions Blues, Dark Green Fritillary, Scarlet phone Richard on 01579 370411. Tiger Moth and Humming Bird Hawk- ______Moth. This event always turns up unex- pected surprises in moths or butterflies. Friday 24 th June 2011, 9:30pm— Please bring a drink, a sun hat, sun Pontsmill, nr. Penpillick Hill, St. protection and good walking boots. Blazey, Par. Mid-summer Moths at Leaders—Lee Slaughter and Phil Pontsmill . Boggis Organised by the Friends of Luxulyan Meet at SW774553 in lay-by on edge Valley. All CMG and Cornwall Butterfly of road opposite the turning to Rose. Conservation members are welcome at For details and directions phone Lee this meeting. Slaughter on 01726 817505 or Phil A moth evening of recording together Boggis on 01726 66124. with The Friends of Luxulyan Valley ______and Cornwall Moth Group. This event Sunday 19 th June 2011, 11:00am— will begin at dusk and you should bring Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett. Wellies and a torch. Plenty of parking Organised jointly with mid-Tamar is available in the main Pontsmill car park. Past mothing events here have Cornwall Wildlife Trust group . recorded over 125 different species of One of Britain’s rarest butterflies, the moth for one night’s recording! It will Heath Fritillary, still exists in Cornwall finish at Midnight or later but you can in the specially managed habitat, at its leave before if you want. original main Cornish colony at Green- Leader—Phil Boggis 29 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011
Meet at SX073561 in the car park at Meet at SX234545. Plenty of parking the end of the single track road. For up the lane from the West Looe River’s details and directions phone Phil Bog- grassy floodplain. For full details and gis on 01726 66124. directions phone Phil Boggis on 01726 ______66124. ______Saturday 25 th June 2011, 11:00am— Poldice, St Day Saturday 2 nd July 2011, 11:00am— A new locality for our fieldtrips. Today Upton Towans, nr. Hayle we will be searching Heathland on old A delightful walk through the extensive mining landscape at St Day for newly coastal dunes between Gwithian and emerged Silver-Studded Blues of the Hayle at Upton Towans. We expect to ‘heathland’ type. These are special for see an abundance of newly emerged Cornwall as most counties have lost Dark Green Fritillaries and the last of their colonies of this species. Grayling the season’s Silver-Studded Blues as and other summer species such as well as the more common summer fly- Large Skipper and Ringlet should be ing species of butterflies and moths. seen too. Walking boots, drink and sun The 2 nd brood of Small Heaths should cream essential. now be in evidence and we would like Leader—Phil Harris everyone to look out for the Brown Ar- Meet at SW737426, in lay-by at gus and Grayling which recently have Poldice. For details and directions all but disappeared from this area. phone Phil Harris on 07754 583101. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun ______cream, and good walking boots or rain- wear if weather is unsettled. Friday 1 st July 2011, 9:30pm— Leaders—Dick and Maggie Goodere Watergate, West Looe Valley, Looe Meet at SW579398 at entrance by gate Join Cornwall Moth Group for a to CWT area. For full details and direc- Mid-summer Mothing for the tions phone Dick or Maggie Goodere Scarce Merveille Du Jour Moth. on 01736 753077. The sedentary Scarce Merveille De ______
Jour moth has almost certainly continu- th ously bred in the West Looe Valley Friday 8 July2011, 9:30pm for since shortly after the last Ice Age! It is 10:00pm—Trelissick Gardens, nr. proposed to re-visit a site a few miles Feock, south of Truro. Organised by up the West Looe valley from Kilmi- Cornwall Moth Group . north woods at Watergate where there Our host, the Head Gardener at is a distinct possibility that the moth Trelissick, has warmly welcomed us to may still be lurking. There are some the gardens over a number of years mature oaks near to the water’s edge and another visit has been arranged. A on the footpath leading south. The large colony of the Nationally Scarce A moth light will be on from dusk until late moth, the Four-spotted Footman re- but meet at 9:30pm. Bring a torch. sides there and some are of the opin- Leader—Phil Boggis ion it may be one of the largest colo- nies in the West Country. Bring a torch.
30 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011
Leader—Phil Boggis Saturday 9 th July 2011, 1:00pm— Meet at SW837396 at Trelissick Gar- Delabole Quarry, Delabole, Nr. dens lower car park at (by the walled Camelford gardens). For full details and directions This is an excellent site for our field- phone Phil Boggis on 01726 66124. trips and we are grateful to Malcolm ______Lee for leading this for our group. Pre-
vious visits made here by several Cornwall branch members have pro- Saturday 9 th July 2011, 10:00am— duced many sightings of Marbled Steeple Woods, St Ives Whites and Graylings which are not A morning walk on this transect accom- often seen on our field meetings. Gray- panied by some volunteers from the lings are not often found inland in Steeple Woodland Trust to explain the Cornwall and the discovery of good project on this site. We will do a butter- numbers at this location is good news fly count and then proceed to St John’s for the species in our county where it is Church Hall to enter our results on now mainly restricted to parts of the Transect Walker also looking at results coast. Good walking boots essential. and trends from other transects. This Leader—Malcolm Lee morning walk will be ideal for anyone Meet at SX074836 in Delabole Quarry thinking of setting up their own tran- Car Park by visitor centre. For details sect. Hot drinks will be available at the and directions phone Malcolm Lee on hall. 01208 880106. Leader—Jim Barker ______Meet by the stile in Steeple Lane, there is a lay-by here. To get to Steeple Lane Saturday 16 th July 2011, 2:00pm— follow the main road to St Ives (turn Fellover Brake, Tuckingmill, St. Bre- right through Lelant, DO NOT follow ward the holiday route). Having driven This site has a good colony of Purple through Carbis Bay turn left at The Hairstreaks on its low growing Oak Cornish Arms and immediately left trees and there wll hopefully be a good again and follow Steeple Lane (narrow chance to photograph this ‘hard to road) for approximately half a mile until photo’ species. Silver Washed Fritillary you come to a right hand bend on a will be on the wing and Dark Green steep hill. The stile is on the left as you Fritillary and other summer flying spe- round the bend. St John’s Church is at cies should be spotted. Walking boots Upper Stennack, St Ives; the entrance are essential as the site slopes quite lane is just to the west of the Fire Sta- steeply and can be quite uneven in tion. The hall and car park is behind place as well as long trousers due to the church. Grid References: tall bracken on the slopes. SW516388 for the Woods and Leader—Phil Harris SW504398 for the church hall. Meet at SX089779, in small lay-by at For full directions and information Gam Bridge. For details and directions phone Jim Barker Tel: 01736 794134. phone Phil Harris on 07754 583101. ______
31 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011
Sunday 17 th July 2011, 1:00pm— about the Wildlife area with its walks Cabilla Wood, Glyn Valley, nr. Bod- and lakes. It is to be hoped that Purple min (C.W.T.Reserve) Hairstreak Butterflies will be flying plus We look forward to seeing many beau- many other species. Hopefully CBC will tiful Silver-Washed Fritillary butterflies also have displays on show and litera- in this well managed woodland (at least ture for sale etc. We are attempting to 35 were seen on our 2010 trip!) to- arrange an ‘up close’ facility for photo- gether with the bright summer form graphing the Hairstreaks. If the ‘hutchinsoni’ of the Comma butterfly weather is poor on the Saturday the with plenty of Ringlets, Gatekeepers, visit will be duplicated on the next day, new brood Brimstones and Summer Sunday 31 st July at the same times. brood Holly Blues. There is always For more information see article in last various day flying moths to be seen in Observer. this wood so there may be new discov- Hosted by Philip and Faith Hambly eries awaiting us. To get to Porfell (SX175588) turn south Leader—Dave Conway just before or just after Middle Tap- Meet at map ref – SX128653 by saw- house on the A390 Liskeard – Lost- mill. For details and directions phone withiel road. Look out for the brown Dave Conway on 01208 77686. sign to Animal Land and follow this. ______For full details phone Philip Hambly on 01503 220385. Saturday 30 th July 2011, 12:00 noon– ______1:30 pm—‘Tropic Days Butterfly House’ at entrance to Porfell Animal Saturday 6 th August 2011, Land, Lanreath 11:00am—Trelusback Farm, Pen- This is a ‘free to enter’ establishment halvean, Redruth, TR16 6TQ. that hatches and displays tropical but- Cornwall Butterfly Conservation terflies. Donations appreciated. This is Members ‘Open Day’ . an optional visit. Map reference: A great locality, which contains wild- SX173594. flower meadows, woodland, wetland Hosted by Jerry Smale . and a lake. If the weather permits, visi- After visiting Tropic Days proceed to tors can expect to see a wide variety of Lethytep (which is just 5 minutes drive butterflies, moths, birds and, dragon- away). flies. Cornwall Butterfly Conservation is very indebted to Keith Wilson, our host, th Saturday 30 July 2.00pm on— for hosting this event, who also keeps ‘Lethytep’, Penadlake, Lanreath rare breed poultry at the farm. This is Philip and Faith Hambly invite all Mem- an opportunity to meet and socialize bers and friends to view their Wildlife with other members. If you can, bring a area where there will be a covered guest or two and introduce them to the area to eat lunch. Hot drinks and toilet delights and wonders of butterfly and will be available. At 2:00pm there will wildlife conservation! Our branch mem- be a welcome from Philip (a CBC Com- bers have assisted with conservation mittee Member) who will inform visitors work and habitat restoration work this
32 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Butterfly and Moth Field Trips, 2011 winter to return some of the land to should produce an abundance of but- suitable breeding habitat for a range of terflies. We should see Grayling, Dark species and to attract nectaring spe- Green Fritillary, Clouded Yellow cies too! (including ‘ Helice’ ), Small Heath, 2 nd A barn will be available for chatting, brood Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, eating, coffee etc. A BBQ will hopefully Common Blue, Wall Brown, Gate- be running as well if the weather is keeper, Painted Lady and Red Admiral. good and a projector which will be This is a new transect for 2010 and the used if the weather is not so kind on land is being partly managed by the the day together with an illustrated talk RSPB for the Chough. Please bring a by Paul Browning if we are confined packed lunch, drink, sun cream and indoors because of rain. Please bring a good walking boots. Park in packed lunch plus a cake or something Porthgwarra car park where there is a sweet to share with other members cafe and toilets. Pay and display car and our guests. New members will be park in operation. made very welcome – please introduce Leader—Jim Barker yourself to Keith Wilson, Jo Poland or Meet at SW372218 in main one of the other committee members. Porthgwarra car Park. For full details Members of the Cornwall Smallholders and directions phone Jim Barker on Group will also be present by invitation 01736 794134. of host, Keith Wilson. ______Leader—Keith Wilson Saturday 13 th August 2011, Meet at 11:00am at Trelusback Farm 11:00am—Kynance Cove, nr. The (shown on the OS map as ‘Trelusback’ Lizard at map reference SW712384), which is Be prepared for a beautiful walk at this about half a mile ‘from the western end famous locality for Lepidoptera. We of Stithian’s lake and about halfway would certainly hope to see most of the between Stithians and Redruth. Those following species: Grayling, Dark with satnav will be able to use the post- Green Fritillary, Clouded Yellow code (TR16 6TQ) to get to a red (including ‘ Helice ’), Small Heath, 2 nd ‘phone box at the end of the driveway brood Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, to Keith’s house. Proceed down this Common Blue, Wall Brown, Gate- lane and the barn we are using is keeper, Painted Lady and Red Admiral. about 200 yards past the sandschool Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun and bungalow. For more detailed direc- cream and good walking boots. Park in tions please phone Keith on 01209 main Kynance Cove car park (car park 860298 or if no reply 07972 376982 or fee payable to N.T.) and meet near the phone Jo Poland on 01872 540371. toilet block at the Southern end of the ______car park. Sunday 7 th August 2011, 11:00am— Leader—Phil Boggis Gwennap Head and Porthgwarra Meet at SW688132 in main Kynance This locality is situated within 4 miles of Cove Car Park. For full details and di- Lands End, the most South-Westerly rections phone Phil Boggis on 01726 point on the English mainland and 66124.
33 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation Committee and Contacts
Chairman: Phil Harris 59 Carnarthen Street, Camborne. TR14 8UP ...... 0775 4583101 (mobile) [email protected]
Secretary: Maggie Goodere 3 Churchtown Road, Gwithian, Hayle. TR27 5BX X...... (01736) 753077 [email protected]
Treasurer: Paul Browning Penhale Jakes Farm, Ashton, Helston. TR13 9SD ...... (01736) 763677
Newsletter: Paul Brewer & Gillian Thompson 12 Bonython Drive, Grampound, Truro, TR2 4RL ...... (01726) 882145 [email protected]
Field Trip Organiser: Lee Slaughter 2 Trinity Street, St. Austell. PL25 5LY ...... (01726) 817505 (ex dir) [email protected]
Transect Co-ordinator: Jim Barker ‘An Arth’, Alexandra Road, St. Ives. TR26 1BX ...... (01736) 794134 [email protected]
Conservation Officer: Steve Hoskin 25 Coulthard Drive, Breage, Helston. TR13 9PF ...... (01326) 563462 [email protected]
Publicity & Fundraising Officer: Shaun & Jo Poland 1 Two Burrow Hill, Zelah, Truro. TR4 9QH ...... (01872) 540371 [email protected]
Philip Hambly Lethytep, Penadlake, Lanreath, Looe, Pl13 2PGXXXXXXXXXXX.XXXX.(01503) 220385 [email protected]
Carly Hoskin 25 Coulthard Drive, Breage, Helston. TR13 9PF ...... (01326) 563462 [email protected]
Jack Keeping 2, Lower Porkellis, Wendron, Helston TR13 0JTXXXXXXXXX.XXX...07817 251075 (mobile)
Paddy Saunders Pasadena, West Looe Hill, Looe PL13 2HJXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.(01503) 262567 [email protected]
Adrian Spalding Tremayne Farm Cottage, Praze-an-Beeble, Camborne. TR14 9PH ...... (01209) 831517 [email protected]
Contacts:
Recorder: situation vacant
Butterfly Migration Information: Roger Lane 25 Warwick Drive, Buckler’s Village, Holmbush, St. Austell. PL25 3JJ ...... (01726) 67944 [email protected]
Membership Secretary & Branch Contact: Keith Wilson Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth, TR16 6TQ ...... (01209) 860298 [email protected] 34 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue Brimstone Butterflies
rimstone butterflies (Gon- or chrysalis, pale green and angular epteryx rhamni) are strong and resembling a small leaf, is at- flyers and frequently come tached to leaves or stems by a silk B into gardens to take nectar girdle. Inside, larvae undergo meta- from a wide range of flowers on sunny morphosis and adult butterflies days, as early as February and March. emerge about two weeks later, in July- August. They occur in most of Eng- Brimstone butter- land, but have a fly facts: more patchy distribution in 1) The sexes of Wales and Ire- this species differ land and are in wing colour: rare in Scotland males are pale where their lar- yellow, the colour val food plants of sulphur (or brim- are less widely stone); females available. Brim- are pale whitish stones overwin- green. ter as adults, 2) Both sexes sheltering under have a wing span leaves on ever- of 42-50mm and green plants both have a small such as ivy and orange spot near holly. The wings the centre of the are held erect fore- and hind- above the body; wings. An adult female brimstone, the male butterflies their angular are yellow. © RHS 3) Adults can live margins help many months disguise the but- and, because terflies’ appearance among foliage. they overwinter, it is possible to see them year-round. Food plants for the caterpillars are 4) Brimstone butterflies have a long native shrubs purging buckthorn proboscis and feed on nectar from a (Rhamnus carthartica) and alder buck- wide range of flowers. thorn (Frangula alnus) : the former 5) The caterpillars shed their outer grown mainly on chalky soils and the skins on four occasions as they de- latter on wet acid soils. Female butter- velop and increase in size. flies lay eggs under young leaves in May and June. These hatch after Andrew Halstead about 10 days into pale green caterpil- RHS Principal Entomologist lars, which feed for about a month until they are 32-34mm long and seek Reproduced with the kind permission a sheltered place to pupate. The pupa of the Royal Horticultural Society. Ed.
35 The Butterfly Observer - AGM Issue New Atlas of the UK’s Larger Moths
world-leading research pro- ject carried out by thousands of volunteers from all over the A UK has shed new light on conservation issues.
The newly-published Provisional Atlas of the UK’s Larger Moths contains up- to-date maps showing the distributions of 868 moth species, many of which have never been published before.
The maps are based on a staggering 11.3 million moth records and is the Lappet Moth culmination of four years work by the National Moth Recording Scheme, led Interestingly, the new maps also show by Butterfly Conservation. The Atlas is that some of Britain's moth populations available from BC at a cost of £20. are heading northwards, almost cer- tainly as a result of climate change. Initial findings from the huge data set Types of moth previously confined to include a pattern of considerable de- southern parts of Britain are now being cline among some common moth spe- found in the north or even in Scotland. cies. Examples include the beautiful Lime These species include the Lappet Hawk-moth & striking Red Underwing. moth, an amazing species that looks At the same time new moths are arriv- like a leaf and has a 'snout' that resem- ing in Britain from mainland Europe. bles a leaf stalk. This creature used to Since the turn of the century 28 new be common across central and south- species have been seen in the UK for ern England but has retreated to a few the first time. These include the Beauti- strongholds. Another once widespread ful Marbled, Patton's Tiger and Mins- moth, the Stout Dart, now appears to mere Crimson Underwing. Some re- be on the brink of extinction. cent arrivals have successfully colo- Scarcer moths have also suffered seri- nised southern parts of Britain, such as ous declines, including the Wood Tiger, Clancy's Rustic, Small Ranunculus and Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, Oak Rustic. GoldSwift, Dew Moth, Light Feathered Rustic and Silvery Arches. BC Press Release
Cornwall Branch Website: www.cornwall-butterfly-conservation.org.uk Cornwall Butterfly Conservation Yahoo! Groups: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/cornwall-butterfly-conservation Articles may be reproduced provided due acknowledgement is given. Published by Cornwall Branch of Butterfly Conservation Butterfly Conservation: Company limited by guarantee, registered in England (2206468) Registered Office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Tel: (01929) 400209 Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268). VAT No. 565 907016 36