Commathe No.99 Winter 2017/2018 Regional Magazine of Butterfly Conservation

Puss : In a Birmingham garden On my patch: Dudmaston butterflies

butterflies and back to inging Brita Br in • www .west .uk midlands-butterflies.org Comthe No.ma99 Winter 2017/2018 Regional Magazine of West Midlands Butterfly Conservation Chairman’s Address Chairman’s Address

Year, and we intend to make this a the continent, with some excellent The Branch in Focus significant milestone. I believe we examples of partnerships with should mark a number of our conservationists in Romania and Puss Moth: In a Birmingham garden On my patch: ello again – let’s range of information. Already you will achievements – maybe we can Greece, and a focus on surveying Dudmaston butterflies

flies and moths bac hope the frosts are see details of species with trend data, produce a summary to include the fortunes of restricted species ing butter k to B Bring ritain • w H ww .west .uk midlands-butterflies.org having some effect on the our reserves and Branch details and conservation successes over the last such as the Odd-spot Blue. I was Cover story parasites that may be history. We have a section for sites of five years, launch of our new able to report that we now have attacking our interest, some of which have already website, and implementation of 1,500 members, so our Branch Cover photograph of a Purple- Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells. been written up, but here is where online casual recording. When I grows steadily. Stephen bordered Gold moth by Peter Seal Another butterfly season we need help from our members - took on this role what struck me is Equally, there are many local Peacock (Stephen Lewis) Barlow . You can read more about should be over, but as of the time of see page 13 for more details. the number of activities the Branch initiatives to help our butterflies and the enigmatic moths of the writing this article the occasional From information we gathered when regularly undertakes, from work moths. Portway Hill in Rowley whilst the press report implies that mosses on page 16. Red Admiral is still being reported. In the compiling the book two years ago there parties and recording to talks and Regis, which is featured in our the project may develop slowly, it is Contributions last edition I mentioned the Wood is considerable scope for adding more stalls. Each year we seem to add to book, and in Joy Stevens’ excellent hard to see how any compensating White in Monkwood as being my sites. It would be nice to have some the list of events, for instance the article on page 8, has been relocation scheme could be Please send articles and highlight of the year. With transect data from , so do you know the growing number of weekday work upgraded to a Site of Importance successful. We need to think about images to the editor at now available online through the Loynton Moss transect, or disused parties, and invitations to provide a for Nature Conservation. Whilst how to address this as it seems [email protected]. UKBMS Transect Walker site, I was railway lines such as Wombourne and stall at the Birmingham Honey Show this does not confer statutory likely to go ahead. Photographs should be sent fascinated to see that from May 7th Stafford-Newport? A short write up, and the Malverns Autumn Show. rights, it should offer some element separately rather than through to August 22nd this butterfly with directions, OS reference, map if But there is a third milestone - this of protection from damaging An excellent gift embedded in a document, was recorded every week except the possible, a link to any relevant website, is our 99th Edition. In April 2018 development and raise Portway Finally our book continues to sell, and of as high a resolution as first week in July. Perhaps the near and photos would be welcome – we shall be producing the 100th Hill’s profile as a green space generating funds for practical possible. The opinions overlap between broods was a please email John Tilt or me. Comma, so contributions are amenity, offering health benefits conservation projects. It is available expressed in this magazine are combination of good early summer especially welcome, and our editor to the local populace. Branch at £18.95 from Pisces Publications not necessarily those of the weather and an extended egg-laying Anniversary time feels it would be great to have representatives will be attending a at www.naturebureau.co.uk – it West Midlands Branch season. However, the Wood White Two anniversaries to plan for: firstly next articles from members who have meeting with Birmingham and Black makes an excellent gift. or of Butterfly Conservation. has clearly prospered here and year is Butterfly Conservation’s 50th. not submitted articles before, and Country Wildlife Trust to establish BC West Midlands Butterflies elsewhere from the attentions of BC staff The national body is planning a Day about places that have not been what we might do to help secure this and Moths Peter Seal, Branch Chair and volunteers. BC’s “Making a Stand of Action on March 10th. As we featured previously. site, as it holds a range of plants, Butterfly Conservation West Midlands for the Wood White” project is at the already have two Sunday work parties butterflies and day flying moths. @WestMidlands_BC halfway stage, so we keep our fingers on March 11th at Honeybourne for Branch AGM Balancing this, on the negative Correction crossed for an equally good showing Grizzled Skipper and in the Wyre We held our AGM in Herefordshire side we have recently learned that The captions on the photos accompanying Branch website address in 2018, and further progress with the Forest, as well as Saturday work parties – at Woolhope Village Hall – on housing development threatens our the article entitled The Early Life of a Brown www.westmidlands-butterflies. butterfly increasing its range in key at Bury Ditches and Heath, we November 18th. We were treated best Grizzled Skipper site at Hairstreak on page 10 of the previous org.uk strongholds in the West Midlands. shall promote this locally as a Weekend to an inspirational talk from Simon Swynnerton, an Army base near issue were incorrect. Paul Meers, the of Action. There will be an extension of Spencer on what the European Stone, which the Ministry of author of the article, writes: “The last one Copy deadline New website the Plants for Pollinators initiative with Butterflies Group is doing to help Defence is reported as intending to (bottom right on page) of the caterpillar The deadline for copy for the On another tack, our new website B&Q, along with suggested Reserve promote the welfare of butterflies in sell. This is of great concern and, should be the first one 'First Instar' spring edition of The Comma shares the distinction, after much Open Days and the launch of the Moth caterpillar recently hatched, followed by is 28th February 2018, but all preparation, of also bearing fruit in Atlas towards the end of the year. I’m Company limited by guarantee, registered in (2206468) the 3 consecutive photos showing the contributions are welcomed well 2017. Apart from a few teething waiting for more detail from Dorset Registered office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP. sequence of the 'moult' into second instar. in advance of that date and problems when we went live on about how Branches may be involved. Charity registered in England & (254937) These are the 3 stages of the 'moult' as it November 1st, the launch has been Secondly, in 2019 the West happened. There isn't a 'third instar' should be emailed to the editor and in Scotland (SCO39268) at [email protected] successful with capacity for a wider Midlands Branch will celebrate our 40th photo.” My apologies to Paul. Editor

2 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 3 Herefordshire Hosts the Branch AGM

Peter Seal gives his John Tilt introduces Members at Chairman's Report the new website the AGM

The work of the Branch and projects in many species 2017 had been a much improved year, John Tilt also gave us an update on the new Branch butterfly holiday and the sort of in depth fieldwork Europe are highlighted although this did not include the Peacock. Little is website (see separate article on page 13). The Branch members of the Group undertake, often producing understood quite why the fortunes of this common committee was re-elected en bloc, with Peter Seal survey reports with recommendations that are presented he Branch tries to ensure that its Annual General species have declined so markedly, almost like a cliff- agreeing to continue as Chair with no other nominations to local conservation groups/land managers. He TMeeting plus guest speaker moves around the West edge. It is most likely to be caused by a parasite, but forthcoming – thank you Peter. And thanks also to Bob focussed on such threatened species as the Balkan Midlands region – a sort of inspired road nothing has been established yet. Lucy Lewis, Branch Hall for arranging the venue. Fritillary, the Grecian Grayling and the Danube trip. In 2015 it was held in Cannock Chase in Treasurer, reported on the financial position of the Clouded Yellow. The talk was informative, inspiring Staffordshire, and in 2016 at the RSPB’s Sandwell Branch, noting that balances remain in a healthy After lunch Simon Spencer gave an entertaining talk and entertaining. Simon himself is planning a trip to Valley reserve in the Black Country. In November 2017 position. Anyone wishing to see her report and notes about the work of Butterfly Conservation’s European Greece this summer, and anyone who is interested in it was held at Woolhope in rural Herefordshire, in the can contact her at [email protected] Interests Group. But first there was some explaining to joining can contact him via the new website. Parish Hall close to Haugh Wood, an important site for do about names, as the Butterfly Conservation European butterflies and moths. This was followed by an update from John Tilt on Interests Group is changing its name. It will now be And Mike Williams is planning a return trip to Belarus iRecord, the new host for all our casual butterfly records. called the Butterfly Conservation European Butterflies to search for the Danube Clouded Yellow in August, so Peter Seal, Branch Chair, highlighted the fact that for John said he was very impressed by both the number of Group. It is open to all members of Butterfly also contact him if you are interested. butterfly records and the number of butterfly recorders Conservation for an additional £10 membership fee, now using the facility. However, he made a plea for and it produces three newsletters a year, all sent to Article and photos unless otherwise stated by the editor recorders not just to go to their usual sites but to seek out members electronically, as well as providing a range of other sites in their locality. A map of 10 kilometre other activities. And it has a new website at squares also highlighted the fact that iRecord has www.european-butterflies.org.uk . However, this new received few, or even zero, records in some squares – name is not to be confused with Butterfly Conservation special mention was made of SJ52 in north , Europe, which is an umbrella organisation for all a square which includes , Shawbury, Clive, butterfly-related partner organisations across Europe. Its Grinshill & Corbet Wood Local Nature Reserve and website is at www.bc-europe.eu . Clear? – I hope so! Hawkstone, as no casual records have been posted from there yet. Come on north Salopians – your Simon went on to outline the work the Group does with Simon Spencer giving his talk butterflies need you! regard to some of Europe’s most threatened or rare Items for sale at the AGM (Mike Williams) butterfly species. He stressed the difference between a

4 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 5 Red Admiral

and, at least on the Malverns, Grayling. The years, and as it is the symbol of West Midlands Brimstone improvement in the fortunes of the latter is particularly Butterfly Conservation it was great to see it do so well. encouraging given the huge effort put into improving the habitat by volunteers from both West Midlands Big Butterfly Count Butterfly Conservation and the Malvern Hills Trust. Unfortunately, by the time of this year’s Big Butterfly Small Heath, a species which is in national decline, Count in July, the weather had become rather had an improved year at Prees Heath. Silver-washed more mixed but, nevertheless, record numbers of numbers were pretty good throughout the region people took part including many from our region. with a ridiculously early first sighting on 12th June from Gatekeeper topped the poll which was good news Grafton Wood, the highest numbers ever recorded at as this has been a species which has declined Trench Wood and a report from a new site in north significantly over the past 40 years, as was noted in Staffordshire. the ‘Butterflies of the West Midlands’ book. The two species, however, to secure their highest ever ranking Hairstreaks in the Big Butterfly Count top ten were the Red Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks are often poorly Admiral and the Comma. Comma, as previously noted, recorded on butterfly transects as they are essentially enjoyed a particularly good year across the region and canopy species, but 2017 proved an exception with showed one of the largest improvements of all species many more reports of low-level sightings. Whether this on the previous year. Because of this, although a case was due to a shortage of honeydew or a genuine could be made for other species, the award of Most 2017 – the only way is up! population increase is difficult to judge and it may be goes to the Comma. This was Improved Performer Mike Williams looks back on the Butterfly Year and announces the winners and losers a combination of both. Early emergence was prevalent the title won by Red Admiral in 2016 and this year it in both species with the first Purple Hairstreak reported has built on this performance. Large numbers have sn’t it good to be able to report on a much improved may also be having an effect on these and other from Old Hills in Worcestershire on 14th June and the been reported throughout the season and, in many Ibutterfly year for once? After a pretty disastrous 2016, species and I do wonder, especially with Peacock, first White-letter just 4 days later from a garden in places, it has been the commonest butterfly recorded the majority of butterflies showed a marked improvement whether they are entering hibernation much sooner after Malvern. Most of the early spring species did pretty in the garden. High numbers have persisted throughout this year with the best numbers since 2011 for some emergence than previously. Given the very poor year well, with both Holly Blue and Orange-tip on the wing the autumn and, even as I write this article in mid- species. Data produced by Mel Mason for the for this species in 2016, there did seem more around before the end of March. Holly Blue enjoyed a very November, we are still receiving news of sightings via butterfly transects around the Malverns showed that this spring than one might have expected. Anyway, for good first brood but dipped somewhat in their second our Facebook pages and elsewhere. Often there is a overall, while numbers had decreased by 38% the third year in a row, Peacock, whether it wants the generation. Marbled Whites were also able to take wide divergent of views as to which species should be between 2015 and 2016, compared to the previous title or not, was deemed by most recorders as the advantage of some fine weather during June and crowned Butterfly of the Year, but this year most year 2017 showed a 74% increase. Worst Performer of the Year. generally enjoyed a good season continuing their recorders plumped for the Red Admiral making it a very There were, however, exceptions: both Small spread into new areas. On the Malverns transects it worthy winner. What will 2018 bring? Tortoiseshell and Peacock again had an extremely Early Emergence was the 4th commonest butterfly recorded in 2017. poor year overall, which is a worrying trend for two of One of the very striking features of 2017 was the early Comma had a really good season, both coming out of Article by Mike Williams, photos by Roger Littleover our most colourful and popular species. In the case of emergence of many species. Good weather during hibernation and in its first and second broods. It is a the Peacock, this downward turn shows no sign of April, May and June, prompted many very early first butterfly that has been a little in the doldrums in recent abating. On the 14 butterfly transects analysed by Mel, sightings. White Admiral, for example, a species Comma Peacock has shown an 89% decline in numbers often not seen in the West Midlands until late June, since 2013. Much has been written (see for example was reported from Monkwood on 13th June, the first p. 87 of ‘Butterflies of the West Midlands’) about the Wood White (last year’s Butterfly of the Year, which tachinid fly Sturmia bella, a recent colonist from again did well) was seen at Bury Ditches as early as the continent, which impacts particularly on Small 11th April, while the Pearl-bordered Fritillary was Tortoiseshell populations but can also parasitise first reported from Wyre on 23rd April, with numbers Peacocks. Perhaps we are moving into a situation with peaking at many sites before mid-May. Species to these two species where, rather like the Holly Blue, show an improved performance during the year numbers fluctuate in response to parasite pressures with included Purple Hairstreak, White-letter Hairstreak, a cycle of ‘boom and bust’ years. Other factors, such , , , , Holly Blue Red Admiral Comma Marbled White Silver-washed Fritillary as weather, including our increasingly mild winters, Gatekeeper, Silver-washed Fritillary, Orange-tip

6 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 7 The Green Black Country

Small Skipper (Joy Stevens)

Portway Hill (Andy Purcell)

which proved a wise decision. Marbled White (Joy Stevens) Mike duly tried the pheromones again in several spots in only slightly Joy Stevens enjoys a guided walk around Portway Hill, a better conditions and was successful calm oasis in the heart of a busy industrial landscape at every site tested. Sure enough the male moths turned up every time, Six-belted Clearwing hovering espite their reputation and conducive to finding our target over a pheremone lure with total numbers estimated at Dassociations with industry, species of summer butterflies (Andy Purcell) between 20 and 25. It was also Birmingham and the Black and Six-belted Clearwing moths. possible to note marked differences Country hold many surprises where Undaunted, 21 people of varying to a good start with a Shaded in the sizes of individuals. nature has regained control of old ages arrived at the hill, where Broad-bar moth fluttering up from Subsequent to the official walk, Mike brownfield sites. Portway Hill, Mike Poulton of the Friends of the undergrowth at the beginning of On the walk (Joy Stevens) has re-visited the site for his normal situated alongside the noisy dual Rowley Hills explained the history the walk. With so many pairs of transect recording, when he tried the carriageway linking Dudley to the of the site, and the part currently eyes scanning the wet grass, we Interaction we were unsure if this would be pheromone lure again at nine motorway, was the site of dolerite being played by volunteers from the managed a few sightings. Portway The potential for interaction effective, but we found a relatively different points. From this exercise he quarries. Known as Rowley Rag, Birmingham and Black Country is a great site for Marbled White between people and wildlife is sheltered spot with patches of was able to prove that Six-belted dolerite is a volcanic stone used Wildlife Trust to improve the and we were able to spot several well demonstrated here, with Bird’s-foot Trefoil. A few attempts Clearwings are present across the for the production of road surfaces biodiversity of the hill. Part of the hunkered down in the grass. We House Martins nesting at the top of in separate likely spots proved site wherever Bird’s-foot Trefoil occurs. and kerbstones. Although the pits site is owned by the Trust, where also found both Small and Essex a high rise block of flats in the near unsuccessful, so we carried on, All in all we clocked up 18 have been filled, traces of scrub clearance has been a priority Skippers, which enabled our own distance, a spot that has also been steadily increasing our species count. species of moth and butterfly. that activity are still visible, with of the winter work parties. Yellow Richard Southwell to point out used as a vantage point by a Thanks to everyone who turned up, exposed pebble beds where the Rattle has been sown, playing a the differences between the two Peregrine Falcon. Overhead we Successful and especially to Mike Poulton for dolerite can be seen. At one time key role in controlling coarse species. An advantage of such cool were treated to the sight of a A perceptible rise in temperature arranging the walk and Richard it was possible to see hexagonal grasses. Many other wild flowers conditions is that any butterflies hovering Kestrel, later joined in tempted several more butterflies to Southwell for the entertainment, pillars similar to the Giant’s have reclaimed the territory, and that are found are fairly docile. flight by her mate. take to the air, and Richard had to pheromones and expert knowledge. Causeway in Northern Ireland. others have been planted to This Small Skipper was happy to Finding Six-belted Clearwing depart for a lunch time engagement. encourage diversity across the sit on Richard’s finger whilst he moths posed another challenge. To He left the pheromones with Mike, Article by Joy Stevens Crucial and active role grassland habitat. explained how to identify these this end, Richard revealed the The walk on July 15th was off to an two tiny butterflies. I guess it was contents of his fetching insulated Portway Hill is featured as Walk 23 in ‘Butterflies of the West Midlands’. inauspicious start with rain and then In the grassland much warmer there than in the cold, spotty bag – pheromones to lure the Not got your copy yet? Visit www.naturebureau.co.uk for details. drier but blustery conditions, not Despite the conditions, we were off wet grass. male moths. In such cool conditions

8 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 9 BBC Midlands Today filming on 17th July 2017, with Mel Mason Green Hairstreak on North Hill Worcestershire Wildlife Trust members on North Hill on the right (Mike Williams)

Marbled White on Hangman Hill Butterflies Bounce Back on the Malverns

Mel Mason reports on a numbers exploded, 70% higher than on the Wych nearby. In July, were photographed on the west side several years, including the earliest appear again in March. better year in the hills in 2016. No doubt the ichneumon Marbled White numbers increased of Swinyard Hill. In much larger ever emergence on 23rd June. The Impressive totals wasp Listrodomus nychthemerus is to an extraordinary level - 90% up numbers, Silver-washed Fritillary future of the Malvern Grayling is An impressive 32 species were f 2016 was one of the worst years already on the heels of this peak, on last year, which was the highest sightings are increasing each year, in dependent, to a large extent, on the recorded in 2017, compared with Ion record for butterflies, then 2017 causing the predictable rise and fall ever-recorded population of this particular around the Southern Hills. volunteers attached to MHT and 33 species in 2013, which also was one of the most surprising. in its population. species both locally and across the WMBC, who continue to play a included Clouded Yellow. Hill Court Numbers crashed in 2016, West Midlands. It was also a bumper Conservation works significant role in maintaining and Farm, numbering 6,950 butterflies, approximately 35% less than in Summer sightings year for Common Blue, not as high Fortunately, the Grayling – Hereford- improving the Grayling habitat on and Old Hills, with 4,241, showed 2015. Against the odds, numbers In the summer Small Copper made as the record year of 2015, but the shire & Worcestershire’s rarest the Northern Hills. The season for the highest abundance. Population have not just recovered on 14 a significant recovery, following a second highest in recent times. butterfly – increased in numbers on most species of butterfly finishes at estimates are taken from 29,842 transect sites around the Malverns, 30% decline in the past six years – the eastern slopes of North Hill the end of September, but Red records (estimated by the UK they seem to be the highest in recent approximately 140% more sightings Not so common this year. Three different butterfly Admiral was seen in good numbers Butterfly Monitoring Scheme) from years – more than 70% higher than than in 2016. Small Heath also The big losers of the past ten years walks in July (Malvern Hills Trust, throughout October – and they have 14 transect sites and more than 2016 and 20% higher than 2013, made a welcome recovery this year include some of the most common Worcestershire Wildlife Trust increased by 727% since 2013. 5,500 casual sightings of butterflies previously the highest number but was still 20% lower than in species, particularly Peacock, Small and West Midlands Butterfly Keep a lookout for any caterpillars around the Malvern Hills recorded in recent years. 2013. More often out of sight Tortoiseshell and Gatekeeper. Conservation) along with the local that might be surviving the winter at the top of elms, White-letter Fortunately, Gatekeeper and Small press, BBC Hereford & Worcester period while we wait for the Article and photos unless otherwise Early sightings Hairstreak usually number between Tortoiseshell have improved this year and BBC Midlands Today helped to hibernators (Peacock, Brimstone, stated by Mel Mason The season started with regular one to five sightings each year, but but Peacock numbers have fallen celebrate the highest population for Comma and Small Tortoiseshell) to sightings of Red Admiral in March 50 were reported from around the again – 89% less than in 2013. and April, a species which hills and Malvern Gardens, Total butterfly numbers reached a is usually not seen until along with one on Wych peak in the week beginning 8th July, Mating pair of The big Grayling on mid-May or June, almost near the North a week earlier than last year, and Small Coppers. losers of the past North Hill matching the number of Quarry Clock Tower. following the most prolonged Interestingly, ten years include the one on the Brimstone. Later in spring some of the most Perhaps the best site was heatwave since June 1976. Two top is form and early summer a common the Old Hills, where it further surprises were recorded in the caeruleopunctata record number of 27 species was difficult not to find Southern Hills: in early summer two with tiny blue Green Hairstreak appeared many Purple Hairstreak Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries spots on the in the lower quarries and higher feeding on bramble flower in the were identified on the western slopes hindwing, whilst slopes, the last as lateas 1st July. middle of the day, along with of Chase End Hill, and, later in the the other one isn't. Then the first brood of Holly Blue White-letter Hairstreak laying eggs summer, two Dark Green Fritillaries

10 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 11 Butterflies on My Patch White Admiral

have lived in the beautiful town of Bridgnorth for I15 years, and I am fortunate to have the likes of www.westmidlands-butterflies.org.uk the Wyre Forest, Prees Heath and Cannock Chase within striking distance, although it does involve a car journey of 45 minutes or so to get to these places. Dudmaston National Trust Estate, however, is pretty much on my doorstep – a good walk or a more wild flowers. My best Big Butterfly Count was John Tilt outlines features of the new Branch website five minute drive and I’m in Comer Woods. recorded on Dudmaston in 2017, where I had a Recent work improving access and revitalising count of over 20 Essex Skippers in July. ast year the Branch Committee agreed that we should existing paths through Comer Woods have created I have been asked to consider leading two Lupdate our Branch website, using modern design which more opportunity for exploration. A new car park walks in June and July, and the dates are to be would work on tablets and iphones as well as more and visitor centre will be up and running for confirmed soon. The National Trust welcomed traditional systems. We asked Morgan Creative (the 2018. A great deal of consideration and care over 90,000 people to the Hall, Garden and company that designs The Comma) to do a basic design. has been taken in areas where ancient Dingle walks in 2016. That is quite a lot of The design involved pull-down menus and a tile layout and honeysuckle have people, most of whom will have little idea of how with moving picture galleries. They employed MadWire accommodated White stunning the White Admiral is, which is doing very to do the programing. Admiral for several well here on my patch. years. In my meetings Basic structure suggestions to john.tilt2 and conversations with Article and photos by Roger Littleover We then set about loading the basic structure with @btopenworld.com. If tenant farmers, some all our West Midlands information. The diagram below you do work in an area have agreed to consider We could make Butterflies on My Patch a regular feature of shows the site map with the headings. For example regularly it would be expanding the green belt The Comma, so do please send an article to me at “Species” now shows Photographs, Distribution, Population worth doing a news on their fields and adding [email protected] - Editor. Trends, Phenology, Life Cycle and Caterpillar food plants. blog with regular Essex Skipper It also contains “Best places to see”, which is linked to a updates about what is “Sites Section”. This section includes habitat photographs, going on, such as can Openstreet maps, Google mapping and a list of species. be seen on the Grafton Orange-tip Spring Transect There are sections on Recording with all the latest news on Wood blog and the (Roger Wasley) Casual Recording and Transects. You can access iRecord Prees Heath website. We can also add any research and directly from the Recording timed recordings done by members in our Reports section. So easy to identify, tiles and add your latest those bright corners sightings. The system is Moth section visible at fifty yards so flexible that it can be Further development is planned. We are hoping to So common this year, developed as we wish. create a moth section similar to the one run by the by far the most Staffordshire Moth Group, giving distribution and details in April and May More sites of moth species. We also hope to add a members’ We need the help of photograph gallery for each species. So delicate the green members. We need more One snag we have encountered is that, because the and white, almost a chequerboard, a tweed sites – your favourite place system is written in the latest software, it will not work in the West Midlands with Windows XP, which is no longer supported by So much rarer, where you go to see Microsoft. If we can fix this we will, but all other systems the female, uncertain, butterflies, with habitat seem to work. During 2017 Chris Morgan accompanied his wife the orange not orange photographs and details Pauline on three regular transect walks in Hall Green, of the site. Send any Article by John Tilt Birmingham, providing the motivation for this poem. By Chris Morgan If you have any ideas that you would like to be included contact [email protected]

12 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 13 Butterfly bunds (Pat Rowland) Butterfly bunds under construction (Pat Rowland)

Small Copper (Steve Rowland) Creating a Butterfly Bund Path on the Common (Pat Rowland)

Pat Rowland shows what suggested we start to keep records Billesley Common. A butterfly bund but it’s a start! dedicated volunteers can of the butterflies and dragonflies was described to us and it seemed During the next year we will be that were now being attracted. In that we had a suitable south facing more selective in what we want achieve 2013 we began to identify and slope, and all we needed was the growing on them. We were delighted or over ten years, members of record a variety of species of wherewithal to build it. to see two Small Coppers warming FThe Valley Riverside Project have butterflies that were enjoying the themselves on the clay that forms part observed and recorded the local range of wild flowers growing on Scatter seeds of the bunds. We plan to use the birds visiting the Site of Local our conservation site. Working with the City Council clay & pebbles at the base of the Importance for Nature Conservation We were soon to learn of the Rangers, an application was made bunds and we have been collecting (SLINC) area on Billesley Common, general decline in butterflies and to the Birmingham Municipal Trust suitable seeds, including Bird's-foot Birmingham. Having recently created began to ask what we could do to for funds to hire a team to dig out Trefoil, Kidney Vetch, Common Flowers on the bunds (Pat Rowland) a wetland area, the City Ranger encourage more to breed on another scrape and create two Milkwort, Sheep’s Sorrel etc. 1metre high mounds of earth. Earlier meadow and generally improving equipment, installed benches, bins, this year we received £1,000 from Conservation volunteers the site for local people and information boards etc. the Trust and work began in May to We are a team of about 15 wildlife. Since 2006 we have make another wetland scrape, to conservation volunteers which meet successfully raised £42,000 Advice and support create the two bunds and to raise monthly to undertake a variety of through a range of trusts and We are all novices as far as the path through the wetland area. conservation work that includes charities. This has been used to butterflies are concerned and so This also attracts butterflies to bask. litter picking, checking the water lay paths across the area which any advice and support would be We invited local people to scatter quality of the Haunch Brook, has made the Common more most welcome. I can be contacted seeds onto the bunds, and lo and clearing brambles, maintaining the accessible and welcoming. We at [email protected] behold last autumn a range of woodland area, scything the small have also purchased litter picking flowers appeared. Not necessarily Article by Pat Rowland on behalf The volunteer team (Pat Rowland) ones that we would have chosen, PS see us on Facebook and Twitter ‘ Friends of Billesley Common’ of The Valley Riverside Project

14 the Comma Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Mike Winter 2017/2018 15 Williams) or three leaves together and feeds that it favoured edge habitat rather species in the UK, were recorded from within the chamber, eating just than the open areas of the mosses, on Fenn’s Moss by Mike the inner leaf surface when small and shelter may be a factor in this Sokolowski, and eleven Moths of the Mosses and later eating through the leaf. It regard, although more open areas Manchester Treble-bars, Carsia sororiata Assessing the fortunes of feeds among the terminal leaves of are known to have been used in , were recorded on bog myrtle shoots in the same way. past years. Several of the records Whixall Moss. Seven larvae of the some of our rarest and most It overwinters as pupae, which were from the disused railway line micro-moth tineana were beautiful species have been found in moss or plant at Fenn’s Moss. Ensuring a supply also recorded, as well as a debris at the base of trees in of suitable in future vacated female larval case of n 2016 the Meres and Mosses woodland and bog myrtle on management will be vital, although fusca - the mosses are ILandscape Partnership Scheme, moorland. the moth can often be seen well the only confirmed sites for both funded by the Heritage Lottery away from suitable breeding these species in England and Fund, initiated a project to assess The project habitat. Wales. the status of the Argent & Sable The aims of the project included: As well as the Argent & Sable, moth, Rheumaptera hastata, in the • Carrying out surveys and during the survey two Forester 2017 - a better year Meres and Mosses area, which in Argent & Sable (Lucy Lewis) habitat assessments for the Argent moths, Adscita statices, a declining Although 2016 was a poor year in our region includes parts of North & Sable many ways, 2017 proved to be just Shropshire and Staffordshire. It Haugh Wood and Queen’s Wood. • Providing training to enable the opposite. Stephen Barlow and Argent & Sable larval tent was led by Dave Green under In Worcestershire it managed to volunteers to conduct surveys Mike Sokolowski recorded 14 (Stephen Lewis) the direction of Jenny Joy, BC’s hang on a bit longer, until 2002, • Holding a feedback event at Argent & Sable on Whixall Moss on Senior Regional Officer. The when it was last recorded in the the end of the project one day on a transect. Purple- project centred on Fenn’s, Whixall Wyre Forest, although it was bordered Gold, Idaea muricata, and Bettisfield Mosses National recorded in at least nine woodland The initial training workshop was and Manchester Treble-bar, have Nature Reserve, which at nearly sites in Worcestershire in the 19th well attended, and around 30 also been seen in good numbers. 1,000 hectares in size, is the century, and in fewer sites up to people were involved in surveys or Somewhat bizarrely, Stephen third largest lowland raised bog 1948. It was seen at Postenplain in workshops during the project. From managed to photograph an Argent in Britain, and it supports nearly the Shropshire part of Wyre in the outset it has to be said that & Sable on a Rhododendron flower 2,000 invertebrate species. 1998, but there are no records nationally 2016 was a poor year on the edge of the mosses. Despite Argent & Sable formerly Sterrhopterix fusca larval case since then. In Staffordshire it for the Argent & Sable, so the much searching, however, Argent & occurred throughout most of (Stephen Lewis) continues to be present in several survey results have to be viewed in Sable was not recorded on the England and Wales, the southern areas, including Chartley Moss and this context. 16 adults were known site near Church Stretton. uplands, the north-west of Scotland Churnet Valley. recorded on Fenn’s, Whixall, of Butterfly Argent & Sable larva George Tordoff and the Hebrides. It has declined (Dave Green) Bettisfield and Wem Mosses in Conservation Wales (the reserve greatly throughout much of England Foodplants Shropshire, and 11 larvae. In straddles the England/Wales border) and Wales where recent surveys The Argent & Sable flies by day in Staffordshire 1 adult and 1 larva spent 5 days at Fenn’s, Whixall and have confirmed this to be a warm sunny weather between May were recorded at Chartley Moss Ancylis tineana (Dave Grundy) highly localised species, with a and early July, with northern and 2 adults at Coombes Valley. At CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 handful of populations found in moorland populations flying later in a known site near Church Stretton Somerset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, the year. The larva feeds on Silver in south Shropshire none were Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Birch Betula pendula, Downy Birch, recorded despite considerable Merionethshire, Caernarvonshire, as the species is probably under Betula pubescens or Bog Myrtle, searching. Brown Moss in Yorkshire and Cumbria. Its status in recorded. Myrica gale. In some years willows Shropshire, very close to Prees Warwickshire and Derbyshire is In our region, apart from in Salix sp. may occasionally be used. Heath, was considered to have the uncertain. There is evidence that the Shropshire and Staffordshire, the Eggs are laid singly on the potential to provide suitable habitat decline is continuing and just 16 moth was last recorded in underside of leaves of Birch in future years given sufficient areas sites in England have been Herefordshire in 2000, having generally less than one metre tall or of early successional birch. confirmed since 2010. In north- been recorded most years by on bog myrtle, growing in full sun. It was apparent from where on Training event at Whixall Moss May 2016 (Stephen Lewis) west Scotland its status is less clear Michel Harper from 1986 in On Birch the larva spins one, two the mosses the moth was recorded

16 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 17 Forestry Commission Contract Extended Butterfly Conservation’s contract with the Forestry Commission is to be extended for the next five years and will cover more areas of the UK

n August 2017 Butterfly Conservation was invited to Ian’s priorities, aside from timber production, were Itender for a contract to deliver the conservation of education and conservation so any new staff appointed butterflies in the West of England and has recently heard quickly engaged with this ethos. FC staff frequently that its tender has been successful. The new contract is for planned to create glades, scallops and box junctions in around £100K over 5 years and has been extended to appropriate places without even being asked! Manchester Treble-bar Argent & Sable on cover the whole of the west of England. This means (Stephen Barlow) Rhododendron (Stephen Barlow) Butterfly Conservation will be covering parts of the UK they Conservation work have not really worked in much before and have the A number of successful funding applications were CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 surprisingly unfussy with regard to its This moth and Argent & Sable, opportunity to work with foresters in more of our existing developed to undertake conservation work on priority habitat requirements. Cases were Purple-bordered Gold, Manchester priority woodlands, as well as working on new sites. sites such as Back to Orange at the Wyre Forest and SITA Bettisfield Mosses in July as part of the found in areas of both dry and wet Treble-bar and Marsh Oblique- funded projects in Herefordshire and south Shropshire. £5 million five year European Union bog, in both sheltered locations close barred, Hypenodes humidalis, are Absolutely delighted In 2007, this work was formalised on a national level by and Heritage Lottery funded Marches to the bog margin as well as more all listed as Nationally Scarce B Jenny Joy, Senior Regional Officer for the West the production of a joint conservation strategy which ran Mosses Bog LIFE Project to enhance exposed locations on the open bog, (recorded in 31-100 10km squares Midlands, who was involved in ensuring the success of from 2007 to 2017. Regionally, in 2012 the FC offered the mosses and purchase more land. and on a range of host plants. in Britain since 1980). the tender, said “We are absolutely delighted to receive a five-year contract to enable Butterfly Conservation to 20 Argent & Sable larval tents were However, no cases were found in One aspect of the LIFE project is to this new grant which will mean that we shall be able to work across 19 sites containing key species like Argent found, all on Downy Birch. Most of areas of secondary woodland, both remove Birch scrub from the mosses continue our close working relationship with the Forestry & Sable, Drab Looper, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small the larval tents were found on dry dry and wet, as all cases were in and to raise the water table, both of Commission at a regional level and continue to work Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Wood White. Together, this bog with some wetter peat cut areas open, unshaded situations. Only one which could adversely affect the together to achieve further gains for butterflies and moths. partnership has led to many very positive outcomes for and an abundance of small Birch case was found to contain an active suitable habitat for Argent & Sable. We are really grateful to the Forestry Commission for butterflies and moths including: trees. Elsewhere, larvae were found larva, on a Birch leaf on Whixall The timing of any work is also making our ongoing working relationship such a positive • More direct conservation work on the ground at a low density in areas close to the Moss. It was photographed and, if important so as not to disrupt the one and particularly to our FC colleagues Rebecca • More people engaged with work in FC woodlands wooded edge of the bog. No larvae you look closely, you can just see the egg-laying and larval stages of the Wilson, Richard Boles, Phil Rudlin, Kate Wollen, • Habitat management advice which has proven were found in more exposed open black head of the larva poking out. Argent & Sable from June to leaf Alan Reid and Lorne Campbell for all their support “. to work bog conditions, despite Birch being George also collected larval fall, as well as the need to maintain • Successful fundraising effort which has brought present, as was found to be the case spinnings on Birch of the rare micro- some taller trees to provide shelter. Partnership projects in significant funds for conservation work in in 2016. moth Ancylis tineana, which These aspects are particularly Butterfly Conservation West Midlands has had a very FC woodlands produced two adults a couple of important regarding the area of close working relationship with the Forestry Commission • More local support and understanding when Unfussy months later, thereby confirming the Whixall Moss where most of the locally for many years especially in the Wyre Forest but issues arise George’s survey included searching presence of this species. Both Argent & Sable cases were found. also through partnership projects, involving the FC, The new contract will enable Ian’s legacy to continue into for larval cases of the rare psychid Sterrhopterix fusca and Ancylis Ongoing monitoring of the larval targeting Wood White sites in Herefordshire and Shrop- the future with new targets being developed to meet the moth Sterrhopterix fusca. The moth tineana are proposed Red Data Book stages will be required in those areas shire. This partnership developed particularly during the changing needs of butterflies and moths. larva makes a case, usually on Birch species. The Silvery Arches moth, where restoration work is carried out. period Ian Hickman was Forest District Manager for the or Heather. 58 vacated cases were another secondary target of the Marches District during the 1990s and up until 2012. Article by Jenny Joy and Mike Williams found, with the highest density on survey, was not recorded during light By the editor, with thanks to Dave Bettisfield Moss. Considering the trapping, possibly because the Green and George Tordoff for rarity of this species the moth appears flight season had already finished. permission to summarise their reports, to Stephen Mitchell of the Shropshire Moth Group for his assistance in writing this article, to Tony Jacques, the Shropshire Moth Group and to the many people who helped in the Ian Hickman's retirement party Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Mike Williams) surveys in 2016 and 2017. Drab Looper (Dave Green) (Rosemary Winnall)

18 the Comma Autumn 2017 19 Siege Wood volunteers

Himalaya view Wood White at Mortimer Forest Wood White Work Butterflying in Indian Tortoiseshell Rhona Goddard provides Work parties an update on this project There are a number of conservation days planned for early 2018. The first pages for more events – Ed.) spent a great day in November at work party of the year will be held at the North-east Himalaya ISiege Wood in Herefordshire with Wigmore Rolls near Ludlow on the Monitoring Liz and Mark (the owners) and 21st January, and the second will be If winter work parties are not really Tony Moore goes on a solo that – a motley collection of fixed bread, I'd ever eaten, all for 85p! members of the Ledbury Naturalist a joint work party with Herefordshire for you, perhaps you would like to trip to Lama Camp in tents and shacks – with a There were several Indian Aglais cashminensis Group. Thanks to all for their efforts. Wildlife Trust on the 6th February, at join me and other volunteers next Arunachal Pradesh phenomenal view 10 km down the Tortoiseshells, , The group spent the day extending a one of their nature reserves in the summer to monitor butterfly valley to Tenga. nectaring outside. These are very woodland ride and enlarging a Woolhope Dome area. We will also populations at Blakeridge Wood (a y trip started well when I was like our Small Tortoiseshell, but glade, specifically for the Wood be working at Bury Ditches near Wood White reintroduction site) Mbumped up to Business Class High level species with more contrast, and with a White. During a site visit to Siege Bishop’s Castle on the 18th February, and Mortimer Forest. Both these sites for the flight to Delhi. Instead of It was, actually, a bit spartan for my more elongated wing shape, Wood this summer I was really when we are hoping the Forestry support a variety of butterfly species, languishing cramped in 'cattle old bones. Cold, no electricity especially the females. pleased to see a female Wood Commission will be providing a including the Wood White, and class' for nine hours, hoping that (except for battery charge), no White egg-laying in an area cleared barbeque. All welcome. basic butterfly ID training will be the world might end prematurely, I running water or showers, hole-in- Down the track by volunteers during the previous provided, which I hope will also was seated in luxury, being plied the-ground bog, no beer and veg At the camp, it was cloudy and winter. Approximately 30 Wood Anniversary include how to find the tiny Wood with champagne by stewards, prior curry three times a day. rainy the first day and I didn't see White butterflies were recorded at 2018 is Butterfly Conservation’s White eggs! to an excellent dinner and seven After a couple of days it did a single butterfly. The next morning Siege Wood this year, and it is great 50th anniversary. In celebration hours sleep in a proper bed. Pretty assume a quaint charm, albeit was bright and clear and I set off to see Wood White numbers of this we are holding a national Symposium damn good! I flew straight on to somewhat forced. The main down the track. This proved to be responding to recent habitat works. Day of Conservation Action on Butterfly Conservation’s eighth Guwahati, where I stayed the night problem was that it was very early something of a Puncharium, with Thanks to all for the records. Saturday 10th March. As part of international symposium will be held before the 10 hour, 380 km trip up season and there weren't many this celebration, I will be leading a at Southampton University in April. to Lama. My driver arrived at 7 a.m. butterflies about. However, most of CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 conservation work party at Bury To highlight the Wood White Project the next morning, and off we went. those I did see were in pristine Ditches to benefit the Wood White I am hoping to attend, and maybe Once in the mountains, the road condition. There were some very butterfly population. If you would present a talk. For further information became very hairy indeed, interesting, high level species, like to join us to help celebrate about the symposium please visit especially the last 20 km of rocky although most were seen on the our 50th year, please call me on www.butterfly-conservation.org track up the side of a cliff to Lama. sandy track which ran through the 01746 762364 or email me We were regularly no more than a camp, with little opportunity for at rgoddard@butterfly-conservation. By Rhona Goddard, with thanks to tyre's width from a near vertical, creative photography. My first org (The Branch is holding events the Heritage Lottery Fund and their unprotected drop of several butterflies were on the way up, on both Saturday 10th and Sunday players, and to the Shropshire Hills hundred metres. Those of a nervous where we stopped for a bite at a Woodland ride and glade at 11th March as a Weekend of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. disposition should probably give it wayside café – dahl curry and the Siege Wood November 2017 Action - see Dates for your Diary All photos by Rhona Goddard. a miss! The camp proved to be just most delicious puris, a deep fried View to Tenga

20 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 21 Mixed Punch Green Sapphire Powdery Green Sapphire Common Windmill around the treetops, but often had no idea what I was turned out to be a Green settled, it was a gorgeous golden around. This has to be the most there they stayed. Still, pretty eating, it was universally very Sapphire Heliophorus androcles. I brown! It proved to be a Blue elegant and beautiful of the Tigers good for a first proper day. good. However, after four days of also spotted Eastern Veined Forester, Lethe scanda. From the with the chestnut suffusion on the Lama is mainly known as a veggie food, I jokingly suggested Labyrinth Neope pulaha. There photograph alone one might hindwings. Unfortunately, they were CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 mecca for birders, being second that I would be happy with a are several Neopes in India, but wonder why it was called a Blue. very jumpy and I was unable to get only to the Andes in species live chicken for dinner. I was the most are very characteristically a reasonable shot. While chasing diversity according to a local only visitor at the time and Ami marked and quite different. Windmill them around I nearly stepped on a four species of Punch seen: researcher. Certainly, the place reappeared ten minutes later, I thought that was my butterflying stunning fresh Tabby, Pseudergolis Lesser, Tailed, Orange, and rang with birdsong, day and night. saying ''Are you liking mutton?''. An Blues finished as my transport back to wedah. And then, to crown it all, a Mixed. Sadly, no Plum Judy to I did manage a photo of a Scarlet hour later I was tucking into an I was now starting to really enjoy Guwahati was coming at 7 a.m. Common Windmill, Byasa keep them company. The first few Minivet, which was just about in excellent lamb and mushroom the experience, especially when I the next day. It tipped with rain all polyeuctes, dropped down for a that I saw all had closed wings, range of my 105mm lens. curry. awoke one morning with a fine night and on the way down the salt lunch. and it was a surprise to find that Most of the butterflying consisted view of the distant Himalaya. My next day there was a massive Those were three that I didn't they were Riodininae, rather than Sapphires of slowly walking up and down the last day dawned fine and sunny, landslip and the road was all but expect, putting a real gloss on a very Lycaenids. As soon as there were After a first breakfast of warmed mountain tracks, trying to find stuff and after my mandatory veg curry, obliterated. The road guys had interesting holiday. It was, however, open winged ones, they looked western style sliced bread, before it saw me. Quite a rare little I mooched off down the track. The been working through the night, but also a case of you win some and… very 'Dukey'. There was also a sprinkled with sugar, I managed to butterfly, the Powdery Green first new species was a very pale we were still held up for 50 …the one species that would have Plain Sulphur, Dercas lycorias. convince Ami, our cook, that I Sapphire, Heliophoros tamu, Blue. It was Albocaerulean Blue minutes. This proved to be a really put the icing on the butterfly There were a few tiny, rather would prefer Indian food. showed both upper and lower Udara albocaerule, very unusual, blessing in disguise as there was cake, the spectacular Bhutan hairy Blues, which proved to be Thereafter I had the most delicious surfaces. An underside shot of especially in India. My day ended lots of lovely fresh damp sand Glory, Bhutanitis lidderdalii, just Darjeeling Straightwing Blues, parothas, chapatis and puris. Only another Sapphire, which looks with a butterfly which appeared to about. The camera was quickly out wasn’t to be seen. Orthomiella pontis. A few Helens vegetarian food was allowed very similar, but which had be deep shining blue/black as it as there were several Chestnut and Windmills were floating on the campsite, but although I shining blue/green uppersides, flew around my legs. When it Tigers, Parantica sita, floating Article and photos by Tony Moore

Scarlet Minivet Pansy Albocaerulean Blue Tabby

22 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 23 Vacated pupa case attached to side of old wooden table (Mike Poulton)

Close-up of Puss Moth flagellae (Mike Poulton) pond. To her surprise, there in front of her, floating lifeless in the water, was a large green caterpillar. The forlorn creature was quickly scooped out and placed on the path to show Rob when he returned from work, however, after a minute or two lying there motionless, it began to move and started to crawl off. She quickly Puss Moths mating (Julia Morris) found a suitable container together with leaves from various plants around the garden. By now she had concluded that what she had found Puss Moths in an was a Puss Moth caterpillar, but she had no idea where it had come from or what it ate. Had this creature crawled here from one of the Urban Garden Puss Moth caterpillar in disturbed posture, with raised head and neighbour’s gardens? When Rob pinkish flagellae extending from the twin tails (Mike Poulton) returned, and after researching Puss Puss Moth Cerura of the other houses along their road, garden pond, and, once installed, Moths on the internet, she was vinula (Mike Poulton) sacrificing the small front garden marginal and submerged aquatics a quick sale, this was too good an nearer to the house so that birds confident that it must have come from has enabled them to get their car off were planted, and the pond was offer to pass by. One of them, landing in it could easily be seen one of the willows in their own It all started when a large the busy road left for nature to take its course. labelled as ‘American Willow’, had from the kitchen window. garden. The search began for more green caterpillar was At the rear, the south-facing Wildlife-attracting shrubs and been grown as a ‘standard’, with caterpillars. The obvious first place garden slopes gently upwards perennials were introduced to the ‘American Willow’ top grafted In the pond to look was on the native willow they found in a pond… to meet the boundary fence the garden, including a on to a hardy, more vigorous We now move this story forward to had planted along the fence line, but ulia and Rob are passionate of the garden of the Wildlife- Buddleia and a native rootstock. The other, a ‘Contorted 2008 and the garden is maturing this drew a blank. The American Jabout wildlife. They live on the house in the next road. attracting shrubs willow along the fence- Willow’, they were informed, was nicely, with butterflies, bees and Willow overhanging the pond, and northern side of the Rowley Hills in A small lawn near the and perennials line to help to screen off "perfect for small gardens as it many other invertebrates regularly the nearest to where the caterpillar a semi-detached house along a bus back door is for the were introduced the neighbouring garden. never achieved much of a size”. visiting. The pond is full of aquatic had been found floating on the route road on the sprawling Rowley convenience of their two to the garden Julia has always been Back home the American Willow creatures, including damselflies and water was next, and within a few Regis housing estate. They have an rather large but very very fond of willows, so was found a spot next to the pond dragonflies which are already using minutes of searching, several Puss average-sized garden, not overly friendly dogs, and the remaining when an opportunity presented so that its weeping branches would it for breeding. One warm summer’s Moth caterpillars in various stages of large, but bigger than the postage- garden has been set aside for itself at their local plant nursery to help to shade the water-surface afternoon Julia had gone into the growth were discovered on the stamp sized gardens of today’s wildlife. When they moved here in purchase two sorry-looking, pot- during hot summer days, and the garden as she often did after work, modern housing, and, like so many 2006 high on the agenda was a bound plants, reduced in price for Contorted Willow was planted and was staring inquisitively into the CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

24 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 25 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Telford Butterfly Recorders Group in 2017 undersides of partly eaten leaves. Chris Littlewood reports on the group’s In the weeks that followed further 2017 activities searches were carried out, and eggs and caterpillars were found hen we held our initial meeting in February we on both the American and Waimed to hold three field trips during the spring Contorted Willow. From then on, and summer to get experienced and new recorders after returning from work and together and give them practical experience of feeding the dogs, it was straight up recording on a variety of sites. We picked three very the garden to check on the Puss different sites, invited everyone, but each afternoon was Ringlets (Lucy Lewis) Moth caterpillars. miserable and overcast. The sun did not shine! However, they soon discovered However, all was not lost. People met up, contacts Sites visited: to their dismay that smaller were made, emails exchanged and the few butterflies Rough Park caterpillars were vulnerable to Well camouflaged Puss Moth we did find were caught, potted, identified and SJ675048 predation, birds being the usually caterpillar on willow shoot Puss Moth caterpillar feeding discussed. At our last outing on Beeches Field, six 27th May. Overcast.13C and a cold wind. culprits, although wasps and even (Mike Poulton) (Julia Morris) children arrived with parents and grandparents. The 2 Speckled Wood. Harlequin ladybirds also took their children proved extremely nimble, bounding through the toll. The caterpillars that survived reinforced with fragments of wood - long grasses and netting specimens for everyone to see Redhill Ecology Park, St Georges, this early onslaught, once they an old wooden table in their garden - they had a terrific time. SJ710114 reached a certain size, were is often used. After spending the So, in spite of zero warmth and sunshine, we can 25th June. Overcast. 15C. Drizzling. generally left alone. By now, winter in the cocoon they emerge claim a measure of success, enough to make us think 21 Ringlet. feeling quite protective and the following spring to start the we may well repeat the process this year. 4 Small Heath. responsible, whenever tiny cycle once again. In some years 10 Meadow Brown. caterpillars appeared on the predation takes a heavy toll, but Article by Chris Littlewood 25 Six-spot Burnet. American Willow, a net curtain generally enough survive to maturity, would be draped over the bush. ensuring there will be moths again Telford Recorders at Redhill (Louise Bremner) Beeches Field, Ironbridge This somewhat unorthodox the following year. SJ675038 Vacated Puss Moth eggs and conservation measure undoubtedly Puss Moths are not the only moth 6th August. Overcast. 16C. newly emerged caterpillars helped to protect the caterpillars with exclusive rights to the willows (Julia Morris) 12 Meadow Brown. when they were most vulnerable, in their garden. They also get Eyed 6 Gatekeeper. because every year since then Puss Hawkmoth, and in 2009 5 Common Blue. Moth caterpillars have been found Vapourer Moth caterpillars were be lurking in the foliage. You could 3 Small Skipper. on the two willows. all over the American Willow and be in for a surprise. 1 Small Heath. By careful observation many of the other shrubs in …….and in case you were 2 Small Copper. and photographing the Puss Moths the garden. Julia and wondering what happened to the various stages of the are not the only Rob’s efforts to protect the caterpillar that was rescued from Speckled Wood (Lucy Lewis) Puss Moth's life cycle moths with exclusive Puss Moths must be the pond that started all of this off – in their garden, Julia rights to the commended, especially it went on to pupate on a piece of and Rob have concluded willows in their as the moth population in old fence post in their garden, but that, once hatched, the garden this country in general alas, never emerged the following young caterpillars quickly disperse appears to be decreasing. But spring. and feed almost constantly for how unusual is it to find Puss Moths The photographs were all taken around four weeks, passing through in an urban garden using non- in Julia and Rob’s garden and show at least five moults until fully grown. native willows as their food plant I various stages in the life-cycle of the They then crawl off the food plant wonder? Are there willows in your Puss Moth. The group welcomes new members. Anyone interested in joining should contact to find a suitable log or piece of garden? If so, maybe it’s time to Chris Littlewood at [email protected] wood on which to spin a cocoon take a closer look to see what might Article by Mike Poulton

26 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 27 Honeybourne Work Party Prees Heath Common Reserve Dates for your diary Sunday 11th March. Meet at 10am at the bridge Silver-studded Blue Guided Walk above the disused railway (GR SP127441) on the and Reserve Open Day road between Honeybourne and Mickleton to Sunday 1st July at 2.00pm. Former RAF work on the Grizzled Skipper site. Contact Peter control tower open 10.30am – 4.00pm. Meet Meet at 10.00am at the northern Cwm Hill end of Seal on 01905 426398 or at on the access track off the A49 opposite the Steel Help to celebrate Butterfly Ewyas Harold Common adjacent to the top cattle [email protected] Heath turning. Contact Stephen Lewis on 07900 Conservation’s 50th Anniversary at the grid. Grid Ref SO382302. Approach from Abbey 886809 or at [email protected] Weekend of Action Events – Saturday Dore off the B4347 at Grid Ref SO384306. Malvern Grayling Work Parties 10th March & Sunday 11th March Some hand tools will be provided, but bring your Monday 15th January & Monday 12th Prees Heath Common Reserve Work Parties See details of work parties being held at own if you have them. Please bring gloves, February. Meet at 10:00am in North Hill Wednesday 10th January, Saturday 10th Bury Ditches, Honeybourne, Prees Heath, packed lunch and a drink. Contact for the Quarry Car Park. Grid Ref SO7711846931 March & Wednesday 27th June at 10.30am. Ewyas Harold and Wyre Forest. Tuesday working parties is Lucy Morton, & Post Code WR14 4LT. Mid morning refreshments Meet on the access track off the A49 opposite the Reserves Officer, on 07503 220191 or at and cakes available but bring your own lunch if Steel Heath turning. Contact Stephen Lewis on Also our Reserve Open Days – Sunday, [email protected] and you stay for the afternoon. 07900 886809 or at [email protected] 3rd June, Sunday, 1st July and Sue Young for the Saturday work parties on Contact Mel Mason on 01684 565700 or at Saturday, 14th July See details below. 01981 240776. [email protected] Scarlet Tiger Project Work Parties, Roman Road, Stourbridge Grafton Wood Brown Hairstreak Monkwood Guided Walk and Reserve Every third Friday of the month up to and Moth Recorders’ Meeting Egg Search Open Day including March. Meet at 10.00am at a location Saturday, 27th January. 10.00am – 3.45pm Saturday, 27th January. Meet 10.00 am at Sunday 3rd June at 2.00pm. A walk around the as stated on the notice board at the north end of at the Birmingham and Midland Institute, 9 Grafton Flyford church. Contact Simon Primrose wood, mainly to see the re-introduced Wood Roman Road. Contact Joy Stevens on 01384 Margaret Street, Birmingham. Book in advance on 07952 260153 or at Whites, led by Peter Seal. Charge of £3.00 for 372397 or at [email protected] at www.butterfly-conservation.org [email protected] adults and £1.50 for children. Meet in the reserve car park. Telford Butterfly Recorders Group Meeting Butterfly Recorders’ Meeting Grafton Wood Work Parties Contact Peter Seal on 01905 426398 or at Wednesday 14th February at 7.00pm. Guest Saturday, 24th March. 10.00am – 4.00pm at Every Wednesday. Meet at 10.00am at Grafton [email protected] speaker: John Tilt on iRecord. Meet at the offices the Birmingham and Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Flyford Church. Contact John Tilt on 01386 Sunday, 24th June at 11.00 am. Guided of Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, Darby Road, Street, Birmingham. Book in advance at 792458 or at [email protected] butterfly walk led by Mike Williams. Meet in the Coalbrookdale, Telford, TF8 7EP. www.butterfly-conservation.org reserve car park. Contact Mike Williams on Contact Chris Littlewood at Haugh Wood Work Parties 01299 824860 or [email protected] [email protected] Butterflies of the Malvern Hills ID course Saturday 3rd February and Saturday 3rd Sunday, 15th July 10.00am – 3.00pm. From March. Meet at 10.00am at Haugh Wood FC Monkwood Work Parties Trench Wood Guided Walk and Reserve Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns to Marbled car park on the minor road from Mordiford to Third Thursday in the month up to and Open Day Whites and Small & Essex Skippers and more. Woolhope. Grid Ref SO597365. Contact Kate including March, starting at 10.00am. Meet in Saturday, 14th July at 11.00 am. Meet at the Led by Mike Williams and ideal for beginners. Wollen on 07786 526280 or Robin Hemming the reserve car park. reserve car park Grid Ref SO930588 for a Big A Worcestershire Wildlife Trust event. Advance on 01568 797351 Contact George Groves on 01905 620721 or Butterfly Count. Contact Peter Seal on 01905 booking required. Contact Ray Howard- at [email protected] 426398 or at [email protected] Louvaine on 01905 754919 or at Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, [email protected] Aymestrey Branch Penny Hill Landfill Site Work Parties Trench Wood Work Parties Thursday 25th January at 7,30pm at Aymestrey Sunday 21st January & Sunday 28th January Every Thursday at 9.30am and the fourth Ewyas Harold Meadows & Common Village Hall. Talk: "Butterfly Conservation: Nature at 10.00am. Meet at the site entrance off Pudford Sunday of the month at 10.00am up to and Work Parties Reserves and Conservation in Herefordshire”, by Lane, Hillside, Martley. Grid Ref SO752613. including March. Meet at the reserve car park. Saturdays: 20th January, 17th February, Lucy Morton, BC Reserves Officer. Contact Lucy Contact Mike Williams on 01299 824860 or at Grid Ref SO930588. Contact John Holder on 10th March, 17th March and 14th April. Morton on 01568 782244 or at [email protected] 01905 794854 or at [email protected] Tuesdays: 6th February and 6th March. [email protected] CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

28 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 29 Committee Members and Officers

Dates for your diary cont’d Chairman Peter Seal [email protected] 01905 426398 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 Vice Chairman & Conservation Officer Mike Southall [email protected] 01299 251467 Treasurer Wyre Forest Work Parties Lucy Lewis [email protected] 07840 530270 Second Sunday of the month up to Branch Secretary and including March, also Wednesday, Joy Stevens [email protected] 01384 372397 Regional Officers 17th January. Meet at 10.00am at Dr Jenny Joy (Senior Regional Officer) [email protected] 01952 249325 Earnwood Copse car park on the B4194 Rhona Goddard (& Wood White Project Officer) [email protected] 01746 762364 Bewdley to Kinlet road. Grid Ref SO744784. Records Contact Mike Williams on 01299 824860 White Admiral Branch Recording Co-ordinator – John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 or at [email protected] – Birmingham & Black Country - Richard Southwell [email protected] 01384 397066 – Herefordshire – Bob Hall & Ian Draycott [email protected] 01432 850623 – Shropshire – Tony Jacques [email protected] 01952 882096 Wood White Project Work Parties Project at Severn – Staffordshire – John Bryan [email protected] Please contact Rhona Goddard if you – Worcestershire – Mike Williams & Mel Mason [email protected] 01299 824860 plan to come to any of these work Valley Country Park Transects parties on 01746 762364 or at John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 [email protected] At Severn Valley Country Park volunteer John Freshney Reserve Managers made an observation that there are no records of White Ewyas Harold - Ian Hart [email protected] 01981 510259 All work parties take place from Admiral butterflies. At Dudmaston and Wyre Forest, a Grafton Wood - John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 10.30am to 3.30pm. short distance away, however, White Admirals are Monkwood - George Groves [email protected] 01905 620721 recorded annually in good numbers. John observed that Prees Heath - Stephen Lewis [email protected] 07900 886809 Siege Wood Trench Wood - John Holder [email protected] 01905 794854 both bramble, which is the adult butterfly’s main nectar Thursday, 11th January. Conservation Officers plant, and honeysuckle, which is the larval foodplant, pos- Meet at Siege Wood car park. Grid Ref Worcestershire - Trevor Bucknall [email protected] 01905 755757 sibly need to be growing in close proximity to each other. Herefordshire - Ian Hart [email protected] 01981 510259 SO605343. In Severn Valley Country Park both the bramble and hon- Moth Officers eysuckle occur but often not close to each other. Bham & the Black Country - David Jackson [email protected] 01902 344716 Wigmore Rolls During late spring of 2017, John & Jane Freshney Herefordshire - Robin Hemming [email protected] 01568 797351 Sunday 21st January. collected honeysuckle cuttings from Stanmore Country Worcestershire - Mike Southall [email protected] 01299 251467 Meet at the site entrance on the minor Park. The cuttings were taken to Severn Valley Country County Leaders road leading west from Wigmore village. Park where they were planted in pots of compost, watered North Staffordshire - John Bryan [email protected] 01782 541870 Central Staffordshire - Robert Winstanley [email protected] 01889 576768 Grid Ref SO397688. and placed in a secure place in the shade to prevent them South Staffordshire - David Jackson [email protected] 01902 344716 drying out. Virtually every cutting produced roots, and by Herefordshire - Dean Fenton [email protected] 01568 611575 Woolhope Dome area early autumn they were ready to be planted out. Malvern Hills - Mel Mason [email protected] 01684 565700 Tuesday 6th February. On 31 October, John, Jane and I set out to plant nearly Brown Hairstreak Champion Joint work party with Herefordshire Wildlife 100 Honeysuckle plants in groups near to patches of Simon Primrose [email protected] 07952 260153 Committee Members Trust – exact venue to be decided. bramble in the Severn Valley Country Park. The area cho- Steven Williams [email protected] 07974 152081 sen was between the River Severn and the wooded area Publicity and Marketing Officer Bury Ditches which is not coppiced between Colliery Bridge and Pitts Mike Williams [email protected] 01299 824860 Sunday 18th February & Island. Magazine Editor Stephen Lewis [email protected] 07900 886809 Saturday 10th March. We now wait. It may not work but we believe it is an exercise which is well worth trying, and it may be Magazine Design and Production Meet at Bury Ditches car park. Grid Ref repeated and extended. Nothing ventured, nothing Trish Connolly Morgan [email protected] 01939 220776 SO331837. Take the right hand turning Website coordinator gained. What a joy it would be to see White Admirals at opposite the Crown Inn pub, post code John Tilt [email protected] 01386 792458 Severn Valley Country Park. SY7 0HU, in Clunton village, signposted Wider Countryside Butterfly Count Co-ordinator Vacant If you can help in this important role please contact Peter Seal to Bury Ditches Hill Fort. Article by Bill Watkins Link Trustee Roger Dobbs 30 the Comma Winter 2017/2018 31 breeze, where it overwinters as an egg. It has been recorded at rest during the daytime on tree trunks and walls, and it also comes to sugar and light.

Going north It was a resident British species in the middle of the 20th century in certain parts of Norfolk and Kent and then disappeared, but it has now become resident again in southern England since around 2007, in Hampshire, the Isle of Clifden Nonpareil (Kenneth Willetts) Wight, south Wiltshire, Dorset, Sussex and Kent. There is some evidence that it is spreading northwards, colonising The Holy Grail of Moths Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Nowadays it is both a resident and a migrant. This Turns up in Worcestershire autumn – September is the most common month for sightings - saw the first county records for Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, and Shropshire Warwickshire and Worcestershire, and maybe others I am not aware of. In The moth most highly prized by Victorian collectors Worcestershire (VC37) it was recorded has turned up this autumn in both Worcestershire and by Kenneth Willetts on 24th September Shropshire, a first record for both counties 2017 in his garden at Highwood, Eastham near Tenbury Wells, using a he Clifden Nonpareil (Nonpareil translates as Skinner moth trap with a 125W mercury vapour bulb. TUnparalleled), Catocala fraxini, is a big beast with A few days later it was recorded on a factory wall just a wingspan of 75-95mm. Clifden, or Cliveden, is an the other side of the river Teme near Tenbury Wells in estate in Berkshire, and it was there that it was first Shropshire (VC40). It is widespread in Europe, from recorded in Britain in the 18th century. It was illustrated Spain to Russia. So here in the Midlands the question is by Benjamin Wilkes in ‘The English Butterflies and Moths’ are they migrants from the continent or have they published in 1749. emerged here in Britain? And when will we find evidence of it breeding in our region? Blue colouration The moth has a striking pale blue streak on the Article by the editor with thanks to Mark Parsons, uppersides of the hindwings against a black Richard Fox and Mike Williams for their help with background, which lends it the alternative name of the this article. Blue Underwing, and those familiar with British moths will know that there are not many with any blue colouration. It is of Clifden Nonpareil the same genus as the more common Red (Mark Parsons) Underwing, which has a predominately red upperside to the hindwing with black bands. Both use their hindwings to give a colourful flash to would-be predators. The larval food plant for Clifden Nonpareil is Aspen, , the

tree with the leaves that rustle in the 01939 220776 Designed by morgancreative.carbonmade.com

32 the Comma