Spring 2019

1 The Argus Spring 2019

Contents

Branch contacts page 4

Editorial Trevor Goodfellow page 5

The 2018 AGM Peter Maddison page 6

The 2019 AGM page 7

SBC accounts page 7

WCBS Twm Wade page 8

Search for Wall brown at SWT Carlton Marshes Peter Maddison page 9

SWT Farmland survey Juliet Hawkins page 10 - 11 BC and SBC Anniversary cakes Do you want to fnd out more about butterfies? Peter Maddison page 12

Winner of UK butterfy or moth - Marbled White by Winner of Overseas butterfy or moth - Lang’s Short Mark Brewster Tailed Blue by David Pitt 2019 Events calendar page 13 - 16

Ask Iris page 17

All a futter Rohan Amick page 18

Butterfy of the year? Richard Stewart page 18

An Invitation to watch butterfies Rob Parker page 19

The Wall brown Robert Quadling page 21 Winner of Early stage butterfy or moth - Vapourer Caterpillar by Ann Piper Thanks Twm Wade page 22

Casual observations of butterfy habits during 2018 drought Trevor Goodfellow page 22

Garden nectar plants for butterfies Richard Stewart page 23

A new Suffolk butterfy – a brief update Bill Stone page 24

The herald of spring Kev Ling page 25 – 26

2 3 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

Suffolk Branch Contacts Editorial Trevor Goodfellow

President Conservation Ofcer (Butterfies) Welcome to your new-look Argus. supporter/ and get your name in print. Howard Mendel Rob Parker 66, Cornfeld Rd., I am encouraged by favourable feedback from Your 2019 events calendar pull-out shows a Chairman Bury St Edmunds IP33 3BN members about the autumn issue and I will variety of things to participate in, and for those Peter Maddison Tel: 01284 705476 endeavor to keep the Suffolk Argus as interesting members with a more fexible availability, Barnmead, Fishpond Rd, email: [email protected] and informative as possible although this does Bill Stone will be keen for your support on the Waldringfeld, rely on members continuing to send in useful weather-reliant dingy skipper surveys. Woodbridge IP12 4QX Conservation Ofcer (Moths) content. Tel: 01473 736607 County Moth Recorder On behalf of SBC, I would like to thank Gill email: [email protected] Tony Prichard I have been reading a copy of volume one of the Perkins for her long-term commitment to 3, Powling Rd., IP3 9JR Suffolk Argus from 1994 (see image below) and butterfy conservation (page 22). Membership Secretary Tel: 01473 270047 in it, editor Steve Goddard mentioned the fact Jillian Macready email: [email protected] Copy date for the Summer issue is May 26th, that Suffolk has lost 21 species of butterfy since Tel: 07980 208442 2019 Email: [email protected] Committee Members the beginning of the 19th century! Of course, our Helen Saunders Volunteers’ Co-ordinator glossy coloured brochures and corporate image Please email articles or photos etc. for inclusion Treasurer email: [email protected] does nothing to directly affect this continuing before this date to me at [email protected]. Kevin Ling David Dowding decline, but it does help draw attention to this uk email: [email protected] Adrian Richards Matt Berry fact and assist in engaging and inspiring people Secretary email: [email protected] to help in many ways. Julian Dowding In volume one, Steve’s praises of the thirty 84, Clapgate Lane, Website Ipswich IP3 0RE Richard Perryman volunteers who braved a cold November to clear Tel: 01473 436096 email: [email protected] scrub at Purdis heath is a sign that we cared then, email: [email protected] and although hands-on support is hard to fnd, Newsletter Editor the success of Purdis heath is due to the ongoing County Butterfy Recorder Trevor Goodfellow efforts of Butterfy Conservation and their highly Bill Stone email: [email protected] 20, Langstons, Trimley St. Mary, valued volunteers, proving that we all still care. Ipswich IP11 0XL Regional Ofcer, Eastern A great turnout for the AGM last November, as email: [email protected] Sharon Hearle a packed hall was treated to Patrick Barkham’s Tel: 01638 484145 Transect and WCBS Co-ordinator email: [email protected] inspirational talk and our Chairman’s enlightening Twm Wade potted history of Suffolk branch BC reminding us email: twm.wade@ yahoo.com that we are 25 years old. Thanks go to Patrick and indeed all presenters, catering and raffe volunteers also Kev Ling, his

The Sufolk Argus is published by the Sufolk Branch of Butterfy Conservation. The opinions expressed in this wife Jo and daughter Emma for organizing the newsletter are not necessarily those of Butterfy Conservation or the Branch. © 2019 All rights reserved. For more photo competition. information, see: www.sufolkbutterfies.org.uk The 2019 AGM is hosting a top speaker: Peter Butterfy Conservation Eeles, (page 7). You might like to support his new Company limited by guarantee, registered in England (2206468) Registered Ofce: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268) book at www.butterfylifecycles.com/become-a-

4 5 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019 The 2018 AGM. Saturday 30th November 2019 SUFFOLK BRANCH AGM AND MEMBERS AFTERNOON Venue: Stowupland Village Hall Held on the 17th November at Earl Stonham Jillian Macready (Membership Sec.) reported Map Ref: TM070600 Village Hall, where 57 people were present. that we have memberships in 557 households, Post Code: IP14 4BG and the good news is that Branch membership is It has been a year of anniversaries - Butterfy growing. The AGM will be followed by member’s slides, then light refreshments, Conservation’s 50th and the Suffolk Branch’s 25th. Bill Stone (County Butterfy Recorder) gave the annual photo competition The Suffolk Branch was launched at a meeting in an overview of the 2018 butterfy season. He and our guest speaker Ipswich on the 30th October 1993. thanked all those who had submitted butterfy Celebratory cakes decorated with Purple Emperor records and presented some interesting coverage Peter Eeles and Silver-studded Blue were brought along to maps and data for the 3rd year of the current mark the occasion. (See Photo page 2). 5-year Millennium Recording Scheme. In 2002 Pete created the acclaimed ‘UK Butterfies’ website and later ‘Dispar’, the website where papers are published. Pete has held various positions, including Chair, in the Hampshire and Isle Some points from the meeting Dom Hill, who resigns from his post as Treasurer, of Wight Branch and in 2016 created BC’s ‘Garden Butterfy Survey’ website. He is a recipient of was thanked for his work by the Chair. Jillian the Marsh Award for the ‘Promotion of Lepidoptera Conservation’. Pete Eeles is writing the book The winter Brimstone and Buckthorn project Macready newly stood for election, and the Lifecycles of British and Irish Butterfies which is to be published this year. made available 600 buckthorn whips, primarily Committee was elected for 2018-19. for Parish Councils in areas where Brimstones ******** Visit the informative UK Butterfies website www.ukbutterfies.co.uk are scarce, and then more widely to the public Rob Parker gained a BC Outstanding Volunteer and members. We hope the plants will have Award at the National AGM in Nottingham, Further AGM details will be announced on the Branch website survived the drought of summer! which was presented today by Mike Dean, Vice Chair of Butterfy Conservation. Mike Some members attended the Conservation Action commented that the award was richly deserved Suffolk Branch Butterfly Conservation Accounts 2017-18 Day at Blaxhall Heath in March, where scrub was for many years’ service, 12 of those as Recorder. Opening Balance 1 Apr 17 B/Fwd £ 3548.81 cleared to encourage the fourishing SSB colony, translocated there in 2007. ******** Income Subscriptions 3246.00 During the tea break members voted for the Work at Purdis Heath continued during the winter VAT 21.50 photographic competition. Talks and Donations 207.00 months, but in June the heath was put up for sale Photographic Competition results: S. Mellor Legacy deposit for equipment 1681.00 and at present is ‘under offer’ to an unknown Category 1. Early Stage Butterfy or Moth - Trudie Willis Open Day Event 706.12 bidder. Natural England will be in contact with AGM Rafe 54.00 Vaporer by Ann Piper. the new owner to ensure the conservation of the BC Interest 174.65 Category 2. Overseas Butterfy or Moth - Lang’s SSSI with its Silver-studded Blue colonies. ______Short-tailed Blue by Dave Pitt. £ 6090.27 Category 3. UK Butterfy or Moth 2018 - Marbled Three editions of the Suffolk Argus have been Expenditure White by Mark Brewster. produced. Trevor Goodfellow has become the Insurance 63.34 (see photos on page 2) new editor. Sufolk Argus 1178.40 Stamps & Stationary 635.74 Books, kindly donated by the widow of Ken Moth Trap 336.50 23 events were held during the year. Members Buckland, raised £56. Equipment 1241.89 are encouraged to check the Events page on AGM Expenses 82.02 the website, where new events and up-to-date Deposit for AGM Hall 40.00 ******** arrangements are shown. SSB Recording expenses 88.20 The Guest Speaker was author and journalist Buckthorn Project 419.66 The Waitrose token scheme in the two Ipswich Patrick Barkham who gave an interesting talk on ______£ 4085.75 stores contributed over £800 to Branch funds. his pursuit of butterfies, from his early years, on into adulthood, and his plans for the future. Closing Balance 31 Mar 18 C/Fwd £ 5553.33

6 7 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

The Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey Search for Wall Brown at SWT Carlton Marshes Twm Wade Saturday 11th August 2018 Peter Maddison The Wider Countryside Butterfy Survey of the supposedly common species; their (WCBS) is a scientifcally sound method numbers and distribution. Well done and A sunny morning with a light westerly wind made Our route took us back across the reserve, along of assessing the abundance and how thank you. a favourable start for the 11 of us who set off reed-fringed tracks where Meadow Browns, across the reserve. Robert Quadling, our leader, Gatekeepers, Large, Small and Green-veined widespread common species of butterfies is a voluntary warden at SWT Carlton Marshes Whites, Comma, Red Admiral and Small Copper are across the UK. Ordnance Survey (OS) For those interested in participating in the and his knowledge of the site, its butterfies and were seen. Dragonfies included Migrant and 1Km squares are randomly selected across WCBS scheme please visit the branch other wildlife was much appreciated. A Common Brown Hawkers and Blue-tailed Damselfies, the country and volunteers walk the square website to see if there is an OS square Blue in the car park picnic area was a good omen and a Grass Snake. During a picnic lunch at taking two separate routes, two or more available in your area or contact Twm Wade and it wasn’t long before Meadow Browns, the Visitor Centre more Common Blues were times in the year. They count the butterfies for more information. Gatekeepers and the whites were recorded. A spotted, and a Holly Blue was seen near to Ivy they identify that are within a 5m x 5m x 5m diversion across a meadow to a dyke flled with on an overhanging Hawthorn. In the afternoon zone and report their fndings on a system Twm Wade Water Soldiers brought us to one of the highlights one or two members of the group stayed on for called “UKBMS”. Every butterfy record Transect Co-ordinator of the day: The Fen Raft Spider Dolomedes a while to walk the river wall adjacent to White matters. Suffolk Branch Butterfy Conservation plantarius which is thriving on the reserve. Not Cast Marsh where a spiralling and chasing pair of 01638 577446 easy to spot but once our focus was in, female, Walls was watched for several minutes. The outcome of the surveys in Suffolk are 07743 305363 male and young spiders were all identifed. A very nice diversion….and then back to butterfies. In 2019 search for what has probably become nearly predictable. The most abundant was Although the bare earth tracks that hold heat Suffolk’s rarest breeding species. the Meadow Brown with 848 recorded. Every butterfy record matters are favoured basking sites of the Wall, the sun- See our 2019 Events Programme for details of a This was followed by the Small White, 797, drenched river bank, which in parts is sheltered repeat walk at SWT Carlton Marshes, a hot spot and Large White, 727. The least abundant from cooling winds, is also worth surveying. In in the north east of the county. are the Silver-washed Fritillary, 2, and the last couple of years work to reshape some of Clouded Yellow, 3. The next was the Green the more distant river bank has not yet provided Hairstreak, 11, seen in April, followed by Wall habitat, but a Painted Lady and a couple the Painted Lady (12). The most widespread of Red Admirals were nectaring on thistles on was the Small White recorded in 27 OS the new bank. A Chinese Water Deer wandered squares in Suffolk. It was followed closely through a meadow to the north, on land that the by the Large White, 26, and jointly the SWT has newly acquired and where work will Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper with 24. be starting soon on the signifcant Suffolk Broads project.

It is good to see that we are getting more early Towards the pumping station where the records thereby picking up spring species vegetation is established, hot spots abound, and like the Orange Tip and Green Hairstreak. 3 Walls were seen. Visitors hoping to see this I can only thank all the volunteers for their threatened species, the habitat and number of contribution to the data. Without them which are diminishing each year in the county, walking, spotting, recording and reporting Chalkhill blue by Trevor Goodfellow would do well to peer carefully at the sun- Wall brown by Douglas Hammersley we just would not know the ups and downs drenched concrete walls of the structure where basking Walls might be found.

8 9 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

Thank you to Rougham and Bramfield farm recorders. Juliet Hawkins

Rob Parker and Trevor Goodfellow kindly that most of us casual observers would miss - responded to my 2018 spring call-up for Purple Hairstreak and Purple Emperor. One volunteers to carry out two transect surveys over notable exception to the expected species was an area of woodland and mixed farmland for the the absence of the Essex Skipper which is a Rougham Estate Trust www.roughamestatetrust. widespread species that has undergone an 88% org within fying distance of Bradfeld Woods decline in abundance between 1976-2014. National Nature Reserve. Both transects took in an area where Suffolk Bat Group has carried out Rob and Trevor’s excellent survey information, a bat survey, and (SWT) which refected subtle differences in habitat volunteers, Dorothy Casey and I, have done a quality, combined with SWT’s plant survey, White-letter hairstreak by Trevor Goodfellow Purple emperor by Trevor Goodfellow woodland plant survey in 2018. An excellent provided very useful pointers for the estate’s total of 26 butterfy species were recorded, habitat management and long-term woodland need to keep healthy elm habitat going strong Wildlife Trust is working with a cluster of farmers representing 75%+ of Suffolk’s 34 butterfies management plan. SWT’s fnal report includes with rotational coppicing and possibly planting who wish to ensure their efforts for wildlife are that have regularly occurred in Suffolk during many recommendations but primarily the of disease-resistant elms in some key, sensitive maximised – and success can be measured. The the last fve years i.e. 2013-2017. This includes importance of really wide, sunny, scalloped, places; and the provision of more nectar-rich paucity of butterfy records on Andrew’s baseline four of Suffolk’s priority species, notably Small shrub-edged woodland rides; woodland margins on arable feld edges. We hope to carry transect in 2018 is equally important to record Heath, White Admiral (page 28), White-Letter management to favour specifc larval foodplants out a similar survey for another part of the estate as long exciting lists. Hopefully, the new owner Hairstreak and Silver-Washed Fritillary (page – honeysuckle for White Admiral and common in 2019 but this frst survey is most useful in will be inspired by the return of butterfies, from 28), together with some elusive treetop species dog violet for the Silver-Washed Fritillary; the providing baseline information from which adjacent sympathetically managed farmland, to measure the success of once wildfower margins have been established, implementing a woodland pollen and nectar mixes sown, sympathetic Free wood southern edge feld management plan that aims mowing regimes have been implemented and margin towards Mellfeld wood to improve the ancient and scrub-grass mixes allowed to regenerate where other estate woodland for a there was previously none. variety of wildlife. Whilst hot and wearisome on some Thank you so much to these BC volunteers for survey days, seeing 60 their time spent this summer. And thank you also Silver-Washed Fritillary on for the use of Suffolk BC’s information-flled one summer’s day is surely website and especially the online distribution a treat for any surveyor’s maps which made for so much more meaningful eyes! Trevor Goodfellow’s and visual interpretation of the survey data. If wonderful photos are an any BC member wishes to volunteer for doing inspiration for all involved survey work, do get in touch with me, Juliet – and hopefully gave some Hawkins, and if there is a farm nearby, we can reward for the time spent partner you up with, we will! surveying! Juliet Hawkins Andrew Leng volunteered Farm conservation adviser for to take on a transect on a Suffolk Wildlife Trust newly purchased small farm [email protected] in Bramfeld where Suffolk 01473 890089 (SWT)

10 11 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

Do you want to find out more about our local butterflies? Peter Maddison

We have a programme of countywide Admirals, Fritillaries and Emperors might spring and summer outdoor meetings. All be your thing - we have a number of walks our events are suitable for beginners, but a in woodlands where such grandees might number are highlighted for those wanting be spotted. to know more about identifcation and recording. And there are heath and forest walks for the threatened and special Dingy Skipper, We want to know what butterfies we have Grayling and Wall. in the county - help us to put that right by visiting ‘Black Holes’, the 2 x 2 km Check the website for up to date squares that have no or few records. They information. are a feature of this year’s programme.

Grayling by Douglas Hammersley Marbled white by Mark Brewster 12 13 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

Saturday 9th March - Sufolk Moth Group Annual Grid reference of the meeting place: TL648478 free. Contact: Sam 07712 281307 Indoor Meeting Time – 10am start until about 2pm Email: [email protected] Illustrated talks, discussions and workshops. Tis year Contact – Phone Rob Parker 3 days before for fnal Saturday 8th June - Black Hole Walk - Clare Country with guest speaker from Norfolk Moth Group instructions (01284 705476 or Park Friday 5th July - Cavenham Heath Moths and Refreshments (tea, cofee) will be provided (contribution Email: [email protected] ) Suitable for beginners - Walk around Clare Country Butterfies to cost requested) but not lunch (pub nearby) Park and surrounding paths. Opening moth traps set the night before followed by a Where: Bucklesham Village Hall Monday 13th -Sunday 26th May - Dingy Skipper Meet: Main Car Park walk on the heath looking for Forester in particular. Grid Ref: TM242417 Fortnight- Grid reference: TL770453 Time: 10am start (up to 3 Where; Cavenham Heath NNR near Tuddenham Time: 9.30 am for 10.00 am, fnish 4.30 pm A series of surveys and walks to ascertain the hours in length) Meet; at the frst car parking area towards the end of the Contact: Neil Sherman population and locations of Dingy Skipper in Sufolk. Contact – Kevin Ling (Tel: 07443623987) - Call day road starting at the Green in Tuddenham village. Te Email: [email protected] Location: Various events will be run but will include key before for weather check track is very bumpy afer this point. sites within Kings Forest and other locations in Breckland Grid Ref; TL744721 Friday 19th – Tuesday 23rd April - Butterfy Sufolk. Events will, as always, be weather-dependant, to Saturday 15th June Two more Black Holes - near Time: 10am – 1pm Conservation nectar plant display. coincide with the peak fight period in 2019. Kedington Contact Sharon Hearle A coordinated Sufolk Butterfy Conservation and Time: Actual survey dates and times will be advised via A search along the Stour Valley path for summer Email: [email protected] Marlow’s garden centre display featuring a collection Sufolk BC website events page species. of their available pollen and nectar rich plants. Contact: Bill Stone, Sufolk Butterfy Recorder 07906 Meet: Te PROVISIONAL meeting place is the Sunday 14th July - Woodland Wonders Where: Marlows Garden Centre Ltd. Hollow Rd. Bury St 888603 or Barnardiston Arms at Kedington (CB9 7NA) Woodland walk through nature reserve Edmunds, IP32 7AP Email: [email protected] Grid ref:TL7046 in search of summer butterfies. Grid ref: TL865652 Time: 10am start until about 2pm. Location: Bonny Wood Time: 8.30 – 17.30 Friday 17th May - Butterfies of North Sufolk Contact – Phone Rob Parker 3 days before for fnal Meet: Barking Village Hall, Barking Hill, IP6 8HW Contact: Trevor Goodfellow, Butterfies of the wildfower meadows (40 acres) instructions (01284 705476 or Grid ref: TM067526 Email: [email protected] and SSSI woodland (80 acres) of West Hall Farm, Email: [email protected] ) Start: 10.00 am Finish: 1.00 pm Rickinghall. Contact: Adrian, 07518 908436 Tursday 2nd May - Butterfies at Martlesham Creek Meet: West Hall Farm, Rickinghall Tursday 20th June - ‘Black Holes’ in NE Sufolk Email [email protected] Butterfy identifcation and recording at Martlesham Map Ref: TM 026734Post Code: IP22 1LZ Help complete Black Holes and under-recorded areas Creek and farmland nearby. Beginners very welcome. Time: 10.30am Bring Lunch to the SW of Halesworth. Fri 19th July to Sun 11th August Meet: Martlesham Church car park Contact: Peter Maddison 01473 736607 Meet: Provisional meeting point is Walpole green in BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT Grid Ref: TM260469 Post Code: IP12 4PQ village centre but contact Peter Maddison to confrm Big Butterfy Count (BBC). Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Saturday 18th May - Butterfies Along the Sailors’ details. For more details visit www.butterfy-conservation.org Contact: Peter Maddison Path Grid ref: TM364745 Email: [email protected] 01473 736607 Butterfy identifcation and recording along the Time: 10.00am - 2.30pm Friday 19th July - Kick of the Big Butterfy Count to Snape Sailors’ Path. Beginners very Contact: Peter Maddison Join Rob Parker and Jillian Macready at Wyken. Te Monday 6th May (Public Holiday) FREE FAMILY welcome. Email: [email protected] 01473 736607 estate comprises 5 woods some of which are SSSI EVENT* Meet: Small car park on Marsh Lane, near Aldeburgh. with recently seen White Admirals and Silver washed Spring Wood Celebration Day (near SWT Hazelwood Marshes) Saturday 29th June - Landseer Park Summer Butterfy Fritillary. Start of your butterfy count in style. Join Sufolk Branch of Butterfy Conservation and lots Grid Ref: TM442581 Post Code: IP17 1PG walk. Meet at Wyken Vineyard a short walk south of Te of other conservation groups at Kiln Meadow. Butterfy Time: 10.30am - 2.00pm (with optional afernoon visit Come and see the vast array of butterfies among the Leaping Hare (IP31 2DW) we will walk through one and other guided walks, wood crafs, children’s activities, to SWT Hazelwood Marshes) Linear morning walk, lif fower rich meadows. or two of the woods on this private estate. music and storytelling. Park at Bourne Park of Stoke back to start point will be available. Meet: Landseer Park car park. Grid ref: TL 96347 70984 Park Drive and take free minibus to the event on Kiln Contact: Peter Maddison Grid ref: TM176425 Time: 10.30am to 2pm, have lunch in the Leaping Meadow. Email: [email protected] 01473 736607 Start; 10.00 am Finish; 12.00 mid-day Hare or a picnic aferwards in the vineyard (booking in Where: Kiln Meadow, of Marbled White Drive, Ipswich Contact: David Dowding & Adrian Richards restaurant necessary, not in the café) Map Ref: TM143416 Sunday 26th May 07963197221 Contact: Jillian Macready Time: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES* Email: [email protected] or 07980 208442 Contact: Helen Saunders Plant Heritage Spring Plant Fair at Helmingham Hall Saturday 29th June – Moth Trapping at Pipers Vale Email: [email protected] Come and fnd Sufolk Branch in the Conservation LNR Tursday 25th July - Devils Dyke in Newmarket Zone at Plant Heritage (Sufolk Group’s) Spring Fair at Identifying and recording ‘macro-moths’ with Sam Looking for Chalkhill Blues. Saturday 11th May - Two Black Holes - Butterfy Walk Helmingham Hall Gardens. Chamberlin and David Dowding. Although not in the West Sufolk vice-county for A circular walk through two unrecorded tetrads not Map Ref: TM186576; Post Code: IP14 6EF Location: Pipers Vale AONB recording this is the closest you can get to see the far from Haverhill Time: 10.00 am – 16.00 pm Meet: Pipers Vale car park, Gainsborough Lane, Ipswich Chalkhill Blue. Te aim is to see as many Spring species as we can. For more information click here to visit the Helmingham IP3 0LG Location: Southern end of Devil’s Dyke Meet: Te PROVISIONAL meeting point is the car park Hall events page Grid ref: TM178419 Meet: July Racecourse entrance near A1303/A1304 of the White Horse at Withersfeld (CB9 7SH) £7 entrance fee per person. All children under 16 years Start: 21:30 Finish: Midnight roundabout with horse statue.

14 15 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

Grid Ref:- TL617614 Saturday 10th August - Te Wall and other butterfies Important information Start:- 11.00 am, Finish:- 1.00 pm at SWT Carlton Marshes Contact: Sharon Hearle Te Wall has had a massive decline in population As with any other activity, there are hazards in the bringing children with you, please ensure that the event Email: [email protected] Tel in the UK and has nearly disappeared from Sufolk. countryside and everyone taking part in an event has is within their capability. 07920131526 It is very helpful to know if you are Carlton Marshes is the last place where you can hope a responsibility (duty of care) for their own safety and planning to attend before. (Sharon is Butterfy to see the butterfy. that of others. We try hard to ensure that our events • Dogs may be allowed at some of the events. Please Conservation Senior Regional Ofcer, ) Meet: SWT Carlton Marshes car park present no greater hazard than any other walk in the contact the leader in advance to fnd out if the event is Grid Ref: TM508920 Post Code: NR33 8HU countryside, but we would encourage anyone planning suitable. Saturday 27 July - Red Lodge Heath Butterfy Walk Time: 10.30am Leaders: Peter Maddison and Robert to attend an event to read and act on the following With over 20 species recorded on this SSSI, it is a good Quadling advice: • If you are uncertain about any aspect of an event or place to see butterfies even on a damp day. Contact: Peter Maddison activity, please contact the leader in advance. Suitable for families and novices, the range of species Email: [email protected] 01473 736607 • Wear appropriate footwear. If there are unusual and their numbers will make it a good walk for those of requirements these will be noted in the event Contact details can be found with each event entry. Do experience. It is somewhere diferent. Saturday 16th November programme, but stout shoes are a minimum requirement let the leader know if you need, or can offer, a lift. If Where - Of the A11 north-east of Newmarket. Butterfy Conservation National Annual General for any walk. you decide to leave early, please tell the event leader. Place to meet - Millennium Centre car park, Magnolia Meeting Close Post Code - IP28 8TT Grid Ref - TL699703 Please note that persons who take part in these events Start time - 13.00 hrs. (1.00 pm); 3 hours max. Saturday 30th November • The leader will brief you on the trip before setting off, do so entirely at their own risk and The Suffolk Branch Contact - Twm Wade, (01638 577446, 07743 305363) Sufolk Branch A.G.M & Members Event with details of any known hazards and advice on what of Butterfy Conservation cannot accept liability for Peter Eeles will be the guest speaker. Peter runs the to do in an emergency – please listen carefully. any injuries or losses during the course of an event. Saturday 27th July - Butterfy Pipers UK Butterfies website (www.ukbutterfies.co.uk). In Binoculars, cameras, feld guides and notebooks are Walking the vale through a variety of habitats for late 2016 he was presented with the Marsh Award for the • By their nature, butterfies are not always to be found always useful. For moth nights bring a torch and summer butterfies. Promotion of Lepidoptera Conservation at Butterfy next to the path and will offer many opportunities eye protection (i.e. polarised sunglasses or wide- Location: Pipers Vale AONB Conservation’s AGM. (temptations) to wander off the track. It’s easy to be brimmed hat). Remember, most nature reserves do Meet: Pipers Vale car park, Gainsborough Lane, Ipswich He is writing “Lifecycles of British and Irish distracted and to miss potential hazards such as rabbit not permit dogs. Map references are based on the IP3 0LG Butterfies” to be published in October 2019. holes, fallen or hanging branches, barbed wire etc. Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger series and Grid ref: TM178419 Beware of wet grass or moss, particularly on sloping are approximate. They refer to the rendezvous, not Start: 10.00 am Finish: 12.30 pm ground. Children are welcome at branch events but, if the site. Anyone is welcome to come along, Branch Contact: Julian, 07910 170609 under 16, they must be accompanied by a responsible members or not. Email: [email protected] adult (maximum of two children per adult). If you are Sunday 28th July GARDEN OPEN DAY* Wildlife Garden Open Day. An invitation from BC member Mrs Trudie Willis, Ask Iris to visit her 10 acre garden, including a Buddleia and Honeysuckle collection. Vanessa asked: ‘Why are moths attracted to light if what’s that light’ or, as some believe, it is related to Meet: Park at Prior’s Oak, Leiston Road, Aldeburgh they are nocturnal?’ celestial navigation. Not sure that moths navigate far (B1122 Leiston to Aldeburgh Road) though, take the vapourer moth for example: fightless Map Ref: TM452591 Post Code: IP15 5QE Iris replied: Moths’ attraction to light (positive Time: 10.30 am start phototaxis) could be related to certain light wavelengths females and you won’t fnd a male in your trap as Contact: Peter Maddison giving confusing pheromone signals. However, that the vapourer is known to be attracted by pheromones Email: [email protected] 01473 736607 would imply that only male moths would be attracted rather than light. Venue: Stowupland Village Hall to light, as this is not the case, maybe females don’t like So, Vanessa I am sorry, there is no positive explanation. Saturday 3rd August - Butterfies of East Sufolk Grid Ref: TM 070600, Post Code: IP14 4BG Recording butterfies in Kenton Hills, Time: 2.30 pm. the competition for mating? Camilla asked: ‘How can I save on expensive postage?’ and Broom Covert. Please note the change in location and the afernoon Of course, moths are caught outside of their mating Iris replied: Instead of wasting your hard-earnt cash on ‘Dogs not allowed on most of the permissive paths of this start. period meaning that this theory is, on its own, could walk’ Te AGM will be followed by the guest speaker, frst class postage, send your letters second class a day be unfounded. Meet: Kenton Hills car park members’ slides, light refreshments and the annual photo earlier. Grid Ref: TM453638 Post code: IP16 4UP competition. Further details will be announced in Te Moths circling a light source such as a moth trap can If you have a question for Iris, serious or humorous, Time: 10.00am - 1.00pm Sufolk Argus and on the Branch website. often be seen fying erratically and bumbling frantically please email ‘ask Iris’ c/o the editor: trevor@ Contact: Peter Maddison as if blinded by the light. This behavior could be some Email: [email protected] 01473 736607 greenfarm.org.uk in-built reaction to their belief that ‘it is night, so

16 17 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

All a flutter. An Invitation to Watch Butterflies. (Broadleaf magazine south east issue), by Rohan Amick (edited by Trevor Goodfellow) Rob Parker Twenty years as a radio offcer in the making charts listing the 21 species I found A comfortable stay on Suffolk’s coast is programme. You can plan the out and back merchant navy couldn’t dampen my passion there. This year I saw 30 – 40 marbled whites an opportunity to watch butterfies, some walk for a whole day, with a lunch break at for butterfies, I have loved them since I was in one survey! And October sightings of red special, some numerous, and all guaranteed Aldeburgh, but if that is too strenuous, why a boy. admiral and speckled wood. to enhance the timeless quality of your not take a shorter stretch from either end? My favourite haunt is Worms Wood near People ask me how I can be sure I don’t count outdoor life. The Sandlings has heaths that Bangor. There are plenty of nectar-bearing the same one twice, and the truth is, I can’t, host rarities like the Silver-studded Blue, If you want to fnd one of Suffolk’s rarities – plants there, so it is ideal for butterfies. but at the same time you can’t hope to count the Silver-studded Blue, a UK Biodiversity It attracts a lot of the brown species like ringlet them all, so it evens out. You must know forests that feature the graceful fight of Action Plan (UKBAP) species, it can be and the brown argus, peacock and common your species and have a quick keen eye, walk the White Admiral, and coastal walks with found by visiting in late June or blue. slowly to count them all, patience is the key; wildfowers that sparkle with butterfies I started doing surveys about four years ago, you can’t rush it. enjoying the sun. You can just relax and July. There are 2 pubs in the village, and let them cross your path from time to time, the butterfy fies on Westleton Common, which is accessible to the public and only Butterfly of The Year? but if you want to be sure to fnd something interesting, here are a few ideas. 500 yards south of the village centre. The Richard Stewart colonies are spread around the heathery If you choose to tackle the “Sailors’ Path” dells in the common, and you will need to Although the Holly blue was abundant, rarer Adonis Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper. from Snape towards Aldeburgh you will walk slowly and look carefully to fnd them, particularly in the frst half of the year, my Besides the overall patterning and colour this own vote goes to the Brown Argus, also the species has a particularly silver effect in fight. cross a variety of different habitats, and a but once you are in the right place, it can be favourite of Patrick Barkham, as revealed in However, I also like to check against the summer walk along its sandy paths will let a delight to watch a rare butterfy thriving his AGM talk. In past years I have sometimes possibility of it being a female Common Blue you see Graylings, Small Coppers, Meadow and tumbling about in good numbers. If you had to wait some time to fnd one-in 2015 it by making sure there are no spot markings on Browns, Common Blues, and possibly even are going on to , you might like to was 17th July. However, in 2018 I had records the forewing nearer than halfway into the body. a Wall Brown or two – a once familiar know that there are other colonies scattered from sixteen different locations, thirteen being Formerly this often necessitated getting down butterfy in sad decline across much of either side of the road as you pass through in Suffolk from the King’s Forest in the west, on my knees but that is seldom necessary now, England. The familiar Peacocks, Small the Westleton Heath National Nature to Orford and Thorpeness on the eastern thanks to close focus binoculars. Totroiseshells and Commas will be there too Reserve. coast. One turned up in our Ipswich garden- of course – most of your way along the path. only the second record- and I If you have time for a detour, why not step Stopping at the Natural England car park at found a single Brown Argus in into the Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve at the corner of the is a good the meadow at The Dales, also ? You will fnd parts of plan too. Not only is there a good chance in Ipswich. This was a new site of seeing Silver-studded Blues or Graylings record. A colony of eight was it sheltered, with a more open aspect as you approach the bird hide and the marshland close to the car park, but a walk in the forest found on a visit to Rainham can bring you a glimpse of a White Admiral Marshes but probably the greatest along the Alde estuary. The Sailors path is gliding along one of the rides. number was on Denbies, North just under 3 miles between the small car Downs, near Dorking. I was park at the RSPB’s Snape Warren and the Other good woodlands for White Admiral there with my wife Marie and little car park off the A1094 about a mile can be found in the Tunstall Forest or the Stella and Roger Wolfe, but we Small Tortoiseshell before the edge of Aldeburgh. That car park Rendlesham Forest. Both are excellent didn’t count every Brown Argus, by Deborah Vass is the assembly point for a feld meeting places to stretch your legs and have good concentrating more on fnding onSaturday 18th May – See the events

18 19 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019 numbers of other species throughout the enough to have a good year for immigrant The Wall brown summer. It needs to be late June or July for butterfies. Not only do Painted Lady and Robert Quadling White Admiral or White-letter Hairstreak Clouded Yellow make their landfall along First Wall Brown sightings for 2017 and butterfy survey on a single day within though; look out for honeysuckle and elm, our coast, but they are accompanied by 2018 have been on the 10th May for a that generation period, compared with the as these are the larval host plants for the 2 Red Admiral and Large White – 2 species single Butterfy. 2nd generation adults from 29th July 2017 species respectively. Both forests have a lot which are residents, but are also boosted when highest number recorded on a single of dense pine plantation, but the butterfies by migration most summers. The incomers 1st Generation Walls fy from May to June: day survey was 25. prefer the sunnier rides with broadleaf settle on the fower-rich grassland of the sea highest Number recorded for 2018 was 10 woodlands, so walk into the more promising wall/coastal strip, and lay their eggs for the Butterfies. Wall browns at Carlton Marshes are found habitat at every junction. Dunwich, next generation, making the coast a good at the sluice next to the river Waveney and Rendlesham and Tunstall Forests all have butterfy-watching zone for a much longer 2nd Generation Walls fy from July to along the path from Whitecast marsh to Forestry Commission car parks/picnic sites period than the few days of the massed August: highest number recorded for 2018 the ramp on the new bank opposite Peto`s and guarantee a walk on the wild side. landfall. Aptly enough, the Wall is a butterfy was 10 Butterfies. Marsh. As the season progresses, they often seen occasionally along the sea wall. If you spread out around the reserve covering a If you prefer a view of the sea, the Suffolk 3rd Generation between September to join the coastal path at Orford you might large area. It is these butterfies that are coastal path can be joined at many places October: highest number recorded was see it whilst visiting Orford Castle. Sadly seen mostly on the paths which have short and can be a joy whenever we are lucky 4 butterfies. These fgures are from a the Wall is in decline, and is very much a worn grass and open coastal species these days; patches of earth and watch out for it basking in as the name suggests, the sun on the bare ground you can always fnd at your feet. them on the defence food wall at the Suffolk only has 35 sluice basking in the species of resident and sun. As SWT Carlton regular migrant butterfies, Marshes seems to be which is less than can the last stronghold be seen in the south of for the Wall brown England, but they enhance in Suffolk. I closely the lives of anyone who survey the site each cares to watch them, so it year to help protect ain’t silly to keep a good the Wall’s future on lookout. If you know the reserve and to your butterfies and see monitor and maintain anything interesting, why the valuable habitat. not send in your sightings (see photos page 28). to: [email protected] Illustration: Illustration: Dingy Wall Brown by skipper-Douglas Mervyn Crawford Hammersley

20 21 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

Thanks Garden Nectar Plants for Butterflies Twm Wade B is For Buddleia and Bowles Mauve Wallflower. I thought some of you might know Gill enjoyable to survey a lovely part of Suffolk Richard Stewart Perkins who, I suspect was a volunteer into and I hope someone else will take it on. Much has been said about the ‘butterfy bush’ so and cuttings are easy. Ours survived the 2018 the WCBS scheme at the start. At the grand I will restrict my comments to just two points. summer drought but its height was noticeably age of 80, she has decided to retire and This year hasn’t been good for Red First, by planting early varieties like the graceful shorter. Like some species of buddleia, it can be wrote to me thus: Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks and Commas but Brimstones, Orange Tips alternifolia and late- fowering weyeriana the grown in pots and fne examples, admittedly in “I enclose my record sheets for this year and and whites haven’t done badly. I hope next fowering season can in a good year extend very large pots, surround the main fountain in the from late May to early December. The best way Cambridge Botanical Gardens. have decided it is time for me to retire. (I year will be better for all species. of seeing a wide range of buddleia species is to am 80 years young now!) It has been very Nectaring: Brimstone, Large, Small and Green- All the best for the future”. visit Trudie’s garden at Aldeburgh, normally in the last week of July as a Butterfy Conservation veined White, Orange Tip, Common Blue, Red event. Details will be on the forthcoming 2019 Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Casual observations of butterfly habits programme. Comma. during the 2018 drought Secondly, I have lost count of disappointed Trevor Goodfellow comments about lack of butterfies on summer fowering davidii species and I think it often Purple hairstreak and white-letter hairstreak caterpillars manage to crawl to some food occurs because there is no deadheading after the were apparently feeding more often at or nearby if the chosen plant dies. initial fowering period. In the long hot summer near ground level. I suspect their food supply of 2018, I deadheaded six times, extending the Another consequence of the prolonged dry of honeydew at their normal treetop haunt fowering through to the start of October. was dried up or the aphids that produce the spell was that grass died off and when the honeydew may have vacated the treetops as rains fnally returned, weeds (wild fowers) Species recorded nectaring on alternifolia the oaks and elms (respectively) react to the recovered much quicker than the grass, ok in our Ipswich garden: Small White, Green- veined White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Small hot weather. for meadows but not for many gardens. For example: In late August, I watched Tortoiseshell, Comma, Meadow Brown. The oaks will regenerate but it was brown argus and common blue butterfies Davidii: Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large, Small noticeable that some elms were dying, frantically laying their eggs on these lush and Green-veined White, Purple Hairstreak, possibly diseased trees, that lack of water new growths of cranesbill, trefoils and Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small accelerated their demise. vetches. This led me to wonder whether Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Silver-washed many lawns would get the ‘weed and Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Grayling, Gatekeeper, During the very hot weather I also noticed feed’ treatment as a result and maybe the Meadow Brown plus Silver Y moth and small heath and small copper, laying their fourish of second brood argus and blues Hummingbird Hawk moth. eggs on dried and shriveled leaves, and may be thwarted. The impact of these Weyeriana: Large White, Green-veined White, not always their frst choice of foodplant. natural adaptions will be revealed next year. I am not sure whether these eggs will be Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Fingers crossed that it is favourable for our Gatekeeper, Meadow brown plus Silver Y moth. successful, but I hope the tiny hatching ever-declining butterfies. Bowles Mauve Wallfower: this has the great Painted Lady by Beryl Johnson advantage of having a long fowering period

22 23 The Suffolk Argus Spring 2019

A new Suffolk butterfly- Southern Small White The herald of spring (P. mannii)- a brief update Kev Ling

Bill Stone, Suffolk Butterfly Recorder Winter has its pleasures for sure. The festive tastiest snack to be had, a result of mustard oils season with its prolonged build up and the that have accumulated in the body from the larval I have previously written about potential new Despite the restricted expansion in 2018 as countryside taking on a crisp, frosty appearance. foodplant. The male is also far more active than species of butterfy for Suffolk and most recently described above there remains a real possibility For some at least the arrival of snow adds an added the female. Its most defned characteristic is how about Southern Small White (P.mannii). This that P. mannii could arrive in the UK in the splendour to the landscape, with migrating birds it patrols the hedgerows and countryside for much particular species of butterfy has expanded its Autumn of 2019. Given Suffolk’s position on the from the north and east providing keen interest to of the day, searching all available plants in the range considerably in mainland Europe over east coast of the UK that means it is very likely to the naturalists amongst us. hunt for a female and seldomly stopping for rest the last few years and with a recently recorded be found on a coastal walk particularly in gardens or nectar as it does so. This can be particularly However, as the new year is welcomed, I start northern movement of over 100km per year it where the larval foodplant, Candy Tuft (Iberis frustrating for the photographer. Although it is not to have a yearning. That patient waiting and especially diffcult to photograph a male, patience is slowly heading towards the UK. In 2017, P. sempervirens) is found. Candy Tuft is a common anticipation for greener seasons, when the trees is certainly a virtue as is understanding their mannii had reached the Netherlands and had and popular plant and is often used in formal are once again adorned with fresh leaves and the habits. A male Orange Tip must not be pursued. colonised southern Germany. gardens given its dense, clump forming habit. hedgerows begin to burst with colour and blooms. As a child I didn’t have a camera but loved seeing For me, spring is never truly here until I am treated them at rest. Conjure an image of a child running I have recently made contact with key observers So, in conclusion, please keep looking out for to the frst dancing fight of the Orange Tip. Never up and down the hedgerows in the vain hope that in Holland and Belgium to ascertain what this small white butterfy particularly in the a year goes by without me feeling real emotion and the butterfy would tire before he does. I soon they have noticed as to P. mannii movements Autumn on the coast and ensure you take photos elation at that frst sighting. learned that this didn’t work. For inspection of in 2018. In respect of the Netherlands, Chris to confrm the identity. Orange Tips at close quarters, a partially cloudy My interest in Butterfies started as a small boy, Van Swaay from De Vlinderstichting (Dutch day provides the best odds. Allow them to come when I would gaze excitedly at the sheer number Butterfy Conservation) has reported that the to you and once the sun is obscured by cloud they of Nymphalidae on my father’s Buddleia. How I spread of P.mannii has not been as extensive as settle, sometimes with their wings open, as they try NB: Identifcation help was given in the Suffolk wish they were so prolifc now. I would marvel at expected with the suspected reason being the to absorb the heat energy from the sun. Some of Argus- Autumn 2017 (Vol 70- p 16-20). the range of colours on display from Red Admiral, my best photographs have come with these tactics, high temperatures experienced in Europe last Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Painted Lady. using only a mobile phone as my camera of choice. year and the corresponding effects of drought. But nothing pleased me more that the conspicuous The 4th generation of P. mannii is the one that fash of bright orange from a male Anthocharis The females are slightly more diffcult to identify, drives its expansion and in 2018 individuals had Cardamines (Orange Tip) in early April, the especially in fight when they can be mistaken for been recorded as far north as Waddensea and just “Herald of Spring”. Small or Green Veined White. But once settled to the north of Amsterdam. Of note, P. mannii is with their wings closed, they are unmistakable This species is one of the frst to emerge that has now common in the south-east of the country. as they share the same mottled green and white not overwintered as an adult. It enjoys a wide The map, courtesy of Chris van Swaay below underwing pattern as the male. The design being range of habitats from hedgerows to woodland reminiscent of lichen (see photo page 27). Only helpfully shows how P. mannii has been recorded rides where Garlic Mustard, one of its larval host the Bath White displays a similar pattern to that of during the period 2016-2018. plants is found. Another crucifer that is used for the Orange Tip and this species is sadly not found egg laying is Cuckoofower (Lady’s Smock). This In Belgium, Pieter Vantieghem a well-known and in Britain. The underwing pattern also adds to the tends to prefer damper ground, such as riverbanks female’s ability to camoufage itself whilst at rest respected butterfy expert has also commented and rain enriched meadows. that the expected expansion of P. mannii with on its preferred plant choice. Male and female of this species are very different the 4th generation in the Autumn was smaller. As Females are far less active than their male in both appearance and behaviour. The orange such, P. mannii remains restricted to the south- counterparts and are not as readily seen on the markings to the forewings of course make the east of the country. The map below, courtesy of wing, being more concerned with egg laying. I male unmistakable. This also serves as a timely Pieter Vantieghem shows this position well. have enjoyed analysing their behaviour though. As reminder to predatory birds that they are not the

24 25 The Suffolk Argus Orange tip courtship by Kev Ling Spring 2019 the accompanying photo demonstrates I observed in the wild, despite them remaining in this stage for the female raising her abdomen to the approaching well over three hundred days. I hatched a plan to male. At frst, I was of the understanding that this increase the odds of fnding my elusive holy grail. was a courtship ritual, but in fact the male was I had not seen an Orange Tip in my back garden being shown a clear sign of rejection, probably as before, so Garlic Mustard was planted (Being a bi- the female in question had already mated. I have annual you may not get fowers until the second however established that the same raised abdomen year). But when they did fower, we immediately of a virgin female is an invitation for the male to attracted them, and one or more females had court and mate with her. deposited a dozen eggs to our small patch of plants. As expected only a proportion made it to Equally as interesting and easy to observe is how 4th instar, but overnight they went walkabout and the female seeks out a suitable place for laying her I never did fnd a single pupa. Last spring however Orange tip Orange tip by Kev Ling eggs. Firstly, it must be a crucifer and she is seen I kept my eye on a particular caterpillar, and with pupa by to brush past or momentarily land on a plant to the cunning addition of some fne netting at just Kev Ling establish this. Once the correct larval food plant the right time, I restricted its onward journey and is located, she will then ensure that it is in fower. located the fnal pupation position. It was worth She identifes this either by sight or using her feet the forty something year wait, my very frst Orange to taste the plant. She can also detect if an egg has Tip pupa (see photo page 27). already been laid to that plant. After considering all these things she will usually deposit a single All too soon the highlight of my butterfy year is at egg to the fower stalk. Orange Tips caterpillars are an end. How I wish my favourite species had more well known as being cannibalistic, so it is unusual than a single brood, to prolong that enjoyment. But to see more than one egg per plant. In 2018 though, just as the Orange Tip disappears, summer is then I did observe for the frst time a plant carrying two starting, and the promise of many more species or three eggs. dilutes the disappointment that I will have to wait another 10 months before the child inside me is The next two stages of an Orange Tips journey woken once more. to adulthood are also surprising easy to observe. Although greenish-white when frst laid, the egg soon turns a vivid orange colour making them one Humming-bird hawk by of the easiest of any species to fnd. The egg will Jenny and Gary Plank be found on the top part of the stem just below the fowerhead. I like to pack a magnifying glass in my camera bag so that I can see their exquisite detail.

The caterpillar emerges 10-14 days later, eats its eggshell and then begins feeding on the developing seed pods. It is at this point that they become easy to observe to the trained eye as they lay atop the seed pod, camoufaged nicely as they eat. The caterpillar will go through four instars before it heads off, away from the larval foodplant to pupate.

Since I was a child, one of the things at the top of Orange Tip by Beryl Johnson my butterfying bucket list, was to fnd an Orange Tip pupa. Sadly, they are extremely diffcult to fnd

26 27 White admiral. Rougham estateSuf SWTfol k farmlandThe survey by Argus Trevor Goodfellow

Wall browns by Robert Quadling

Red admiral by Mark Brewster Silver-washed fritillary ‘valezina’ SWT farmland survey by Trevor Goodfellow

Wall brown by Robert Quadling

Common blue by Mark Brewster

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