W h i t e A d m i r a l

Newsletter 87 Spring 2014

Suffolk Naturalists’ Society C o n te n t s

E d i t or i a l Ben Heather 1 W h a t ’ s on ? 2

Bawdsey East Beach Cliff Bob Markham 4 Observing Carrion Crows Richard Stewart 5 Tracking Down ’s Hedgehogs Simone Bullion 7 Suffolk Hedgehog Survey Kerry Stranix 9 The Coral Tooth in Suffolk Arthur Rivett 11 Book Review: The adult Trichoptera Adrian Chalkley 12 of Britan and Ireland

What can I see now? Ben Heather 15 Photographing Flies Martin Cooper 18 The First UK Fungus Day Neil Mahler 22 Being the new Butterfly Recorder B i ll St on e 24 T h e Si lv e r - studded Blue at Blaxhall Rob P a r ke r 27 H e a t h Suffolk Wildlife & Landscapes Project Nick Miller 29 More what’s on?.... 31 Spring Members’ Evening & AGM 32

ISSN 0959-8537 Published by the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society c/o Ipswich Museum, High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3QH Registered Charity No. 206084 © Suffolk Naturalists’ Society

Front cover: Mabel by Ben Heather Newsletter 87 - Spring 2014

Welcome to the Spring issue of the White Admiral. Thank you to all those who attended our conference. The speakers really delivered on the theme of ‘Nature’s New Scientists’ and it was great to hear how technology is advancing the study and understanding of so many species. For those who couldn’t make it, the talks are gradually becoming available online at www.sns.org.uk. In the run up to the conference I was able to take loan of 3 camera traps, to trial in my garden, to gather footage to be displayed at the stands of the conference. I was amazed at the effectiveness of these cameras and the results that were returned in such a short amount of time. Using 3 different specifications of camera I was able to set up a time-lapse on a bird feeder, a motion triggered video trap (with infra-red night vision) and a LED flash motion-triggered camera (that shoots in colour at night) in the garden. The cameras were simple to use and just required a set of AA batteries and an SD card to get started. In under a week I was able to capture quite a lot of activity in the garden, including the habits of our neighbour’s cats and one of the highlights was a wood mouse at 1.00 a.m. (on the infra-red). The camera traps were brilliant fun and it was with great anticipation that I would look through, each morning, the previous 24 hours footage. One will certainly be on my Christmas list this year! Thank you to all those who sent in copy for the White Admiral. You don’t need to be an expert and new contributors will always be welcome, details can be found at www.sns.org.uk or contact me with the details below.

Editor: Ben Heather Suffolk Biological Records Centre, c/o Ipswich Museum, High Street, Ipswich, IP1 3 Q H [email protected]

White Admiral 87 1 W h a t’s o n ?

Africa Alive Bioblitz 21st & 22nd June

‘Africa Alive’ wildlife park in Kessingland will be holding its own bioblitz on the 21st and 22nd of June. Run by the Zoological Society of East Anglia, the aim of the event will be to record as many different species as possible. The park features a wide range of habitats including a lake, marshland, meadows and woodland. For more details contact Sara Goatcher on [email protected] or 01502 744125.

Surveying & recording Suffolk Species 29th July

Suffolk Wildlife Trust invites you to come and join the County recorders & Suffolk Naturalists’ Society at Carlton Marshes on the 29th July to learn how to survey and record a selection of the following species: butterflies, dragonflies, birds, wildflowers and freshwater invertebrates. There will also be a trip to Pakefield beach to record shingle plants and molluscs along the strandline. For more information or to book online visit: http:// www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/recording-suffolk-species alternatively phone 01473 890089. Come along, its free...

Butterfly Conservation Events

25th April - New Members Day at Martlesham Common (An indoor training session, followed by practical butterfly watching on an excellent site. 10:30 am start Contact: Sharon Hearle 01638 731648). 14th May - Dingy Skipper Week at King’s Forest (Assemble at access track to John O’Groats cottages, on west side of B1106. First count at King’s Archery Site. Please enquire in advance to notify availability and whether you can assist with other locations. Surveys continue until 23rd May. 10:30am. Leader: Bill Stone 07906 888603). 24th May - Moth Night (Session at SWT reserve. Meet: The reserve car park at 9.00pm. Bring a torch. Time: 9pm - late. Leader: Tony Prichard 01473 270047). 31st May - Butterflies of the Shotley Peninsula (A walk around the Shotley/Harkstead/Stutton area to look for butterflies. Long

2 White Admiral 87 walk possible. Meet: Bristol Arms, bottom of Bristol Hill, Shotley. 10:30am. Leader: Bill Stone 07906 888603) 27th June - National Insect Week - Moth Night (Joint event with Ipswich Borough Council Wildlife Rangers at Orwell Country Park. Moth trapping & possibility to look for Glow worms. Meet: Pipers Vale car park (Orwell Country Park). 20:30 - late. Contact: IBC Wildlife Rangers 01473 433994). 9th July & 16th July - Silver-studded Blue Survey at RSPB Minsmere (Meet: Park at warden’s lodge just before RSPB car park. Please register in advance. Time: 10:00am (bring a packed lunch). Leader: Rob Parker 01284 705476) 15th July - Kenton Hills (Butterfly walk, species to include White Admiral and early Grayling. Bring lunch. Meet: Meet in Kenton Hills Car Park. Time: 10.30am. Contact: Peter Maddison 01473 736607). 20th July - Gardening for butterflies at Flatford Mill (There will be information & advice about gardening for butterflies and other wildlife. Meet: Flatford Mill RSPB wildlife garden. Time: 11:00am – 16:00. Contact: Bill Stone 07906 888603).

SO G E v en ts

26th April - Shingle Street and Sandlings (Meet at Coastguard Cottages car park at 9.00 am. (Long walk possible). Leader: Steve Fryett. Tel. 01394 383413). 11th May - Eastbridge - Off the Beaten Track (Meet at Eastbridge at 7.00 am. (Long walk possible). Map Ref: TM452666. Leader: Ashley Gooding. Tel. 01473 415651). 17th May - Lakenheath and Lackford (Meet at Lakenheath (RSPB) car park at 9.00 am. Map Ref: TL719863. Leaders: Gi Grieco. Tel. 07814 137432 and Dave Pearsons. Tel. 01473 726581). 6th June - Blaxhall Heath - Nightjars (Meet at Blaxhall Heath at 9.00 pm (21.00 hrs). Map Ref: TM383565. Leader: Ashley Gooding. Tel. 01473 415651). 13th June - Minsmere (RSPB) Reserve (Meet at Reserve car park at 7.00 pm for evening walk ending with Nightjars on the heath. Leader: Paul Gowen. Tel. 01473 311263). 5th July - Stanford Training Area, Near Thetford (Permits have been reserved for 15 SOG members to visit this unique unspoilt area. Current fees will apply. For details, cost and to reserve your place, contact Jonathan Lawley. Tel.01449 711331. Leader. Paul Holness).

White Admiral 87 3 Bawdsey East Beach Cliff 29.12.2013

This area has been undergoing seepages at the crag/clay junction. extensive change, chiefly erosional, To the right of the photograph over the past few years. This small (triangular-shaped) masses photograph encompasses a number of crag have trickled down (‘debris of noticeable features within fall’) by gravity; an eroded field several metres. drain hangs from the cliff. The main face of the cliff shows The shore area in front of the cliff brown well-bedded shelly Red Crag shows jointed London Clay eroded resting on blue London Clay. Its to form a wave-cut platform whilst near-vertical nature shows that the flint pebbles are a beach the base is regularly swept by deposit on top of it. The flints did waves which wash away fallen not come from this cliff and were material. Some fallen material derived from further north and awaits removal by another tide. To perhaps partly offshore. the left a landslide of sand was Bob Markham enabled not only by gravity but by lubrication from groundwater

4 White Admiral 87 Observing Carrion Crows

Photo by: Allan King

The appearance of carrion crows in Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk a the ‘top ten’ list of garden birds is sparrowhawk was observed which of considerable interest. Is it a made the mistake of trying to roost result of habit change, such as that too close to three crows. Working recorded for the urban fox, or a mainly in pairs they harried it off changed perception of this ‘bête three of the row of skeletal trees noir’ that for centuries featured used for roosting, landing either prominently on gamekeeper’s side of it and actually bouncing on gibbets. the branch to unsettle it. When I was young it was fairly Eventually it went. Sometimes confidently asserted that a single though the tables are turned with big black bird was a crow and a single crow observed in our those in some numbers were rooks. garden, being pestered by two This may still be true in some pairs of magpies, taking full cases but numbers over twenty can advantage of their more be seen after the breeding season streamlined and acrobatic flight in Christchurch Park, Ipswich and possibilities, making the crow not the maximum number I have seen just uncomfortable but very recorded in ‘Suffolk Birds’, for the cumbersome in its attempts to roost along the Strand at avoid them. Wherstead, has been 230. One crow, in a previous garden, Carrion crows are fairly tolerant of developed a particular interest in all birds up to and including the water areas. It particularly woodpigeon size but magpies are frequented shallow dishes of water, invariably ‘seen off’ and at not just drinking but also getting

White Admiral 87 5 right inside for a good ‘splash’. the snow then lifting it out and Then it discovered the dunking shaking vigorously. This was potential of water, softening up repeated several times and the hard chunks of bread from another only explanations I can think of garden and, when softer, using its are getting fresh water to drink or claw to hold it on the rim of the ridding itself of bugs. container or eating it while still in The latest observation concerns the water. Usually half was the bountiful harvest from a consumed this way, the rest taken walnut tree just beyond our to the higher safety of a rooftop or garden. A grey squirrel has spent gutter edge, to eat in a more much time removing the hard leisurely manner. outer shells and burying the edible However this crow then turned its contents in our lawn. Now, the attention to our small pond, which grey squirrel isn’t a very tidy had a small projecting platform in worker and this activity was the centre. The few newts we had obviously watched by a crow which were extremely vulnerable, and has subsequently retrieved the frogs as well, since perched on the tasty caches. Presumably, crows central platform its long bill could can’t themselves crack open the reach across the entire pond. After hard outer shell but a recent I observed it trying to get its bill Christchurch Park wildlife inside a water snail I noisily dis- newsletter by Reg Snook outlines couraged further pond approaches, another strategy. He has observed using two strategically placed them taking walnuts from a tree garden chairs close to the pond, close to the park and then trying not to dissuade other more dropping them from height onto welcome bird visitors. the nearby Westerfield Road, at Sometimes behaviour appears to times of reduced traffic flow. How have no obvious explanation. One long will it be before these crow was observed, on our lawn, intelligent birds copy other species gathering needles from under a elsewhere in the world, which pine tree, obviously for a nest. It actually take advantage of heavy then proceeded to discard both the traffic? Hard nuts are dropped first and second bundles, before from a height in front of vehicles flying off with the third; quality stopping at red lights. The birds control? In the deep snow of 2012- just wait for the next stop signs to 13 one of a pair was observed hastily retrieve the edible remains. plunging its bill and head beneath Richard Stewart.

6 White Admiral 87 Tracking Down Suffolk’s Hedgehogs

Photo by: Mike Taylor

Hedgehogs have undergone a predation by increasing numbers of dramatic change in numbers in badgers, as there will be an recent years. Various studies increase in chance encounters. In undertaken by ‘The People’s Trust towns, there has been a trend for Endangered Species’ indicate towards the loss of very large that they have declined by a least gardens to ‘backland’ development, 25%1 in the last ten years and this the building of new estates with may be actually approaching 33%. small gardens and in many cases a This is a red alert situation and is move towards impermeable garden comparable to the rate of global fences through which a hedgehog tiger declines. It is interesting that cannot pass. In parks and open they seem to be disappearing from spaces, the way that habitats are both urban, suburban and rural managed can also directly impact areas, so it appears that there may upon food availability and nesting be multiple factors to consider, sites. There has also been an rather than a single cause. increase in traffic but whilst the It is thought that the simplifica- numbers of road deaths can be tion of the rural landscape through recorded, it is not known how the creation of larger fields, with significantly this impacts upon the loss of permanent grassland, total population. Lurking in the hedgerows, margins and other background are also the potential connecting habitat is significant. impacts of climate change, which In addition, this makes the could have a year-round effect. For hedgehog more vulnerable to example, episodes of weather

White Admiral 87 7 extremes could result in poor survival in hibernation or reduced breeding success, due to lack of food and poor body condition or fat reserves. What is remarkable is that for such a small animal, hedgehogs need

ot by: inS th i Sm n ri a D : y b to ho P to range widely. Radio tracking studies have shown that the average ‘home range’ of a male hedgehog is up to 30 hectares means that the minimum area of and in a single night he can travel suitable habitat far exceeds any 2-3 kilometres in his search for single park or golf course. For food and a mate. Although females example, it would encompass the

travel significantly less with whole of Christchurch Park, the annual ranges amounting to Cemetery to the east and all the around 10 hectares, this is still a gardens that lie between. surprisingly large area. In rural areas, the model takes Consequently, a landscape that into account higher mortality rates has become fragmented by roads, and less shelter and food railways and fences will be resources, so it predicts that the increasingly difficult for a values for a minimum viable hedgehog to safely navigate. population of hedgehogs is likely to A Minimum Viable Population be between 120 and 250 modelling analysis of hedgehogs in individuals within an area of rural and urban habitats has been habitat between 3.8 and 57 km2. undertaken by The University of Such figures really emphasise the 2 Oxford . In urban areas, where need for landscape scale there are likely to be higher levels conservation. of food and shelter and lower So when a hedgehog is seen in a predation pressure, the minimum garden, one could be forgiven for viable population was calculated to thinking that this individual will be 32-60 hedgehogs occupying an be living most of its life in the near area between 0.9 and 2.4 km2. vicinity. The fact that they are Extrapolating this to Ipswich, this

8 White Admiral 87 actually moving far and wide and concerted effort to obtain sightings the importance of interconnected of both living and dead animals. patches of habitat to support the We are expecting that towns like overall population means that Ipswich and still reversing the decline of hedgehogs support reasonable numbers of will be a challenge. hedgehogs but we are keen to hear Targeted conservation action of any records across the county. requires good evidence to back it Once the survey is complete we up, so in the first instance we need hope to use this information to to know where the remaining advise householders, parks and populations of hedgehogs still land managers on retaining, exist. This year, the Suffolk managing and enhancing habitat Wildlife Trust is launching its for hedgehogs. county-wide hedgehog survey in a Simone Bullion

References 1David Wembridge (2011) The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2011. The People’s Trust for Endangered Species 2Tom Moorhouse (2013) Population viability analysis of hedgehogs in rural and urban habitats. Report prepared for The People’s Trust for Endangered Species by WildCRU, University of Oxford.

More about ’s hedgehog survey

The survey will be available to at what has changed in these areas complete on Suffolk Wildlife and will help the Trust target its Trust’s website : conservation effort. www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org from Alongside the survey we will run a March. In the first instance we are campaign to highlight the plight of encouraging people to log past the hedgehog and bring to the sightings, and crucially, where forefront some of the less well they used to see hedgehogs but no known evidence such as their need longer do. By collecting past for a much larger range than was sightings we hope to build on generally thought. By highlighting anecdotal evidence that people are this we can illustrate just how no longer seeing hedgehogs that vital connectivity between habitats used to regularly visit their is. Good urban habitat such as gardens or local area. This will gardens and allotments is likely to provide a baseline to begin looking be vital for the future of the species

White Admiral 87 9 in the county. We will also be neighbourhood action. trying to capture footage on trail Joined up thinking as well as cams and setting up hedgehog landscapes will surely deliver the tunnels, where evidence of best conservation outcomes. By hedgehog activity can be recorded calling on the support of a range of by their footprints as they walk practitioners including the local through a baited tunnel with ink records centre, park rangers and and paper. local welfare groups we hope to As the season continues we will be maximise the reach of the survey asking for sightings of live and and highlight the urgency of the dead animals and droppings, with issue. Alarm bells are ringing for the aim of building a robust our hedgehogs and this is only the picture of countywide populations. first step, but we hope a concerted Participants will be able to see effort now could well turn around where other sightings have been their fortunes in Suffolk. logged near to where they live, and Kerry Stranix this could form the base for whole

ot by: anBaldry a B n la A : y b to ho P

10 White Admiral 87 The Coral Tooth in Suffolk

Hericium coralloides by Arthur Rivett

The Coral Tooth is a very rare years but had not been recorded. Biodiversity Action Plan [BAP] Neil also has a probable record fungus which may be found found on a large Oak that had growing on both living and dead fallen on the ‘Roman Road’ at trees, but usually on dead standing Dunwich during the 1987 trunks of beech and Ash. hurricane. The tree had been cut There are very few records from up as it was blocking the footpath. Suffolk, they are as follows: On October 15 th 2013 I Two old records from the Ipswich photographed a wonderful area [TM14] on the 13th September specimen of the Coral Tooth in the 1950 and September 1955. Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Bradfield One record from Sudbourne [TM45] Woods NNR [TL925575]. It was on the 16th September 1954, S. C. growing on a decaying Ash trunk Porter. which was laying on the ground in One old [20thc] record from the a clearing in the wood. The Mildenhall area [TL77]. specimen was in perfect condition Records from Martlesham Woods and was probably one of the most [TM255463] for October 1984, attractive fungi I have seen. October 1985 and September 27th I discussed the find with the site 1986, Reg Evans. manager Peter Fordham who Neil Mahler discovered a Coral assured me that he would do all he Tooth on a fallen Ash tree next to could not to disturb the site and the River Orwell over ten years would also look at measures to ago, only to learn later from the provide a continuity of habitat in Ipswich Park Rangers that it had the future. been seen there for a number of Arthur Rivett

White Admiral 87 11 Book Review: The adult Trichoptera (caddisflies) of Britain and Ireland. RES Handbooks 2012

The Trichoptera or Caddis flies whilst search- have long been recognised by ing for other entomologists as a useful group to insects. study but have never attained the However the popularity of other, showier keys available insects. With around 200 species, a in the past to wide variety in both size and identify adults have often defeated habitat preference and one of the all but the most dedicated. With an best known larval specialisations it updated review of rare and is worth investigating the cause of threatened caddis flies about to be this relative lack of popularity. published by the JNCC it seemed a Identifying the larvae is in fact good time to try to get to grips with well catered for with some of the a recent key from the RES: The best modern keys (see bibliog- Adult Trichoptera (caddis flies) of raphy). Although a microscope will Britain & Ireland by Peter be needed, both cased and caseless Barnard and Emma Ross. larvae can be reliably identified Older keys such as Mosely (1939) with practice. Larvae can be often used drawings based on the collected with a home-made net in shrivelled genitalia of pinned almost any aquatic habitat; from a specimens. Later works such as muddy trickle in the local wood to Macan (1973) included much better ponds, lakes and mountain drawings taken from fresh or spirit streams. Many species have exact- preserved specimens. But the text ing habitat requirements and can was very complex and the design of provide important ecological the key old fashioned, which most information about a site. new comers to the group found The adults are usually longer lived very off putting. In addition the than the mayflies, though the few photos of wing pattern and flight period is shorter than venation were very small, in black dragonflies and they are far less and white and ecological infor- colourful. But adults are often mation was not included. attracted to light traps, can be This new book by Barnard and easily netted from mating swarms Ross is by contrast a much larger or can be beaten from undergrowth format, has both colour photos and

12 White Admiral 87 line drawings of the wings and shape and colour. Line drawings larger line drawings of the are provided of wing venation and genitalia. In addition much greater the male and female genitalia. detail is given of the habitat and Size, distribution, habitat and ecology of most species. It is flight period complete the account. certainly attractively produced in This sounds a clear and simple the same style as other RES approach to a complex subject and Handbooks in the series and thus in many ways it is. In the last year invites the would be Trichopterist and a bit I have been trying out the to ‘have a go’. key on caddis I have collected The text begins with a clear de- myself (by netting and those from scription of the morphology of the moth traps). These latter speci- adult caddis. This is enhanced by mens have been supplied from the Emma Ross’s photos which make moth trap run by Barry Wentworth recognising the various appendag- and John Everson at the Suffolk es much easier, especially the Wildlife reserve, , for important tibial spurs and spines. which I give my grateful thanks. The description of wing venation I have certainly found that identifi- follows the standard method but is cation to family and also to genera aided by the large, clear diagrams is much more straight forward and, in the species descriptions, by with Barnard & Ross. In that, I many good photographs. Having would have no hesitation recom- covered the key anatomical points mending this book over Macan. we then start a traditional style However, whilst using the atlas dichotomous key to the 19 caddis approach often leads pretty easily families. This again is furnished to a group of 3 or so species, getting with photographs and line further is sometimes more difficult. drawings as appropriate, these Whilst the markings of some clarify the text which is shorter as caddis are definitive such that the a result, but still clear. correct species is easy to ascertain, Having been led to one of the fami- it is almost always necessary to ex- lies there is another traditional key amine the genitalia to complete an to genera. It is then that this book identification. The line drawings of changes its approach somewhat. genitalia are clean, well laid out Within each genera, similar species beside each species description and are grouped together for easy com- the novice will find separating parison in an Atlas type approach. male and female quite straight Most species have photos showing forward. However, it can be very the live adult, as well as wing tricky to manipulate the specimen

White Admiral 87 13 s eExample p m a x E de nsi I

under the microscope to match up In summary this new key from with the illustrations in Barnard & Barnard and Ross is a major step Ross. I have, at least so far, found it forward in the study of Trichoptera beneficial to also compare my two and, dare I say, deserves a place on or three possible species with the every moth trapper’s bookshelf. I genitalia drawings in Macan. These would recommend that potential drawings were made from a trichopterists buy a copy, but I different angle and use shading and would recommend it is still stippling, revealing greater detail accompanied by a copy of Macan, if especially in the hairs and spines only for the old fashioned but present on parts of the genitalia. accurate illustrations. Although the drawings of Emma Adrian Chalkley County Recorder, Ross appear attractive because of Freshwater Invertebrates their clean lines, the added detail in Macan is still necessary.

Bibliography Adult Caddis Barnard, P. & Ross, E. 2012, The Adult Trichoptera (caddisflies) of Britain and Ireland. Royal Entomological Society Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects Vol 1 part 17 Macan, T. T. & Worthington, J. 1973, A Key to the Adults of the British Trichoptera. Freshwater Biological Association. Scientific Publication 28. Ambleside. Now out of print but plenty of copies available second hand. ISBN 900386 19 3 (Originally £1.25 when published!) Identification of caddis larvae Edington, J.M. & Hildrew, A.G. 1995 (reprinted 2005), A Revised Key to the Caseless Caddis Larvae of the British Isles. Freshwater Biological Association. Scientific Publication 53. Ambleside. Wallace, I. D. Wallace, B. & Philipson, G. N. 2003, Keys to the Case-bearing Caddis Larvae of Britain and Ireland. Freshwater Biological Association. Scientific Publication 61. Ambleside. Also worth a look from the FSC is: Wallace, I. D. 2006 Simple Key to Caddis Larvae Field Studies Council Publication OP105 2006

14 White Admiral 87 What can I see now?

At the Suffolk Biological Records (bluebell, wood anemone, oxlip and Centre we hold over 2 million early-purple orchid), whose records species records covering the county. are generally getting outdated. The However we are starting to see a map and examples show in red substantial amount of these records where we have records for any of getting over the 20 years old mark. the quartet of species from before These records are still important, 1994 and the green squares show but it is also important to try and where any of these species have update these occurrences, been recorded since 1994. The map, especially for species that we take that only includes records of 6 for granted. Maybe ‘take for figure grid or greater accuracy, granted’ is the wrong expression to highlights both where species have use but there are a number of not been re-recorded (examples 1 & species that we do not tend to 2) and where they have not been record because they are thought of recorded at all (example 3). as ‘common’. For example, we all Included on the map in blue are our know that if you plan a trip to ancient woodlands where at least NNR at the right one of this quartet should have time of year you will find Bluebells, been recorded. but how many of us actually record The task is to look for these species them? This is what I want to in your local area and to confirm to highlight in this short piece that at us at the SBRC whether any of the SBRC some records of known species out of this quartet exist. We species are starting to get out-of- do not require negative records so date and to be able to prove that please only get in contact if you there are bluebells at Bradfield have seen either bluebell, wood woods we need to be able to call anemone, oxlip or early-purple upon recent records. orchid. Like all records, we need This is where we need your help! In the What, Where, When and Who this first part of ‘what can I see but more details can be found on now’ I am going to ask you, the our recording page at readers, to focus on re-recording www.suffolkbrc.org.uk/ some of the basic ancient woodland public_html/recording or by email- indicators that will be visible in ing me at: local woods in the coming months. [email protected] . The map and examples, that follow, Ben Heather highlight a quartet of species

White Admiral 87 15 1 2

3

16 White Admiral 87 2 1

3

White Admiral 87 17 Photographing Flies

Xylota segnis

Until I started photographing family, genus or even species given them, I thought of flies as a set of clear images. Such experts bluebottles, hoverflies or houseflies can be contacted on websites like along with the occasional gnat. http://www.dipteristsforum.org.uk/ However the details captured in and www.diptera.info/. These photographs together with the helpful experts have identified resources available online make it some of the flies photographed in easier to be more specific. Few flies my garden or indoors as species can be reliably identified from a not previously recorded in Suffolk. photograph. Identification relies on My garden is not exceptional distinguishing minute features and although it is quite “fly-friendly”. these are seldom obvious without a The ground is mulched regularly microscope. However, experienced with home-made and municipal dipterists can sometimes spot the compost; the use of insecticides is distinctive look of a particular minimal and we back onto the

18 White Admiral 87 Volucella inanis Rhagoletis meigenii nature wonderland of Christchurch tiny insects from far enough away Park. Rather than the garden to reduce the likelihood of being special, I think that flies are disturbing them. The problem with generally under-recorded in the such an arrangement is the very county. narrow depth of field so only a I started taking photographs of small part of the subject is in focus, flies with a Fujifilm F80EXR. It is and the magnification of any small enough to slip in my pocket movement causing blurring. The and is seldom left at home. Above solution to both these problems left is an example of a fly was a Canon 270EX flash gun, and photographed with this camera. inspired by information gleaned The image is clear and sharp, not from the Internet, I added a Pringles tube to direct the light

least because this fly is quite large p setu o cr a M r o tdo u O and the sun was shining. from the flash onto the subject. The next photograph (above right) was taken indoors and though not as clear, it was good enough for some experts to identify the fly as a rare Yellow Berberis Fruit Fly. My next camera was Canon SX40 HS. I added a Raynox DCR-150 macro lens, which simply clips onto the built-in zoom lens of the camera and allows it to focus even

White Admiral 87 19 Coenosia tigrina Minettia inusta The extra light allows a small software so that the sharply- aperture to give greater depth of focussed parts fuse into a combined field and a fast shutter speed to image that is sharp throughout. freeze movement. The end of the The key parts of my set-up were tube is covered with tissue paper to gradually acquired, mainly second- soften the light. Above are some hand from eBay. They are a examples of photos taken with this camera with a macro lens, a camera (taken on the floor of my micrometre-driven linear slide that conservatory). The two rarities allows the camera to be moved in below were in the back garden. increments as small as 5 microns, I am happy with the SX40 but a place to hold and position the seeing much more detailed photos specimen and two LED lamps. on-line led to an interest in focus- stacking. The idea is to take a Rhamphomyia variabilis series of images moving the camera a small amount towards the subject between each one, then merging the images together with

These components are fixed to a rigid board mounted on rubber feet to isolate it from vibration and weighted to make it as stable as Stomorhina lunata possible. A set of gears was added

20 White Admiral 87 Stacking rig to make precise movement of the process the images with Zerene micrometre easier and maybe one Stacker software. Below are some day I will add electronics to examples of images taken with this automate the stacking process. equipment. I found this Liancalus Until then I advance the virens indoors in the conservatory micrometre by hand and control of Christmas Day, the first the camera with my laptop, where example of the species recorded in the images are uploaded as they Suffolk. Another fly found indoors, are captured. Sometimes I add a photographed using the same Raynox lens or even a microscope technique was the hoverfly Xylota objective in front to the camera segnis (see page 18). lens to give greater Martin Cooper magnification.

Afterwards I

Liancalus virens

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92899351@N08

White Admiral 87 21 The First UK Fungus Day.

Observing False Chanterelles

No two ways about it, this was a upon... no fungi, no life! flop with only 12 people turning up Still, we had a good foray in the for the Suffolk event despite nearby woods and despite finding having an informative article huge numbers of false Chanterelle written in the centre pages of the (not the real edible Chanterelle) we EADP a few weeks previously by did find some good Ceps (Boletus John Grant, to whom I’m really edulis), so participants went grateful. Many counties all over away more than happy. the UK took part in this national I found it very disappointing event which overall was deemed to though that no educational staff be such a success that the same is from the SWT could turn up and planned for next year. (Come back, pass on anything they may have come back - I haven’t finished yet!) learnt to the youngsters they come The whole point of the exercise was into contact with. It is vitally to put across the importance of important that the younger fungi in our everyday lives - fungi generation learn all about the are the great recyclers turning important role fungi play in our organic matter back into soil to everyday lives; be it how Marmite feed the crops that herbivores eat is made or how ‘stone washed’ and which in turn carnivores prey jeans are produced (not with

22 White Admiral 87 stones at all but with the enzymes Wildlife and Countryside Act. As a derived from fungi). note of interest we now have a new I must express my thanks to Colin species of Hericium added to the Hawes and the SNS for coming to British list, H.abietis. This was my rescue where two other ‘bodies’ found unusually on conifer wood 10 failed to show any interest. years ago which was shoring up By contrast, the following day I the edge of a car park in Kent. It is went up to Norwich to do 2 forays identical to H.erinaceus but has for the Norfolk version of the UK smaller spores. The only known Fungus day. This was held at the European species of Hericium to well-known John Innes Research grow on conifer wood is H.alpestre Centre where the students had the but the spores are much bigger. It opportunity to show the public the was deposited in the Kew important work they do such as herbarium cautiously as trying to learn all they can and H.cf.alpestre, but now DNA work perhaps find a cure for the Ash has been done which shows the Dieback disease. species as being from North America called H.abietis. Kew Taking the public on two forays were able to determine the wood as around the nearby University Pseudosuga which is known to be grounds I was unable to visit all imported from Canada and the the display stands, but well in spores must have already have excess of 500 people must have been in the wood. visited throughout the day. So what other exciting fungi have In other news, what a great find by been turning up? The answer, our Arthur Rivett! He found the very own Rob Parker, with another Hericium coralloides, a ‘tooth rare tooth fungus, this time fungus’ in part of Bradfield Woods growing on a very old apple tree in the public do not normally venture his garden at Bury. This was the and his timing was perfect too - a Orchard Tooth fungus, Sarcodontia few days earlier it may have been crocea, and only the second record smaller and easily missed and a for Suffolk. Rob had emailed me a few days later it would have photo wanting to know what started to ‘go over’ and turn brown fungus was ‘’killing’’ his tree. S. and not resulted in such a great crocea, is like H. coralloides, photograph. For some reason, this another BAP species, but is almost has no protection in law, yet the confined to the already dead very similar H. erinaceus is fully heartwood of old apple trees, so is protected under Schedule 8 of the

White Admiral 87 23 not really killing the tree. I shall end this article with a brief mention of Martin Cooper who lives very close to Christchurch Park in Ipswich. On the short journey to collect his car from around the corner Martin spotted interesting things growing in the moss on

the top of old garden walls. His er p o Co n ti r a M : y b to ho P interest was drawn to a very tiny fungus, barely 1 cm tall, which he

determined to be Arrhenia rickenii

and subsequently sent me an excellent photograph (see right) 2009. When I went to visit Martin showing every detail. in Ipswich, he was able to show me this growing on the top of nearly This had only been recorded in every garden wall we passed by! Suffolk once before, by Richard

Fortey, on the British Mycological Neil Mahler. Society’s stay at Leiston Abbey in

Being the new Butterfly Recorder

A number of people have asked me, Butterfly Conservation identifies “how does it feel to be the new three key tasks for a recorder: butterfly recorder for Suffolk?”. 1. Co-ordinate butterfly recording Well, to be honest it’s quite each season and act as a focal daunting, it’s been very time point for recording within the consuming but it has already branch area. proved very rewarding too. I am 2. Co-ordinate the verification, incredibly fortunate to have computer input, validation, received a lot of help from Rob storage and supply of butterfly Parker who I took over from last records September and Rob is still there to 3. Develop local networks of answer my numerous questions recorders and disseminating and queries. feedback

24 White Admiral 87 Well, over the winter period I have I have had to sharpen up my been busy reviewing Suffolk identification skills along with butterfly records and I have added learning more about Suffolk over 18,000 to the recording butterfly habitats, food plants and database and more are still being life cycles. Online references have received. So, I’d like to think I’m provided some interesting reading getting to grips with task no. 2. It and several websites such as does appear that my first year as British Butterflies, UK Butterflies recorder has coincided with a high and of course Butterfly number of people recording their Conservation’s own site all contain observations. This was no doubt lots of valuable snippets. I have due to the brilliant weather and also had to become more familiar some high profile recording with particular variations and campaigns from several natural aberrations of butterflies and this history organisations. It’s perhaps has proved a fascinating subject worth noting that over 4,000 too. I have bought a number of nice records have been received from books to help with my role and the Big Butterfly Count alone. again the more I have read the Whilst adding these records I have more I am amazed about learnt a lot about Suffolk and butterflies and how they influence where people have seen and our own lives too. recorded butterflies. Suffolk So, in addition to reviewing, comprises of 1088 tetrads (2km x verifying and adding records I am 2km squares) and so far 635 also starting to put the 2013 tetrads have been recorded by season report together and this is observers during 2013. Looking also proving an interesting closely at some of these tetrads has exercise. It requires me to consider revealed parts of Suffolk that I and comment on the seven didn’t know existed and I have Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) enjoyed learning more about my species and report on how they county without actually leaving my have fared over the year. It is also desk. I have invested in a new set an opportunity to look at the highs of Ordnance Survey maps for the and lows and winners and losers of county and I am now very the recording season. Looking proficient at opening these maps back, I’m sure you will all agree with one hand whilst inputting that it was a great Clouded Yellow data with the other. year and I have already started to

White Admiral 87 25 produce maps detailing the mation is known. recorded locations of this species I have enjoyed receiving numerous and others. Another highlight of calls from members of the public the year was the appearance of about butterflies they have seen or several Long-tailed Blues along the caterpillars they have found. east coast. This migrant had been However, it’s always a challenge seen in other counties of the UK so when the butterfly is described as it was fantastic to have several brown or the caterpillar as green! I grace our county. I will also be am slowly becoming quite adept at looking to update the earliest and working out what butterfly may be latest dates for sightings of the present in an out of focus county’s species. With over 18,000 photograph! records to sift through I’ve no With task no. 3 in mind I’ve doubt that a few dates will change started to make contact with other and will highlight what a long wildlife recorders in Suffolk to butterfly season we all enjoyed. share information and learn about In respect of task no. 1, being a their own roles and recording focal point for general butterfly methods. It’s great to be recording has also proved surrounded by so many very interesting. I will shortly be knowledgeable individuals. In writing to all regular butterfly order to learn more about the recorders to thank them for their established butterfly surveys in efforts in 2013 and to provide some Suffolk, such as the UK Butterfly focus and guidance for recording in Monitoring Scheme (transects) and 2014. This New Year will, hopeful- the Wider Countryside Survey ly, see the Silver-washed Fritillary scheme (random 1km squares), I continue to expand its range and have also been working alongside our commoner species thrive but Rob Parker and Tim Wade of BC what will happen to the Wall? BC Suffolk. This has proved fascinat- Suffolk will again be running the ing and hopefully, with the Wider Dingy Skipper and Silver-studded Countryside Survey scheme more Blue surveys in order to continue recorders can be found to take on the close monitoring of these 1km squares which are available important species. I will also be en- throughout Suffolk. couraging recorders to target the So, looking ahead to the 2014 sea- tetrads where either no butterfly son please can I ask the following records exist or minimal infor- of you?

26 White Admiral 87  Please record the butterflies allotment, try and grow plants you see, even a single butterfly to support the full butterfly life is important. Send your cycle. Try and keep a scruffy records to me so that I can corner for shelter too! compile and present an  If you wish to become more accurate picture of the involved in butterfly recording butterfly year. then please contact me and I  When you plan a day out to can let you know about the watch wildlife pick somewhere various schemes that are that you have never been available to you. before in Suffolk. Search out  If you have any butterfly some of Suffolk’s quiet corners related questions then please and explore. get in touch and I’ll do my best  If you have a garden or to answer them.

B i ll St on e Butterfly Recorder, Suffolk 27 Draymans Way, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QU [email protected]

T h e Si l v er - studded Blue at Blaxhall Heath

When an attempt to establish a whilst the Suffolk Wildlife Trust is colony of butterflies is made, it is responsible for the management of generally accepted that the success the site, both professionally and rate is not high, and that early with the assistance of a team of results can be good for a couple of local volunteers. Over the period years, only to crash in year 3 or 4. since the translocation, the If the new colony survives the first common has been forage harvested 5 years, it is considered to have in such a way as to create patches passed a major hurdle, so it is a joy of pioneer heather, extending the to announce that the 2007 area of suitable habitat for translocation of Silver-studded Plebejus argus. The volunteer work Blue is doing exceptionally well in parties have kept the silver birch its 6th year. encroachment under control and The Suffolk Branch of Butterfly have cleared areas of gorse and Conservation’s obligation was to other scrub. monitor the health of the colony A single-species transect was over a minimum period of 5 years, established in time for the

White Admiral 87 27 ot by: tBe y r er B tt a M : y b to ho P

-

il er lv Si

-

t ddBl e lu B dded stu

emergence of the 2008 generation, day peak count for each year. and has just completed its 6th year  The total count for the whole of monitoring. This too has been transect season and the closely organized by the volunteer team, related (weak) index. These with the results fed back to the also both rose progressively, County Butterfly Recorder and to apart from a slight dip in 2012 the UK Butterfly Monitoring (a poor season for most scheme. Transect results have species). been the prime means of  The number of consecutive monitoring the health of the transect weeks in which P. colony. The points below argus was recorded. This is a demonstrate 4 different elements coarse reflection of the total from the results, 3 of them entirely flight period for the season. transect derived:  The expansion of the flight  A progressively rising single area, firstly within the 8

28 White Admiral 87 sections of the transect, and incomplete detectability of latterly beyond the boundaries butterflies in the heather habitat of the transect. The most not visited by the transect route. significant expansion has been It is clear [from the results] that to a triangle of pioneer heather the establishment attempt got off to the south west of Section 1. to a very satisfactory start and this On two occasions, singletons has been reported to the Joint have been seen to the south of Committee for the Conservation of the B1069 (see map). British Insects. The two donor sites One additional element became at Minsmere and Hollesley have available in 2013, through the co- also been monitored, and show no operation of Dr Neil Ravenscroft, a evidence of damage following the professional ecologist living in donation. The receiving site has Blaxhall. He conducted an passed the fragile three to five-year independent assessment of the danger zone, and the results for flight areas, walked 3 mini 2013 look re-assuring by every transects and extrapolated the measure. However, there is no likely population of the entire site cause for complacency; regular to something in the order of 900. habitat management remains a This is materially higher than the key requirement if this colony is to sum of the peak one-day transect continue to thrive. Fortunately the count and the highest off-transect motivation of everyone involved count (160 + 51 = 211), and may be remains strong. optimistic. It caters for the Rob Parker

Suffolk Wildlife & Landscapes Project

Readers of this magazine could all nature reserves in the county say something informative about exemplify it? Thanks to the high the wildlife and landscape of the quality mapping, of species Suffolk Brecks, or Sandlings, or distributions in Suffolk, we can particular areas of our coast. now get such information, to Harder perhaps to give equally appraise and nurture the wildlife definite information about the and habitats most characteristic of particular district we live in: what our local district. topographic name can we give it, One way I have looked at this is what is distinct about its wildlife, with the County Council’s how far does it extend, what Landscape Typology map, which

White Admiral 87 29 displays the county in landscape cover less than half of the county, units of a friendly size. There are 31 and found that 232 (80%) of those of them, with detailed descriptions species had territories correlating and exact boundaries (derived well with the Landscape Typology from six mapable datasets: relief, units. So for any locality, we can list geology, soils, tree cover, farm type the plants which are special there and settlement). The map is and such plants are more than a described in Suffolk Natural quarter of the entire county’s flora. History 2004. Below is how it looks, I’ve started finding similar patterns for the whole county. I have among various animal species, such compared this map with dot-maps as dragonflies, small mammals, and from some of Suffolk’s very good some birds. wildlife atlases, and produced some By viewing the website map in close very interesting lists, showing -up, on species which are special to all 31 www.suffolklandscape.org.uk/ local landscape units. In particular, landscape_map.aspx the dot-maps of plants in you will be able to see the units that Martin Sanford’s Flora of Suffolk lie around your local parish, valley, show 299 fairly conspicuous and woods, town, nature reserve, etc. numerous plant species, which each Nick Miller

30 White Admiral 87 More what’s on?...

Bramford Meadows Bioblitz 5 th J u l y

Bramford Open Spaces are planning a bioblitz day on the Bramford Meadows LNR and picnic site on Saturday, 5th July and we are hoping that you can all join us. The day will start early with the dawn chorus and events and recording will run all day through to bats and moths in the evening. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in this event, run in conjunction with Suffolk Wildlife Trust, no matter what your experience level. The site includes flood meadow, woodland, grassland and freshwater habitats. The site is comprised of two meadows: the Northern Meadows are a designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR), and the Southern Meadows are set aside as a Picnic Area and public open space. Bordered to the east by the main Ipswich railway line and to the west by the River Gipping the site consists of a series of floodplain meadows which are separated by a number of drainage ditches along with some small areas of scrub and trees. The management of the site was taken over by the Parish in September 2012 and this will be the first large scale species survey that have been carried out. For more details see http://bramfordopenspaces.onesuffolk.net/ or email [email protected] Come along and join us.

Suffolk Mammal Conference 15th November

Suffolk Mammal Conference to be held at The Atheneum, Bury St Edmunds on 15th November 2014. A full line up of nationally renown speakers has been booked, including Pat Morris speaking on the decline of hedgehogs. Please visit the conference webpage for more information and details on how to book a ticket: http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/mammal-conference-AGM

Follow us on Twitter @ SN S19 29

White Admiral 87 31 The ‘Pliocene Forest’ at Sutton Gardens Open Day June 15th

GeoSuffolk is joining in with the Sutton village Open Gardens day - provisional date Sunday June 15th. The ‘Pliocene Forest’ will be on view showing Suffolk’s native tree genera including Sequoia, Sciadopitys, Pterocarya and many others as exemplified by fossil pollen from the Coralline Crag. For more details nearer the time see GeoSuffolk’s web site http://www.geosuffolk.co.uk/

Spring Members’ Evening and 85th AGM

15th April | 7.30pm Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, IP14 2AJ

AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the 84th Annual General Meeting 3. Chairman's Report – Joan Hardingham 4. Treasurers Report – Martin Sanford 5. Secretary's Report – Gen Broad 6. Election of members to the Council: Martin Sanford proposed as Chairman Joan Hardingham proposed as Treasurer Ordinary Members proposed: Peter Lack, Caroline Markham, Robert Leith, Hawk Honey, Jane Blake 7. Any Other Business (The Chairman reserves the right to consider only items submitted in writing 2 weeks before the AGM.)

Tea and coffee will be served at the close of formal business.

Following the conclusion of formal business and refreshments there will be a series of short presentations on natural history by members and projects funded by SNS.

32 White Admiral 87 Suffolk Naturalists’ Society Bursaries

The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society offers five bursaries, of up to £500 each, annually. Larger projects may be eligible for grants of over £500 – please contact SNS for further information. Activities eligible for funding include: travel and subsistence for field work, visits to scientific institutions, scientific equipment, identification guide books or other items relevant to the study.

Morley Bursary - Studies involving insects (or other invertebrates) other than butterflies and moths. Chipperfield Bursary - Studies involving butterflies or moths. Cranbrook Bursary - Studies involving mammals or birds. Rivis Bursary - Studies of the county's flora. Simpson Bursary - In memory of Francis Simpson. The bursary will be awarded for a botanical study where possible.

Applications should be set in the context of a research question i.e. a clear statement of what the problem is and how the applicant plans to tackle it.

Criteria: 1. Projects should include a large element of original work and further knowledge of Suffolk’s flora, fauna or geology. 2. A written account of the project is required within 12 months of receipt of a bursary. This should be in a form suitable for publication in one of the Society's journals: Suffolk Natural History, Suffolk Birds or White Admiral. 3. Suffolk Naturalists' Society should be acknowledged in all publicity associated with the project and in any publications emanating from the project.

Applications may be made at any time. Please apply to SNS for an application form or visit our website for more details.

Contributions to White Admiral

Deadlines for copy are: 1st Feb (Spring issue), 1st June (Summer issue) and 1st Oct (Autumn issue) The opinions expressed in White Admiral are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society. www.sns.org.uk

The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, founded in 1929 by Claude Morley (1874 -1951), pioneered the study and recording of the County’s flora, fauna and geology. It is the seed bed from which have grown other important wildlife organisations in Suffolk, such as Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) and Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group (SOG). Recording the natural history of Suffolk is still the Society’s primary objective. Members’ observations go to specialist recorders and then on to the Suffolk Biological Records Centre at Ipswich Museum to provide a basis for detailed distribution maps and subsequent analysis with benefits to environmental protection. Funds held by the Society allow it to offer substantial grants for wildlife studies. Annually, SNS publishes its transactions Suffolk Natural History, containing studies on the County’s wildlife, and the County bird report, Suffolk Birds (compiled by SOG). The newsletter White Admiral, with comment and observations, appears three times a year. SNS organises two members’ evenings a year and a conference every two years. Field meetings are held throughout the year often in conjunction with other specialist organisations. Subscriptions: Individual members £15.00; Family membership £17.00; Student Membership £10.00; Corporate membership £17.00. Members receive the three publications above. Joint membership with the Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group: Individual members £28.00; Family membership £32.00. Joint members receive, in addition to the above, the SOG newsletter The Harrier. As defined by the Constitution of this Society its objectives shall be: 2.1 To study and record the fauna, flora and geology of the County 2.2 To publish a Transactions and Proceedings and a Bird Report. These shall be free to members except those whose annual subscriptions are in arrears contact: 2.3 To liaise with other natural history societies and conservation bodies in the County 2.4 To promote interest in natural history and the activities of the Society. For more details about the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society contact: Hon. Secretary, Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, c/o Ipswich Museum, High Street, IPSWICH, IP1 3QH. Telephone 01473 400251 [email protected]