Commathe No.101 Autumn 2018 Regional Magazine of West Midlands Butterfly Conservation
Day-flying moths: species to be seen in the Malverns
BioBlitz: Chris Packham visits Prees Heath Branch News Branch News
Holidays and the Forestry Chairman's Address Commission, which is a public Peter Seal body. In response, the Minister The Editor speaks Butterfly of the Year 2018 egg searches. Oh, and those who’ve announced that the deal – which I have some experience of editing a magazine, as Peter has said, but I’m a butterfly novice and a moth non-starter I’ve heard people discussing which posted such evocative photos on did not involve a tendering process Marian Newell species will be Butterfly of the Year in Facebook. The Wood White has – is to be investigated by her so I hope you’ll forgive any early mistakes. I’ve inherited Cover story 2018. Apart from the joys of a successful responded to all this encouragement, Department. The Branch will register an established team and hope we’ll be able to go from strength to strength Cover photograph of Buff-tip moth Wood White season, my favoured providing hard evidence to support the its concern that any proposal must together. I’ll be looking for articles of around 500–750 words, supported caterpillars was taken by Lucy sightings were 13 White Admirals in bid for more money. take fully into account the need to by high-resolution images sent as separate files without editing or resizing. Lewis. You can read more about the Monkwood, and 11 Peacocks in Trench protect this historic and sensitive I’d like to reflect as wide a range of interests as possible, so please send moths to be seen by day in the Wood (after seeing ones and twos for New magazine editor environment. suggestions to [email protected]. Malvern Hills on pages 12–15. over a year). I wish Small Tortoiseshell Perhaps the main Branch news is that An idea from me is for someone to write about identifying butterflies on the were a candidate but, sadly, this species Marian Newell has taken over from Online moth atlas wing. I find this difficult for the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey. continues to struggle – maybe there are as Magazine Editor. This Another project that’s been Stephen Lewis Marian Newell, Comma Editor Contributions more where you live? Do send your is her first issue but she brings previous bubbling away is an online moth Please send articles and images to nominations to [email protected] experience to the role. Our sincere atlas for the West Midlands. the Editor. Photographs should be – winners (and losers) will be announced thanks to Stephen for his stint, while Progress is slow but sure. We’ve that at the same time if you don’t yet partnership with other conservation as high-resolution as possible and in the next Comma. continuing as warden of Prees Heath, identified someone who can set up have one. bodies, clearance work and sent as separate files (not embed- and a warm welcome to Marian. a database with an atlas for each planting are scheduled within a ded in a document). Wood White update county and a separate file for Management strategies broader management plan. An Our copy deadlines are To expand on the Wood White story, Save Mortimer Forest phenology. County recorders will I recently half-heard a debate about example that I know about is Spring - 28 February, the re-introductions have proved very An issue brought to our attention in then have to undertake the process whether some reserves are recently funded contractor work (and Autumn - 31 August and successful. On the strength of this, the early summer was the setting up of the of checking or entering verified managed for one species only, and supporting volunteer activity) to clear Winter - 30 November Branch is supporting a Head Office bid Save Mortimer Forest campaign group records – a sizeable task. The atlas butterflies were given as an trees, scrub and alien vegetation (early submissions are welcome). to extend the life of the Making a in response to a plan to build up to 68 will eventually be linked to our own example. This is an interesting issue from a series of woodland rides: this Contact the Editor for more Stand for the Wood White project. If luxury chalets in the Forest – well known West Midlands website, with some and one that’s covered in a new only indirectly benefits butterflies – its information. successful, this will enable Butterfly to us as a prime site for Wood Whites. introductory notes. book, The Nature of the Malverns direct effect is to create lighter Editor: Marian Newell, Conservation to further enhance known More than 130,000 people have A future phase might involve a (see page 32). conditions in which plants grow [email protected] sites and bring neighbouring woods objected to the proposals and signed photo gallery and, eventually, It is true that some work, say more freely, thus increasing nectar into suitable condition to help this frail petitions against the scheme. The species accounts with details of life clearing scrub to benefit plants and sources for a range of insects. butterfly to spread, either by natural campaign has been broadened to link stages, habitats, food plants and so insects, may not suit birds or Finally, what about urban Publisher colonisation or planned introductions. (I with other campaigns nationally. on. However, we’ll have to decide dormice. However, I’d contend butterflies and moths? If this topic Butterfly Conservation West Midlands say ‘frail’ but it’s quite capable of flying In Parliament on 12 July, Philip whether this website is the best that, in most cases, work done for interests you, I hope to see you at Branch. The opinions expressed in in marginal conditions.) Dunne, local MP and national Species place for it. butterflies benefits other species. As our Branch AGM on 24 November this magazine are not necessarily I’d like to thank all the volunteers Champion for the Wood White, raised Related to this, I read in the an example, the Making a Stand (see page 29). Dr Phil Sterling those of the Branch or of Butterfly who’ve worked through the winter, and the proposal with the Environment Butterfly magazine of a plan to for the Wood White project identifies will talk about his role as Building Conservation. those who’ve participated in transect Minister, asking if she was satisfied with publish next year a Macro Moth secondary target species, not Sites for Butterflies Programme BC West Midlands Butterflies walks, casual record submissions and the arrangements between Forest Atlas for Great Britain and only other butterflies (White-letter Manager, engaging with relevant and Moths Ireland. You can pre-order it from Hairstreak and Dingy Skipper) local planners to enhance the built Butterfly Conservation www.naturebureau.co.uk/bookshop, but also Slow-worms, Grass Snakes environment. Company limited by guarantee, registered in England (2206468) West Midlands saving £10 on the published price. and Lizards. That’s quite different @WestMidlands_BC Registered office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP. As this is also the publisher of from single-species strategies such Peter Seal Branch Chair Branch website address Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268) our own Butterflies of the West as rearing Pheasants. www.westmidlands-butterflies.org.uk Midlands, you can order a copy of Also, as we tend to operate in
2 the Comma Autumn 2018 3 Branch News Branch News
West Midlands Branch nears 40th anniversary John Tilt receives
Celebrating our successes zine three times a year, which is book) where, as a result of a lot of that some butterfly and moth species Wildlife Trust Award Next year will mark our Branch’s highly valued by our members and effort often working alongside are decreasing in both number and We welcome news that John has been awarded the Worcestershire 40th anniversary. The first regional has just passed its 100th issue. Butterfly Conservation’s regional range, and we clearly need to Wildlife Medal for ‘dedicated services to nature conservation’. The branch of Butterfly Conservation to We’ve run and supported staff and in partnership with other maintain our efforts to arrest these Trust’s statement pays tribute to his longstanding commitment to prac- be established, back in 1979, campaigns to secure better man- organisations, we’ve successfully declines. Nevertheless, we want to tical conservation and to recording. This includes John’s work as But- we’re now one of the charity’s agement of hedgerows, road stemmed the tide of loss and stress the positives and highlight terfly Conservation Transect Coordinator and leading creator of the largest and most active branches. verges and public open spaces, decline. We’ve been able to in- how Butterfly Conservation, through County’s Ancient Tree Recording scheme. It goes without saying that, With partner organisations, and encouraged other groups to crease population and distribution in its regional staff and its volunteers, with his 21 years as Grafton Wood Reserve Manager, time as we’re responsible for managing consider the needs of butterflies and some cases, such as Brown Hair- can really make a difference. Branch Chairman and involvement in our book, John fully deserves five fantastic nature reserves which, other insects through our Places for streak in Worcestershire, Pearl-bor- Nationally, we sometimes sell this award. He’s not bad with a camera either – this photo of a pair largely thanks to our volunteers, are Pollinators initiative. Two years dered Fritillary in the Wyre Forest, ourselves short by giving the false of Wood Whites taken by him reveals his more delicate side! brilliant places to see butterflies and ago, we produced the first ever Silver-studded Blue in Shropshire impression that we’re only monitor- moths. Every year, we undertake book on the butterflies of the West and more recently Wood White. ing declines. Recording and survey By Peter Seal Branch Chair practical conservation work at sites Midlands, which has sold very well . work is important but, more impor- throughout our region to ensure the and been extremely well received. Seeking your help tant still, is the conservation action best possible habitats for our more We can point to a number of As we enter our 40th year, we’re that follows. Always our Branch's vulnerable species. conservation successes over the keen to involve you all in our cele- top priority, this is what attracts new We produce a regional maga- years (many documented in our brations. We recognise, of course, members. With this in mind, we’re planning a series of events during 2019 that will help to showcase our work and Anniversary commemorative items bring Butterfly Conservation to a wider audience. Look out for details We’ve produced an anniversary and Silver-washed Fritillary. greeting card) on sale at in future issues of The Comma. badge featuring a Comma, free Thanks to John Devries, who www.butterflyartshopuk.com. However, we’re also looking for to Branch members. If you’d like co-ordinated production, and to Proceeds from sales of help from our members. Could you one, send a stamped addressed everyone who contributed photos. all commemorative items will perhaps hold a garden open day to Place for Pollinators? Could you run envelope to BCWM, Annesbrook, The calendar is priced at £8 support the conservation of but- highlight what people can do for a stall on behalf of Butterfly Conser- FREE Membership 2 Dewberry Close, Stourport-on- including postage (£15 for two). terflies and moths in our region. pollinating insects by selecting good vation at a local show or fête? We Severn, DY13 8TB. To order, send a cheque made nectar-producing plants? Could you now have our own marquee with Our anniversary calendar is out to Butterfly Conservation By Mike Williams Publicity & raise funds for our Branch through a logo that members can borrow, plus Finally, we’re continuing to now on sale and we hope all West Midlands Branch, with your Marketing Officer sponsored walk, run, slim or cycle leaflets and supporting material. promote one-year free Branch members will want to buy name and address, to BCWM, ride? How about setting yourself the All ideas and suggestions are membership of Butterfly one – it’ll make a great Christmas Annesbrook, 2 Dewberry Close, challenge of seeing all 39 species welcome and, with your help, we’ll Conservation using the present for friends and family. Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 8TB. of butterflies that occur in our re- up our game in 2019 and achieve promotional code It’s film-wrapped and includes It’ll also be available at our AGM gion, seeking sponsorship for the even more. Meanwhile, keep an some stunning images of butter- in Shrewsbury in November. number you see? Could you offer a eye on our website for updates on FREEBRANCH (WM). flies and moths found in our We have a range of other an- guided walk around one of your our anniversary plans. This is a great way of region including Brown Argus, niversary-branded goods (includ- favourite places for butterflies? Do encouraging people to join. Clouded Yellow, Scarlet Tiger ing a mug, T-shirt, tote bag and you know of an area that, with our By Mike Williams Publicity & support, could become another Marketing Officer
4 the Comma Autumn 2018 5 Bee and Butterfly Bonanza
Pollinator-friendly planting
Planting team at Wychavon Civic Centre
Information board
Bill Watkins reports on a new Place for Pollinators Places for Pollinators at Severn Valley Country Park. Decorated railway sleepers Our campaign to create new sources of nectar and pollen is off to a great start. olunteers have been awarded cleared and some topsoil delivered railway sleepers by the volunteers, n the last Comma, we announced meadow at Little Lakes Golf Course including a Places for Pollinators V£500 from Veolia's Make a and levelled. A range of plants and then painted by Shirley Fenwick Iplans to support 10 Places for outside Bewdley. information board, sites must be in Difference Awards to create a known for their value to insects using acrylic paints. Pollinators in the region over the We’re grateful to all the a prominent position, be open to Butterfly Garden at Severn Valley was planted, including Buddleia, As the garden matures, more plants next two years. Pollinating insects, volunteers, businesses and sponsors the public and have sufficient Country Park. A further £50 was Honeysuckle and Alder Buckthorn. In on which pollinators depend will be including butterflies and moths, are in who have supported this project so resources (volunteer or paid) to donated by entomologist, Keith addition, Ashwood Nurseries of added in a bid to help these decline in Britain and need all far but, with your help, we can create and maintain the habitat. Fowler, of Shropshire Invertebrate Kingswinford kindly donated native important insects to increase and the help they can get. The idea is to achieve still more. We’re now Group and £55 from Mrs Shirley wildflowers, such as Ox-eye Daisy, thrive. As humans, we rely on them to create a series of sites across our actively looking for new Places for Article and photos by Mike Williams Fenwick, daughter of one of the Field Scabious, Cowslips, Red pollinate many of our crops. They also region which provide nectar and Pollinators and we’d be pleased to volunteers. A bird-bath, donated by Campion, Bird's-foot Trefoil and play a vital role in the food chain, as If you know of somewhere suitable pollen but also, where possible, hear your suggestions for locations. Tom and Joyce Roberts in memory Meadow Cranesbill, which are vital prey for birds and other wildlife. opportunities to breed and over-winter. To qualify and receive support from for a Pollinator board, contact of their little dog, Jenny, has been to many butterflies. Pollinator-friendly Those of us who enjoy the thrill of [email protected] West Midlands Butterfly Conservation, positioned in the garden to provide herbaceous garden perennials, seeing these wonderful insects as Progress and plans a source of water for birds, bees and such as Hellebores, Hebes, Sedums, they move from flower to flower, or This summer has seen major butterflies. Marjoram, Thyme, Salvias and as they bask in the sunshine, will progress and we are already over Having chosen this project as one Erysimum were supplied by Cook's derive much pleasure and halfway towards our target. In of those to celebrate 40 years Nursery of Stourport-on-Severn and satisfaction from being close to addition to the new garden at of Butterfly Conservation in the West Ashwood Nurseries. nature. If we care for them, they will Severn Valley Country Park (see Midlands, our Branch has prepared Seeds of colourful annuals were care for us in return. You, too, can opposite), we’ve successfully an interpretation board to be put sown to provide a spectacle of make a difference by doing created another Pollinators Garden in the garden to highlight the colour, as well as nectar for bees something similar in your own at Wychavon Civic Centre, worked importance of butterflies, moths and and butterflies. garden. with a community group in Telford bees. The chosen site is in the car Redundant railway sleepers were on a wildflower seed-sowing park, in front of the Visitor Centre. secured around the edge to contain Article and photos by Bill Watkins project and supported the During the Spring of 2018, an the soil. Images of insects were Volunteer and Treasurer of Severn development of a new wildflower Places for Pollinators information board area of vegetation and scrub was engraved on the surface of the Valley Country Park Supporters Group 6 the Comma Autumn 2018 7 MakingMaking thethe Most of our Verges
Carol Wood describes how ne of the exciting things when carefully managed, it can be formed and many householders she and her neighbours are Oabout moving into a new very attractive. joined enthusiastically. Sister taking care of their patch. house is to discover the wildlife projects in neighbouring villages in the garden. When I moved Our problem provided the opportunity to work in to Edgton, South Shropshire, I In the Spring of 2017, the verges partnership and, with botanical expected Kites, Redstarts and around the village looked splendid. experts, the group set off to survey Flycatchers, but not Wall butterflies. I was especially pleased with the lanes. They were delighted with What a lovely surprise! I then the lane leading to my cottage. the number of species they found, discovered several of my As I drove home in the evenings, proving that the verges were well neighbours saw them too. It’s a my headlights illuminated many worth preserving. very scattered community, so colourful moths, as in the ‘olden how do these insects travel from days’, but then, on 30 June, Our solution one garden to another? disaster! I arrived home to find all A plan was formed. All verges the flowers and foliage would receive a late summer cut Our aim strewn across the lane and and the trimmings would be Sister projects Most of us are keen in neighbouring rotting. No chance for removed. This would encourage gardeners and grow villages provided blooms to set seed and the spread of wild flowers, which plants recommended as the opportunity increase, instead nettles support the pollinators that have beneficial for pollinators, to work in and hogweed would dramatically declined in recent partnership but can we enable bees, take over. years. butterflies and other insects to Fortunately many other There’s a lot of work still to do, travel between different nectar residents, including the parish clerk, and a lot to learn, but hopefully this sources? Hedge banks and felt the same, believing verges were will be the start of a flowery, buzzy verges are natural ready-made an asset that, if managed well, revival. routes, especially if we leave their would still be safe for motorists and trimming until later in the year. Not other road users. Article by Carol Wood only is this useful to wildlife but, A voluntary verge group was
Wall butterfly (Geoff Hall)
Verge photographs (Janet Cobb)
8 the Comma Autumn 2018 9 Wood White pair at Blakeridge Wood Whites have been recorded at: (Janet Turnbull) • Six sites in South Shropshire, including Walcot Wood (Forestry Commission) where a number of eggs and adults were found along with 25 Wall butterflies.
Wall at Blakeridge (Janet Turnbull) • Twelve sites in Herefordshire, including Haugh Wood where almost 200 Wood Whites were seen in just one survey Rhona Goddard day organised by Kate Wollen and reports some excellent numbers others (thank you). seen this summer, • Four sites in Worcestershire, one of which after several is a very recent reintroduction and I’m successful reintroductions. WoWoodod WhiteWhite pleased to report that early observations are very encouraging – we’ll know I’d like to more next year. remind people to thrives in new locations Wood White at Monkwood (Dave Butler) submit all Wood White sightings he great news is that Wood Whites have been Volunteer effort over the last three summers to control using iRecord Trecorded in good numbers this summer at several this plant has had a huge impact: ride edge habitat results of the very hot summer we’ve just had. pollinator mixes that were supporting a sites where reintroductions were made as part of the has improved considerably since 2016. These are only observations but, if hot summers are variety of butterfly species. Making a Stand for the Wood White project. to become more frequent, more variation within Blakeridge Wood woodlands may be required in future to ensure the In summary Monkwood At this Shropshire reintroduction site managed by survival of Wood Whites and other key butterfly The initial Making a Stand for the At this Worcestershire reintroduction site, jointly Forestry Commission, Wood White emergence also species. Wood White project, which was managed by Butterfly Conservation and Worcestershire exceeded our expectations, with a peak transect count made possible by a grant from Wildlife Trust, almost 300 individuals were seen in just of 34 adults on 3 June and a total of 40 eggs found Other sites the Heritage Lottery Fund along one day, along with two peak transect counts of 93 during two egg-monitoring visits. Wood Whites were again seen utilising areas of with contributions from partners and supporters, ends and 70 on 28 May. It’s remarkable that the Wood Other butterfly species appear to be doing well at breeding habitat in the scallops created at both next March but this is by no means the end of our work White population has expanded from just 20 adults in Blakeridge too. Dave Green saw six Dark Green Wigmore Rolls and Bury Ditches in 2017. Although I to conserve the Wood White. Much has been 2016 (the year they were reintroduced) to almost 300 Fritillaries, along with one egg-laying female, and a haven’t seen Wood Whites using the new scallops achieved over the past three years and there’s a strong in 2018! Adults have also been seen in Little number of Silver-washed Fritillaries this summer. In created this winter, the clearance has really improved commitment on the part of our Branch to sustain and Monkwood, Monkwood Green and a local garden. late May, I was lucky enough to see a Wall, only my the adjacent ride-side vegetation. In fact, over 30 continue this work. Further funding bids are in the Nearly 180 eggs were found at Monkwood during third individual in ten years! Wood Whites were recorded in just half an hour at pipeline and, if successful, we hope to extend our work three egg-monitoring visits – thanks to all who helped During several site visits this summer, I’ve seen Bury Ditches. to cover more sites. I’d like to thank everyone for their with these essential searches (see page 19 for an more Wood Whites using shady woodland rides I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few new sites support so far and remind people to submit all Wood account of one of these days). than I expected. Ride-side vegetation, especially under this summer and, although I didn’t see any Wood White sightings using iRecord. Over 30 volunteers assisted with a number of bracken, appeared to be in better condition than the Whites, I did find areas of suitable habitat, great flower- ‘Melilot-pulling’ days at Monkwood this summer. parched plants adjacent to the tracks. Both may be rich margins and hedgerows, along with planted Article by Rhona Goddard Wood White Project Officer
10 the Comma Autumn 2018 11 Six-spot Burnets (Roger Wasley)
Ruby Tiger (Lucy Lewis) Garden Tiger (Lucy Lewis) Small Yellow Underwing (Gavin Woodman) Speckled Yellow (Stephen Lewis) Day-flying Larger Moths around the Malverns
change over the last 25 years. manage their known habitats in the Small Yellow Underwing occurs in grasses and scrub. Some nocturnal most spectacular spring moths must Four Scarlet Tigers were ‘… Malverns. Removing excessive scrub more open grassy areas where moths, such as Cream Wave, fly out be the Emperor Moth. Its prominent recorded by English Nature’s Peter and trees has encouraged wood Common and Field Mouse-ear thrive. frequently from the undergrowth to wing eyespots make it unmistakable. from his garden at Malvern spurge, the larval food plant, and In spring, day-flying moths give the impression of even greater A pheromone lure readily attracts Mel Mason advises on the Holmes Wells…the only other record for this other herbaceous plants to flourish sometimes outnumber butterflies numbers of day-flying species. any males hiding in the surrounding species you may see, when spectacular moth was one swatted on the western balcony overlooking on the Hills. Speckled Yellow, a While the darker male Muslin scrubby vegetation. and where. by a tennis racket and given Gullet Quarry, with a distinctively patterned moth, is easily Moth is nocturnal, the more to the late Jack Green In spring, subsequent increase in disturbed on the grassy slopes attractive female often flies in sunny Summer moths here is no clear distinction in the 1960s’. Today, this day-flying sightings. The western in May, with sightings every few weather on the scrub covered slopes Silver-ground Carpet, Garden Tbetween day- and night-flying moth is locally common, moths sometimes slopes of Chase End metres. Like Speckled Yellow, during May. Its white dotted wings Carpet and Common Carpet are moths. Many night-flying moths are seemingly associated outnumber Hill are another good Yellow Shell and the Brimstone make it easy to see when resting in common around the lower slopes, also considered to be day-flying if with the spread of a new butterflies site. Here regular Moth are attractive yellow moths the undergrowth. The similar, though and similar in appearance in flight they are easily disturbed from their larval food plant, alkanet. on the Hills habitat management commonly found around the Hills slightly larger, White Ermine and over low vegetation. While these roosting sites during the day. There This garden escape now produces a succession of and easily mistaken for butterflies. Buff Ermine are also common. The three vary in shading and show a are up to 100 local species of day- covers significant areas alongside spring flora, starting with wild More difficult to identify from a Ghost Moth is another eye- central dark band, the Blue- flying moths reported around the the paths of the lower slopes of daffodils, then wood anemone, distance, and often overlooked, catching, cream-coloured moth bordered Carpet is much lighter Malverns, compared with just 33 the Hills, where large numbers of dog violets, bluebells and, finally, Brown Silver-line is easily disturbed worth searching for in open spaces, and more distinctive, but found in local species of butterflies, but most their caterpillars feed in spring. bracken and wood spurge. from bracken, while Treble-bar and especially on the commons. Seldom lower numbers. Lead Belle (mid- are typically under-recorded. They Ruby Tiger is also common, Lesser Treble-bar fly low over the recorded, but one of the largest and CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 represent only a third of the casual whereas Garden Tiger and Wood Spring moths sightings of butterflies and day-flying Tiger are now far less common than During March and April Orange moths submitted to the Malvern in the past. Underwing flies high in the canopy Butterfly Group each year – and less In contrast, Drab Looper is a very of birch trees along the woodland than a tenth of the number of butterfly rare moth, restricted to isolated edges of the hilly slopes, and transect records. colonies in south-west Britain. The occasionally comes down to drink local population is small and in some from muddy puddles. They appear in Tigers on the Hills years no sightings are recorded, good numbers at the same time as In 1994, a Malvern Hills Trust report possibly due to variable weather hibernating butterflies are just of an attractive day-flying moth conditions or insufficient monitoring. emerging and are sometimes [Simpson T. et al, Lepidoptera on the However, over recent years, there mistakenly identified as Small Blue-bordered Carpet (Lucy Lewis) Yellow Shell (Lucy Lewis) Muslin moth (Stephen Lewis) Malvern Hills] illustrates a distinct has been a determined effort to Coppers. A little later in the spring,
12 the Comma Autumn 2018 13 photographed high up in a tree on the western slopes of Worcestershire Beacon with several males flying nearby, before one successfully mated. The female lays eggs on her recently evacuated cocoon. Attractive caterpillars with tufts of yellow-brown hairs emerge the following May, Silver Y dispersing on silken threads, perhaps (Lucy Lewis) windblown, to nearby vegetation Antler Moth (Lucy Lewis) Mullein Caterpillars (Lucy Lewis) Straw Dot (Roger Wasley) Currant Clearwing (Roger Wasley) and trees. Some species have not been Bird’s-foot Trefoil. These two namesake, taking nectar from a the commons and grassy roadside a fur collar above the brown antler- reported in recent years. Grass moths are easily mistaken for the variety of flowers. While often verges burst with colourful displays of patterned cloak of its wings. Oak Emerald is an attractive green moth much less common Dingy Skipper spotted in gardens, many also their greenish black and red wings. Eggar is a large brown and that becomes grey with age, which butterfly. The black and crimson congregate around the upper crags The papery cocoon of the pupa is golden moth occasionally recorded might explain why few of this CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Cinnabar is unmistakable flying on the Hills where they seem to circle also easy to spot on tall grass stems on Castlemorton Common. The common moth are recorded during around grassy sites. Unfortunately, its around endlessly, probing but never before the adult moth emerges in July. male flies very fast during the day the day, even though its food plants May to mid-June) and July Belle larval food plant – Ragwort – is settling, perhaps in search of mates. Narrow-bordered Five-spot but the female seems to fly more of Gorse and Broom are plentiful. (mid-June onwards) prefer scrubby considered harmful to grazing The caterpillars feed on Bedstraws Burnets are seen in much lower slowly and low over vegetation at Six-belted Clearwing and Currant places, including the quarries. As animals and is therefore heavily that also cover large areas of numbers on the same sites. dusk, perhaps heavy with her Clearwing are nationally scarce and both rest displaying delta-shaped controlled. Where this plant is left to the Hills. Many moths use camouflage even burden of eggs. The nine resident difficult to find without luck and the wings with brown-coloured cross- grow in isolated locations around the Many night-flying moths are often more effectively than butterflies. species of Hawkmoths include our use of a pheromone lure in the right lines, they are best distinguished by Hills, large numbers of distinctive seen during the day or fluttering During July and August, the Annulet largest moths but they are mainly location. They are both on the edge the time of year when they are black-and-yellow striped around a porch light, particularly is almost invisible with wings nocturnal. However, the caterpillar of their north-westerly range in the seen. is one caterpillars . This small moth flattened on an exposed crag, where of the is Malverns. Grass Rivulet Many moths Cinnabar Flame Shoulder Elephant Hawkmoth of the most common moths strip the foliage. Often looks unremarkable from a distance butterfly also can be regularly seen in local gardens The day moths are as fascinating use camouflage Grayling seen in June. Pale and seen during the day but closer inspection reveals more found, both closely imitating the feeding on Fuschia or Rosebay as the butterflies and it is not difficult even more lightly patterned, it is found in June feeding on intricate patterns and colours linked patterns of the surrounding igneous Willowherb in late summer. Its large to find the most common ones on and effectively than in large grassy sites, such Buddleia in gardens, to its imaginative name. rocks on North Hill. size and prominent eye markings around the Malvern Hills. A casual butterflies Orange as Malvern Common, the large caterpillar of Swift is a vibrant orange brown make it very conspicuous. stroll on the Hills, across a meadow, Woodford’s Common and St the night-flying Mullein is moth with whitish diagonal lines, Late summer and autumn moths The Vapourer moth flies in late or into a quarry may disturb many of Wulstan’s Local Nature Reserve. also easily recognised by its often seen roosting during the day in Two night-flying noctuids are often summer and autumn. During an the species described. Smaller but more striking, Straw Dot characteristic yellow, black and houses and local gardens. Small seen during the day in late summer. unusually warm period in November is difficult to miss during a stroll across white markings. Phoenix is an attractively patterned Large Yellow Underwing flies out 2015, a flightless female was Article by Mel Mason ` these meadows in summer. The migrant moths include small moth, easily disturbed from the from vegetation to reveal the orange Conversely Satyr Pug, which flies for Silver-Y and Hummingbird Willow Herbs that cover large areas flash of its underwings. Red a short time in May and June, is not Hawkmoth. Their numbers fluctuate of the Hills. While Buff-tip is Underwing is a larger moth, often reported but was recently seen dependent on prevailing weather occasionally found at rest by day, sometimes seen resting on a tree in Tank Quarry. conditions in their continental its large, yellow-black caterpillar trunk but more often noticed on the Mother Shipton is an attractive breeding sites. However, Silver-Y is is conspicuous when found on walls of houses sometimes just below moth, displaying the image on both one of the most widely seen and vegetation in the local quarries in late the guttering, perfectly camouflaged wings supposedly of the profile of an easy to recognise species, regularly summer. (see front cover) until its eye-catching red-and-black ugly16th century prophetess. It flies in recorded on butterfly transects In July, Six-spot Burnets compete underwings are displayed. Antler open grasslands in late spring and around the Malverns in summer, with Meadow Brown butterflies to appears in the grassy commons in early summer along with Burnet feeding on low-growing plants. be the most numerous species on the August. Seen feeding on the top of Companion, which shares the same Hummingbird Hawkmoth looks lower grasslands, such as Poolbrook a thistle flower, it resembles a larval food plants – Clovers and more exotic as it hovers like its Common. At the height of summer, miniature ancient chieftain wearing Vapourer (Roger Wasley) Vapourer caterpillar (Roger Wasley)
14 the Comma Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Mike Autumn 2018 15 Williams) Chris Packham’s UK BioBlitz Tour comes to Prees Heath Main aims So what was the point of all this? Chris had outlined two main aims of his whistle-stop tour. One was to acknowledge and praise all the work of people who spend hours and hours recording our often sadly diminishing wildlife. Without individuals going out and monitoring what lives in Not everyone gave Chris's speech their full attention (©Mike Ashton the countryside, we would not www.macreative.co.uk) know what’s out there. His second theme, however, was Chris Packham inspires everyone to campaign for wildlife (Stephen Lewis) Stephen Lewis, Volunteer that nature reserves themselves Warden, describes the visit. are not enough, as there is as possible from all groups on the much to be concerned about isiting 50 nature reserves in 10 reserve in one day. We had several days across the UK, wildlife county experts present to help with in the wider countryside with V the decline of many species broadcaster and writer Chris identifications, and we had some and habitats. The BioBlitz tour Packham and his support team records that were not only firsts for the certainly had their work cut out. On reserve, such as the plant Small was an attempt to highlight the the last stop of Day 6, he arrived at Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), but need for new initiatives and Prees Heath at 5pm and stayed for also probable firsts for the county, Bank Vole (John Harding) action to halt and reverse two hours. He spotted a Silver- such as a Lacebug (Dictyonota these declines – a long-term, A young recorder's top work studded Blue, gave an inspiring fuliginosa). Over 500 species were challenging but vital ambition. speech to the assembled crowd, recorded on a laptop in the marquee. (Stephen Lewis) learned about the reserve and the restoration of former arable land So much to do back to heathland, spent time with In addition to all this effort, a everyone who wanted to meet number of guided walks and events him, talked to several children, did were held, including opening moth Small Scabious (Janet Vernon) live interviews on BBC Midlands and small mammal traps from the Today and posed for innumerable night before, a bird walk, a photographs. He was very generous grasshopper and cricket walk, a with his time, interest and attention. look at life in the reserve’s large pond, and a butterfly and day-flying The BioBlitz project moth walk. All were well attended The project, however, was not about and great fun. Many thanks to all some celebrity sideshow. Before he the walk leaders. arrived we’d held a BioBlitz starting at 8am, the purpose of which was By Stephen Lewis Volunteer Warden, Poplar Hawkmoth and to record as many different species Prees Heath Common Reserve Chris Packham (Clive Dyer) Grasshopper Walk (Clive Dyer) Dave Grundy (Stephen Barlow)
16 the Comma Autumn 2018 17 Clouded Yellow Clouded Yellow We’ve been on at Venus Pool an egg hunt
Richard Woolley describes a search for Wood White egg Wood White eggs. (Dave Emley)
o it was that your correspondent went to SMonkwood near Hallow to join a Butterfly Conservation walk and survey on 14 June this year. The leader was Rhona Goddard and about a dozen eager volunteers attended. The Wood White was reintroduced into Monkwood in 2016 and its progress in recolonisation has Clouded Yellow on Purple Milk-Vetch During June been closely monitored since. It is a nationally and July, the endangered species and we are lucky in the West meadow was Midlands in having several of the remaining alive with colonies, including one in the Wyre Forest. At Roger Littleover records this stunning feasting on Purple Milk-vetch. butterflies Monkwood, the Wood White has already migrant on a reserve near Shrewsbury. There were record numbers of colonised the adjacent Little Monkwood and we first-brood Brown Argus, with second found further butterflies and eggs there. enus Pool Nature Reserve is a hidden treasure just broods of Common Blue and Brown Argus also Voff the busy Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury road (A458) doing very well. What were we looking for? and is mostly frequented by birders equipped with The term ‘needle in a haystack’ applies very readily to binoculars and cameras who may hopefully 'tick and Big Butterfly Count looking for butterfly eggs. You are essentially looking Wood White laying eggs click' rare migrating waders or wildfowl passing through Reports of Clouded Yellow being spotted this year on for a bottle-shaped fleck of dust, although you do have (Dave James) the Severn Valley Wildlife Corridor. One of my personal the reserve excited me to make a few more visits than I some clues to go on. For a start, according to my book, experiences last year was to see and photograph a usually do, as it’d been three years since I'd last seen a the Wood White only lays its eggs on certain plants – and key areas of habitat, it is recommended by Rhona. migrating juvenile Osprey as it was passing through, Clouded Yellow in Shropshire. I decided to do my Big yellow Meadow Vetchling, Bitter--vetch, Tufted Vetch, It enabled me to count three of the 80 eggs found that which was a childhood dream come true. Butterfly Count on the meadow one Saturday morning. and Greater and Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil. day. Not too bad for a beginner, I suppose, although The warmth from the early morning sun woke Painted Complication – Monkwood has loads of similar plants, one young lady had microscopes for eyes – I was General sightings Lady and Red Admiral to make a show, and Peacock which the Wood White shuns! envious. Shropshire Ornithological Society has acquired 28 and Common Blue were soon ticked off my list. Then, Next, is the egg white or yellow? My understanding One of the great ironies was that two of the three acres surrounding the pool, including marshland and suddenly, a flash of gold and a Clouded Yellow settled is that it’s white when laid, but then changes colour butterflies seen most often that day were the rare Wood meadowland that attracts dragonflies and butterflies, close enough for me to photograph! I counted at least before the caterpillar emerges. White and uncommon White Admiral. I’ve never seen often in good numbers. With the recent heatwave, five more that day. so many of either. Venus Pool Meadow has been a regular late-afternoon I was thrilled to see and photograph these stunning Where were we looking? As the Wood White has two broods a year, I booked stop for me as I drive home from a busy day in migrants and to record both male and female on the We spread out along the woodland ride and, avoiding immediately to go on another egg hunt a month Shrewsbury. Green-winged Orchids and emerging meadow. Now, we’ll wait and watch to see if they’ve dog muck, peered under the leaves of the larval food later. And I made a note to take a magnifying glass Orange-tips are always a delight to see in May. mated. Hopefully, we’ll have some home-grown plant looking for and counting eggs. I found it easiest and kneeler! During June and July, the meadow was alive with specimens on the wing. to watch for an egg-laying female then, having seen (From the Editor: The second hunt found 120 eggs.) butterflies – Peacock and Comma nectaring on Black her ovipositing, quickly count the egg(s). As this method Knapweed; Large, Small and Green-veined Whites Article and photos by Roger Littleover has the benefit of minimising disturbance to food plants Article by Richard Woolley
18 the Comma Autumn 2018 19 The prize collection of specimens at the Worcester Museum: although collected by local recorders, precise locations have often been lost with the labels over time. The species are, however, recorded in the historical references cited.
PART 1 ot surprisingly, when we look back over the past two Ncenturies we find many more species in much greater numbers. Imagine finding a in your Mel Mason reviews butterfly Camberwell Beauty garden, in Park Wood, A Flutter in the Past sightings around the Malvern Hills Purple Emperor Mazarine Blue in West Malvern, Small Blue around the lime pits near in the Age of Queen Victoria. Croft Farm, or Duke of Burgundy at the foot of Berrow 20 the Comma CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 perhaps because it was locally already extinct by this Thanks Hill. These are just a few of the exciting species recorded time. In a publication of 1899, the author states for the Thanks to all past recorders, Malvern Forests Awash with Frit’s? by the Malvern Field Club [R2] in 1870. There were Chequered Skipper: ‘as I have taken no specimen Hills Trust, Ian Duncan for collecting John Bryan notes an increase in Silver-Washed Fritillary also records of Queen of Spain Fritillary, Chalk-hill nearer than at the Berrow Hill, Martley, we are obliged many of the historical reports, Blue and Black Hairstreak in the region. Even Silver- to exclude it’ from the list of Malvern species [R5–p5]. Worcester Museum and the Archive in Staffordshire. studded Blue was recorded by the editor in 1870 but The Victoria County History also lists several interesting Collections, Malvern and Worcester later denied by the recorder in 1899 [R5–p5]. However, species recorded around the Malvern Hills including Library Archive Publications. t started with a trickle but much earlier in 1834 [R1–pp136–146], Silver-studded Camberwell Beauty, Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, Inow the flood gates have Blue was among the rarer insects found further afield in Greasy (Marsh) Fritillary and Large Tortoiseshell References opened – in a summer Worcestershire along with Swallowtail, Large Copper [R4–pp123–124]. from which water was and Clouded Sulphur. We tend to think that the loss of habitat and 1.Illustrations of the Natural History of conspicuously absent! The We might doubt the accuracy of these records, but associated species is a modern phenomenon but the Worcestershire – Rarer Lepidopterous first recorded sighting of the editor in 1870 writes ‘Every insect therein named as editor in 1870 reflects on these same concerns almost Insects found in Worcestershire (1834) Silver-washed Fritillary taken in Worcestershire was captured by myself or by 150 years ago: Charles Hastings in Staffordshire was in someone on whose veracity I can rely. Nothing is put ‘Next to the woods, flowery meadows, and clover 1890 at Swynnerton Old down to hearsay’ [R2–p174]. (Of course ‘capture’ for fields in this neighbourhood, rough commons, heaths 2.Transactions of the Malvern Field Park; at the time of writing, the Victorian enthusiast did not mean capture on film or and marsh are dear to the entomologist, dearer alas! as Club 1870 – List of Malvern the latest was on 6 August Recycling and SWF: not your photo – it is more likely the specimen ended up pinned greed or necessity yearly diminishes the number of our Lepidoptera: the Arrangement from in the woodland around usual combo? (Warren Griffiths) to a board.) wild places; and thus our peculiar Flora and Fauna Guenèe, Stainton and others Keele University. In the 1886 calendar [R3], is perishes, and all the smaller distinctive features of our Last year, two records from gardens in the Lichfield area and 'several' Green Hairstreak 3.The Malvern Field Handbook of shown in both June and August. Although it is more often country are reduced to one dead level by the invading at Hall Dale in The Peak District gave an indication that something was 1886 – Butterfly Calendar & seen in April and May in southern Britain, sightings plough’ [R2-–p174]. happening. That’s been well and truly confirmed this year: Silver-washed Complete List of Local Butterflies around Malvern tend to be later, in June and early July The lepidopterists of the 19th century could not have Fritillary is on the move and, it seems, in significant numbers. (with several in August in recent history). An unsurprising foreseen that this problem would be greatly exacerbated 4.Victoria County History – A Most sightings were at the start of this species’ flight period, which omission from the Calendar is the Essex Skipper, which during the 20th century by agricultural intensification and History of Worcestershire (1901) coincided with probably the warmest period of this year's heatwave, so was to arrive in Malvern well over a century later – in widespread use of fertilisers and insecticides. they were forced to search for nectar sources that were in scarce supply, 2001. It is the newest species to colonise the Malvern 5.The Butterflies and Moths of with Buddleia once again proving its worth. Malvern, W. Edwards and R.F. Hills and nowadays is very common. The Chequered Article and photo by Mel Mason WMBC Malvern Males were recorded at Sutton Park (Birmingham and Black Towndrow, printed in 1899 Skipper is not shown in the Calendar of sightings, Representative Malvern Butterfly Group Recorder Country), Eccleshall, Stone, Swynnerton Old Park (again), Keele University, Chasewater and Wolseley Bridge, and breeding was confirmed at Hall Dale. Two females were also recorded, one in a The Malvern Field Handbook of 1886 lists 47 local species [R3–pp3–4]. All of these, except Chequered Skipper, Argus (Speckled Wood), garden in Codsall and the other at the Birmingham Institute of Forest are illustrated in a Butterfly Calendar [R3–pp1–2] of expected sightings, showing many familiar species along Small Heath, Brown Hairstreak Research just outside Norbury. with those that are now extinct around the Malvern Hills: Many others would have passed through unnoticed, and thus August – Wood White, Bath unrecorded, but the sightings raise a question as to the origin of this January, February and May and June – Black-veined Admiral, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, White, Clouded Yellow, Pale year's travelling population. Dispersal of this kind can be a result of March – None, except in White, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, White-letter Hairstreak, Clouded Yellow, Pearl-bordered 'stress' being experienced in the butterflies’ present habitat. The summer hibernation Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Copper Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered heat scorched many larval food plants and nectar sources, with the latter Greasy (Marsh) Fritillary, Brown Fritillary, Red Admiral, Wall, probably being the catalyst. April – Small Copper, Wood Argus, Common Blue, Little or July – Purple Emperor, Marbled Green Hairstreak, Brown Time will tell if the exodus will affect existing populations, but the Argus (Speckled Wood) Bedford (Small) Blue, Small Heath White, Purple Hairstreak, Small Argus, Holly or Azure Blue, forests and woods of Staffordshire could soon have burgeoning new Skipper, Grayling, Gatekeeper Grizzled Skipper, Dingy populations of this magnificent butterfly. April and May – Large, Small June – Green Hairstreak, Large or Large Heath Skipper, Large Skipper And next season's project? Get yourselves out and about, from late June and Green-veined Whites; Skipper to late August, find a good stand of bramble (a particular favourite of this Orange Tip, Holly or Azure Blue July and August – Large, August and September – species) and wait for them to come to you. You never know, if you go June and July – Silver-washed Small and Green-veined Whites, Small White, Small Heath, down to the woods next year, you may be in for a big surprise. May – Wood White, Bath White, Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone or Sulphur, Large Small Copper, Common Blue, Brimstone or Sulphur, Wall, High Brown Fritillary, Comma, Tortoiseshell, Camberwell Beauty, Holly or Azure Blue Article by John Bryan Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper Small Tortoiseshell, White Peacock, Painted Lady, Wood
Autumn 2018 23 Mocker Swallowtail Malagasy White Lady Madagascan Brown Pansy Madagascar’s natural history treasures
Madagascar Forest Nymph
Bob Hall shares highlights of his October 2017 trip. a good appetite for bananas! We travelled for four saw Strabena mandraka and Borbo rattek, a Skipper. hours to Ankarana Lodge. Our driver spotted an We stopped for longer at a wonderful reptile house, even of us met at Heathrow. We had an overnight the world’s smallest reptiles belong to the endemic Oustalet’s Chameleon in the scrub on the journey. In where we saw Geckos, Frogs, Chameleons, Snakes Sflight to Nairobi and a connecting flight to Tana genus Brookesia, the smallest less than 3 cm long. Our the nearby reserve, we saw Crowned Lemur close to. and even a Nile Crocodile. The butterflies included the (Antananarivo - the capital of Madagascar), where we guides found the Montagne d’Ambre Leaf Chameleon The next day was a wonderful day spent at Madagascar Dotted Border (Mylothris phileris), were met by Bakoly, our Malagasy guide, and Safi, (Brookesia tuberculate). This is uniformly brown and Ankarana National Park. We walked through Charaxes Anambolou (one of nine species our Hungarian entomologist. We took an early morning found only on Amber Mountain. At least five species of dry forest, admiring the Baobab trees, Thousands of Charaxes), the Madagascan Brown flight to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) in the extreme north Leaf Chameleon occur there. Other highlights were a before we reached the Tsingy – sharp of birds greeted Pansy (Junonia goudotii) and an enormous of the country. good sighting of the Madagascan Malachite Kingfisher, limestone pinnacles, the result of an eroded us in this pupal case of the Comet Moth (Argema Our drivers then took us to Amber Mountain, where Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Forest Rock Thrush and coral reef system laid down 250 million green oasis mittrel). Wonderful frogs were seen: Golden we stopped to look for butterflies in a boggy area just Madagascar Crested Ibis. We saw our first lemur, years ago. We spotted Sportive Lemurs resting Mantella, Baron’s Mantella and the aptly outside the reserve. Spotted Sailers (Neptis saclava) Sanford’s Brown Lemur, high in the forest canopy and in a tree cavity, as they are nocturnal. named Tomato Frog. A Giant Millipede dwarfed were seen on wet mud, as well as Strabena mandraka, also Crowned Lemur; both of these species are confined the Golden Mantella. Meanwhile, Tony and Ann had one of the 37 species of Madagascar Satyrs, while to the dry and humid forest of northern Madagascar. A Back to the capital found a group of endangered Coquerel’s Sifaka just Mocker Swallowtail (Papilio dardanus), Cream-lined tame Ring-tailed Vontsira appeared by the picnic table. We returned to the capital for one night, where we outside the museum. Predominantly white, these are Swallowtails (Papilio delalandei) and Banded Blue visited a botanical park and lake. Thousands of birds among the biggest and best known of the island’s lemurs. Swallowtail (Papilio oribazus) appeared at times. Ankarana National Park greeted us in this green oasis: Egrets, Squacco Herons, Our overnight accommodation at Joffreville was Red-billed Terns and the Madagascar Malachite Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Amber Mountain National Park delightful. Next morning our German host, Carlos, Kingfisher. There were plenty of fish, too, to feed all Our accommodation for the next three nights was at We then went into the National Park. Mossy Leaf- Tailed offered to show us his Giant Tortoise. The tortoise was these hungry predators. Indri Lodge in Andasibe. On our way there, we passed Geckos were found, thanks to our local guides. The originally from Aldabra, one of the Seychelles, and was We were pleased to leave Pave Hotel for the much non-native woodland, mainly Eucalyptus, planted geckos are nocturnal and sleep on tree trunks during estimated to be close to 200 years old. It had lived at second time, as we now headed east to Perinet, past the day – they are wonderfully camouflaged. Some of Le Domaine de Fontenay at least since 1904, and had markets, rice fields and brickworks. At a brief stop, we CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
24 the Comma Autumn 2018 25 Acrea Masamba Charaxes sp. Metalmark sp.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 month-old baby. We also saw a Collared Nightjar on stealing fruit from the table. At Palmarium, we had on the other by the Indian Ocean. Walks revealed nesting in a small palm about two metres above the wonderful views of Red-bellied and Red-ruffed Lemurs, plenty of Madagascar Forest Nymphs (Aterica forest floor. The camouflage effect of its feathers, which the majestic Black and White Ruffed Lemur, Crowned rabena), quite often settled on the forest paths. Other in place of the indigenous rainforest. On our first day, appear as dead leaves, was astonishing. Yellow and Lemur and Brown Lemur. Some of these had been highlights included a good view of Climbing Mantella we explored a small part of Mantadia National Park. white orchids shone in the forest gloom. A large termite reintroduced, and so close-up views were guaranteed. (a green-and-black frog), White-fronted Brown Lemur The roads were awful, it was raining and the nest was seen, as was a stunning Metalmark (Saribia Before we left the idyllic Palmarium, we walked a short and a mating pair of Skippers. Land crabs were also temperature was low – welcome to the rainforest! We perrottii). We also saw the nocturnal Woolly Lemur, distance to a pineapple plantation serenaded by a seen in the rainforest. Also more Leaf-Tailed Geckos on had views of Black and White Ruffed Lemur and a Grey asleep and just like a ball of wool. descending series of hoots from the Madagascar a night walk and a Plated Lizard in the day. Bamboo Lemur. The rainforest lived up to its name, Coucal. We then retraced our steps to Manombato to The younger members of the party cooled off on our as we trudged along tracks in steady rain, but Palmarium Reserve join our minibus and driver, who last afternoon with a delightful swim we saw plenty of tree ferns, an astonishing ... a female We left Indri Lodge after two memorable drove us to Hotel Neptune in in the Indian Ocean, while the two view of the Giraffe-necked Weevil, Praying Black Lemur, days and travelled east: three hours in a Tomasina, a large, bustling sea oldest and most intrepid members of which was intent Mantis and then Acreas, a group of long- minibus, then a transfer to a 4WD for a port on the Indian Ocean. the group again went out exploring. winged butterflies with red-and-orange on stealing fruit bumpy 30 minutes, then a boat for 1.5 Our last day was spent travelling from the table. markings and semi-transparent wings. Green hours on an inland lake to reach Palmarium, Masoala National Park back to Tana in three stages: boat, Pillbugs, Satyrids, Ants’ nests and plenty of the close to the Indian Ocean. On the boat trip, The next day, we continued our minibus and flight. We had a lovely ubiquitous Pandanus species of tree all added to the we saw Black Kite, Madagascar Pratincole, journey to Maronsetra with end-of-trip meal out with Bakoly at interest. After lunch, the sun appeared, as did Frances’ Sparrowhawk and Madagascan Kestrel. another early morning flight. After the Vanilla Restaurant, serenaded by Spotted Black and White Ruffed Lemur Sailers (Neptis saclava), Acrea masamba and the Some of us took a walk along the beach to see a grove a bumpy ride in a bright yellow some traditional Malagasy music – Cream-lined Swallowtail (Papilio delalandei). of Pitcher plants. Later, at night, we crossed the lake to minibus, we boarded two high-speed boats for an a fitting end to a superb trip. In summary, the group The next day, we took a short journey to the popular a special site where a coconut had been put in the fork exhilarating journey across the bay to Masoala recorded over 80 bird species, 16 lemur species and Andasibe National Park. The car park was jammed by of a tree. There was the legendary Aye-Aye, an peninsular. The first rainforest walk was hot, humid and over 100 butterfly species. eco-tourists and their vehicles. At first we heard Indri, endangered species of lemur. Features included a thin, dark. A Madagascan Tree Boa put in an appearance Our thanks to all of our local guides for their one of Madagascar’s iconic and best-known animals, elongated middle finger used to extract larvae from in the kitchen of our lodge in the evening, leading to expertise, to our drivers for safe travel, to Bakoly who before we caught up with an athletic group of grey, dead wood or, in our case, coconut flesh. This is a shy celebrity status with all the party. A Short-legged was a tower of strength and showed good gold and white Diademed Sifaka. Later, our guide and nocturnal creature. On our return, we found a Ground Roller was seen at Masoala, and Pied organisation in putting together a tricky itinerary, to Safi found us a group of Indri in a much quieter spot where Dwarf Mouse Lemur, another nocturnal lemur. A Kingfisher and Helmeted Vanga the next morning. for his knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise, and to we had a magical half-hour in their company; they spectacular tiger-moth lookalike was seen (Daphuenura Another boat journey to the idyllic island of Nosy Mike Williams, for organising an unforgettable trip. make huge leaps in the canopy and also a lot of noise. fasciata). The next morning, our breakfast was spent in Mangabe followed for our last night, where we slept The group included a mother and her all-black five- the company of a female Black Lemur, which was intent in tents, surrounded on the one side by rainforest, and Article and photographs by Bob Hall
26 the Comma Autumn 2018 27 Casual Recording in the West Midlands 2018 Dates for your diary
John Tilt highlights uneven coverage and have over 2000 records and others none. We need West Midlands Branch AGM unrecorded sightings. recorders to help us improve coverage of these 11am to 3pm on Saturday 24 November 2018 under-recorded squares. Shropshire Wildlife Trust: Abbeygate Hall, 193 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AH iRecord Lift access from ground floor, 15-min walk from station, parking in Abbey Foregate car park Statistics for casual recording on iRecord for 2018, up Facebook Directions from A5: At the first roundabout (Preston Boats), take filter round to the left. When to 18 August, show: Please note that putting records on Facebook does approaching the next roundabout (Emstrey) as you cross the River Severn, get over to the right and • 22,219 records not contribute to Branch Recording. The records must take the 4th exit, signposted Shrewsbury A5064. At the next roundabout (Column), take the 3rd • 481 recorders be entered onto iRecord or the UKBMS system for us exit onto Abbey Foregate. After about 0.6 miles, turn left (brown Shropshire Wildlife Trust sign) into • 42 species to analyse and conserve butterflies. At present, good records are being entered onto Facebook but they the Pay & Display car park. Venue is at far end of car park. The chart below shows the number of species never find their way onto our systems. Tea and coffee from 10.30am, food from caterers at 1pm recorded in each 10 km square of the OS grid for Business (annual reports and Branch updates) start at 11am our region, ranging from 36 to one. We'd expect Please use iRecord. 2017 minutes available at www.westmidlands-butterflies.org.uk/news/meeting-minutes at least 20 species, so squares with fewer are not Dr Phil Sterling, editor of The Field Guide to the Micro-moths of Great Britain and being covered adequately. Similarly, some squares Article by John Tilt Transects and Web Coordinator Main Speaker: Ireland will talk about Butterfly Conservation’s Building Sites for Butterflies project. Our region provides many opportunities for this project and we look forward to learning more. 0 SJ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 SK SJ SK Butterfly Conservation 50th Anniversary AGM, 6 9 16 Members’ Day and Celebratory Dinner 5 1 13 14 16 25 9.30am on Saturday 10 November 2018 The Nottingham Belfry, Mellors Way, Off Woodhouse Way, Nottingham, NG8 6PY 4 7 16 21 18 25 3 Lunch and refreshments available (£10 and £3, respectively), free car parking 3 1 23 23 8 14 19 2 6 More information at www.butterfly-conservation.org 2 27 2 1 10 15 17 5 21 15 20 9
1 20 17 13 10 6 11 14 13 Ewyas Harold Reserve and Common 10am at Grafton Flyford church 0 SJ 9 19 21 26 5 13 9 19 17 16 SK Work Parties Contact Simon Primrose: 07952 260153 or S0 SP Saturdays: 20 Oct, 17 Nov, 15 Dec [email protected] 9 15 15 24 3 9 24 15 22 14 20 Contact Sue Young: 01981 240776, [email protected] Grafton Wood Work Parties 25 27 15 6 3 8 26 28 24 20 8 12 8 Tuesdays: 2 Oct, 23 Oct, 6 Nov, 27 Nov, 18 Dec Every Wednesday except 3 Oct SJ4 17 16 11 36 28 26 19 21 21SK11 Contact Lucy Morton: 07503 220191 or 10am at Grafton Flyford Church 7 [email protected] Contact John Tilt: 01386 792458 or 6 15 19 15 1 23 28 25 21 10am at the northern Cwm Hill end of Ewyas [email protected] 11 19 12 21 17 27 25 32 3 Harold Common, adjacent to the top cattle grid 5 (SO382302). Approach from Abbey Dore off the Haugh Wood Work Parties 4 9 23 20 18 15 30 25 29 22 17 B4347 (SO384306). Some hand tools will be Saturdays: 3 Nov, 1 Dec, 5 Jan, 2 Feb, 2 Mar provided but, if you have your own, do bring them. 10am in the reserve car park on minor road from 3 1 21 8 29 16 26 24 25 11 2 Mordiford to Woolhope (SO592365) 29 9 10 11 Grafton Wood Brown Hairstreak Egg Contact Kate Wollen (07786 526280) or Robin 2 Searches Hemming (07501 020605) 1 SO 27 SP SP Area Saturdays: 8 Dec, 29 Dec (New Year mince pie SO coverage and mulled wine special), 26 Jan 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 34 chart CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 28 the Comma SO SP Autumn 2018 29 Committee Members and Officers
Trench Wood Work Parties Chairman Dates for your diary cont’d 4th Sundays: 28 Oct, 25 Nov, Dec (TBC), Peter Seal [email protected] 01905 426398 27 Jan, 24 Feb, 24 /31 Mar (TBC) Vice Chairman & Conservation Officer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 10am in the reserve car park (SO930588) Mike Southall [email protected] 01299 251467 Treasurer Contact John Holder: 01905 794854 or Lucy Lewis [email protected] 07840 530270 [email protected] Malvern Grayling Work Parties Branch Secretary Vacant If you can help in this important role please contact Peter Seal Mondays: 22 Oct, 12 Nov, 14 Jan, 11 Feb Wyre Forest Work Parties Regional Officers 10am in North Hill Quarry car park, WR14 4LT Sundays: 11 Nov, 13 Jan, 10 Feb Dr Jenny Joy (Senior Regional Officer) [email protected] 01952 249325 (SO 771847) 10am in Earnwood Copse car park on the B4194 Rhona Goddard (& Wood White Project Officer) [email protected] 01746 762364 Tea and coffee provided but bring your own lunch Bewdley to Kinlet road (SO744784) Records if staying all day Mid-week: Tue 23 Oct, Tue 27 Nov, Branch Recording Co-ordinator – John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 Contact Mel Mason: 01684 565700 or Wed 12 Dec, Tue 22 Jan, Tue 26 Feb – Birmingham & Black Country - Richard Southwell [email protected] 01384 397066 [email protected] The mid-week dates are joint events with Natural – Herefordshire – Bob Hall & Ian Draycott [email protected] 01432 850623 England – tea and coffee provided – Shropshire – Tony Jacques [email protected] 01952 882096 Monkwood Work Parties 23 Oct and 26 Feb: 10am in Earnwood Copse – Staffordshire – John Bryan [email protected] 1st Sundays: 7 Oct, 4 Nov, 2 Dec, 6 Jan, – Worcestershire – Mike Williams & Mel Mason [email protected] 01299 824860 car park as above 3 Feb, 3 Mar Transects 27 Nov, 12 Dec and 22 Jan: 10am in Dry Mill Contact George Groves: 01905 620721, John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 Lane car park, Bewdley, at the start of the disused [email protected] Reserve Managers railway line 3rd Thursdays: 18 Oct, 15 Nov, 20 Dec, Ewyas Harold - Ian Hart [email protected] 01981 510259 Contact Mike Williams: 01299 824860 or 17 Jan, 21 Feb, 21 Mar Grafton Wood - John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 [email protected] Monkwood - George Groves [email protected] 01905 620721 Contact Phil Adams: 01905 610830 or Prees Heath - Stephen Lewis [email protected] 07900 886809 [email protected] Trench Wood - John Holder [email protected] 01905 794854 10am in the reserve car park (SO803603) Wood White Project Work Parties Conservation Officers If you plan to come to any of these, please contact Worcestershire - Trevor Bucknall [email protected] 01905 755757 Rhona Goddard: 01746 762364 or Penny Hill Landfill Site Work Parties Herefordshire - Ian Hart [email protected] 01981 510259 [email protected] Sundays: 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov Moth Officers • Siege Wood, Herefordshire: 10am - 3pm, 10am at the site entrance off Pudford Lane, Hillside, Bham & the Black Country - David Jackson [email protected] 01902 344716 Thu 22 Nov and Thu 10 Jan, Siege Wood Martley (SO752613) Herefordshire - Robin Hemming [email protected] 01568 797351 Contact Mike Williams: 01299 824860 or car park (SO605343) Worcestershire - Mike Southall [email protected] 01299 251467 [email protected] • Onny Meadows: 10am - 1pm, Sun 2 Dec, County Leaders Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms North Staffordshire - John Bryan [email protected] 01782 541870 Prees Heath Common Work Parties (SO435825) Central Staffordshire - Robert Winstanley [email protected] 01889 576768 Wednesdays: 17 Oct, 14 Nov, 12 Dec (half-day • Blakeridge Wood, Shropshire: 10am - 3pm, South Staffordshire - David Jackson [email protected] 01902 344716 only), 16 Jan, 13 Feb Sun 20 Jan, Blakeridge Wood car park Herefordshire - Dean Fenton [email protected] 01568 611575 10.30am on the access track opposite the Steel (SO295866) Malvern Hills - Mel Mason [email protected] 01684 565700 Heath turning off the A49 (SJ557363) • Joint work party with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust: Brown Hairstreak Champion Simon Primrose [email protected] 07952 260153 Contact Stephen Lewis: 07900 886809 or 10am - 3pm, Tue 5 Feb, meeting point TBC Committee Members [email protected] • Bury Ditches, Shropshire: 10am - 3pm, Sun 17 Feb, Bury Ditches car park (SO331837) Steven Williams [email protected] 07974 152081 Publicity and Marketing Officer Scarlet Tiger Project Work Parties, Mike Williams [email protected] 01299 824860 Stourbridge Dingy Skipper Work Parties at Cannock Magazine Editor Every 3rd Friday: 19 Oct, 16 Nov, 21 Dec, Chase (Council-led) Marian Newell [email protected] 01746 765287 18 Jan, 15 Feb, 15 Mar 11am - 3pm on Sun 4 Nov and Sun 11 Nov Magazine Design and Production 10am at a location posted on the notice Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Marquis Drive, Trish Connolly Morgan [email protected] 01939 220776 board at the northern (crematorium) end of Hednesford, Staffs, WS12 SPW Website coordinator John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 Roman Road Contact Rob Taylor, Countryside Ranger, Wider Countryside Butterfly Count Co-ordinator Contact Joy Stevens: 01384 372397 or 01543 370737, 07817 122760 or Philip Nunn [email protected] 07931 488624 [email protected] [email protected] Link Trustee To be confirmed 30 the Comma Autumn 2018 31 Book Review The Nature of the Malverns – an ancient landscape steeped in wildlife
• ISBN: 978-1-874357-83-4 • Authors: Ian Duncan, Peter Garner and Peter Creed • Cost: £34.50 + £4 postage and can be ordered from www.naturebureau.co.uk/bookshop
However, we do know that scrub a much stronger focus on managing clearance (and indeed planting) to for wildlife and, indeed, our Branch benefit butterflies and moths helps has a very productive volunteer other insects, and the birds and bats arrangement with the Trust to improve that feed on them. Hence the author Grayling habitat. of the insect chapter speaks of the The impact of human pressures is ‘much welcomed management that acknowledged but presented in a has started over the last few years, positive manner. The final chapter aving lived in the Malverns for and the return to more open and outlines what the Trust is doing to Hseven years, I read this book warmer grassland swards’. It’s accommodate demands from dog- with great anticipation and, like noted, for example, that the Mottled walkers and mountain-bikers, and to other recent Pisces publications, it Grasshopper has benefitted from encourage sensitive use of the land. did not disappoint. The range of recent scrub clearance as it prefers information is impressive, even short turf, exposed soil and rock. Conclusion referring to lost species such as Cirl A close reading of the book Another strand within the book is that Bunting and Wood White. illustrates why different wildlife there is much yet to discover, interests have to be taken into especially within the insect world. It Scope of the book account in any given conservation offers a good overview for those Ten chapters cover different aspects management plan. So, while insect- who lack detailed knowledge and, of the Hills’ wildlife, with others on lovers will be concerned about scrub all in all, I certainly have no history, geology and future issues. encroachment, the mammals chapter hesitation in recommending it. The insect chapter includes 18 talks of the need for very particular It inspired me to revisit the Hills to pages on butterflies and moths, with habitats – thick grass tussocks for look for things I’d not yet found. It’s a descriptive overview of the species voles and dense scrub and bramble more wide-ranging than a handbook found on the Malverns and on lower slopes for dormice. The and yet it does help with knowing discussion of future considerations point is made that, with their mix of what to look for and where. For such as the potential to reintroduce woodland, scrub and grassy areas, example, the picture of the Hairy- Fritillaries. the Hills are in better condition to footed Flower Bee enabled me to support a variety of creatures than identify an all-black creature I used Themes explored by the authors they were a hundred years ago, to see on my Pulmonaria. Some themes recur at intervals when the slopes were more heavily As a final aside, transect walkers through the book, such as managing grazed. and other observers will be conflict between the needs of delighted to see a photo of an old different species and habitats. In Work of the Malvern Hills Trust friend, the Notch-horned Cleg, particular, we in insect conservation My experience and observations whose capacity to draw blood is must acknowledge the need to over the last ten years support this renowned! adjust plans to take into account the view. The Conservators – now
needs of other types of wildlife. Malvern Hills Trust – have adopted Article by Peter Seal Branch Chair 01939 220776 Designed by morgancreative.carbonmade.com
32 the Comma