Spring 2019 - Butterfly Conservation
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Spring 2019 1
The Suf folk 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 find out more about butterflies? Peter Maddison page 12
Winner of UK butterfly or moth - Marbled White by Winner of Overseas butterfly or moth - Lang’s Short
Mark Brewster Tailed Blue by David Pitt 2019 Events calendar page 13 - 16
Ask Iris page 17
All a flutter Rohan Amick page 18
Butterfly of the year? Richard Stewart page 18
An Invitation to watch butterflies Rob Parker page 19
The Wall brown Robert Quadling page 21
Winner of Early stage butterfly or moth -
Vapourer Caterpillar by Ann Piper
Thanks Twm Wade page 22
Casual observations of butterfly habits during 2018 drought Trevor Goodfellow page 22
Garden nectar plants for butterflies Richard Stewart page 23
A new Suffolk butterfly – a brief update Bill Stone page 24
The herald of spring Kev Ling page 25 – 26
2 3
The Suf folk Argus Spring 2019
Suf folk Branch Contacts Editorial
Trevor Goodfellow
President Conservation Officer (Butterflies) Welcome to your new-look Argus. supporter/ and get your name in print.
Howard Mendel Rob Parker
66, Cornfield 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 flexible availability,
Barnmead, Fishpond Rd, email: robparker@waitrose.com and informative as possible although this does Bill Stone will be keen for your support on the
Waldringfield, rely on members continuing to send in useful weather-reliant dingy skipper surveys.
Woodbridge IP12 4QX Conservation Officer (Moths)
content.
Tel: 01473 736607 County Moth Recorder On behalf of SBC, I would like to thank Gill
email: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk Tony Prichard I have been reading a copy of volume one of the Perkins for her long-term commitment to
3, Powling Rd., Ipswich IP3 9JR
Suffolk Argus from 1994 (see image below) and butterfly conservation (page 22).
Membership Secretary Tel: 01473 270047
Jillian Macready email: tony.prichard@btinternet.com in it, editor Steve Goddard mentioned the fact
Copy date for the Summer issue is May 26th,
Tel: 07980 208442 that Suffolk has lost 21 species of butterfly since
2019
Email: jmacready@outlook.com 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: helens919@gmail.com does nothing to directly affect this continuing before this date to me at trevor@greenfarm.org.
Kevin Ling David Dowding
decline, but it does help draw attention to this uk
email: kevling2013@aol.com Adrian Richards
Matt Berry fact and assist in engaging and inspiring people
Secretary email: matt@greenwings.co.uk to help in many ways.
Julian Dowding
84, Clapgate Lane, Website In volume one, Steve’s praises of the thirty
Ipswich IP3 0RE Richard Perryman volunteers who braved a cold November to clear
Tel: 01473 436096 email: richard.perryman@ntlworld.com scrub at Purdis heath is a sign that we cared then,
email: julian.dowding@ntlworld.com and although hands-on support is hard to find,
Newsletter Editor the success of Purdis heath is due to the ongoing
County Butterfly Recorder Trevor Goodfellow
efforts of Butterfly Conservation and their highly
Bill Stone email: trevor@greenfarm.org.uk
20, Langstons, Trimley St. Mary, valued volunteers, proving that we all still care.
Ipswich IP11 0XL Regional Officer, Eastern England A great turnout for the AGM last November, as
email: butterflies@sns.org.uk Sharon Hearle
Tel: 01638 484145
a packed hall was treated to Patrick Barkham’s
Transect and WCBS Co-ordinator email: shearle@butterfly-conservation.org 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 raffle volunteers also Kev Ling, his
The Suffolk Argus is published by the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation. The opinions expressed in this wife Jo and daughter Emma for organizing the
newsletter are not necessarily those of Butterfly Conservation or the Branch. © 2019 All rights reserved. For more photo competition.
information, see: www.suffolkbutterflies.org.uk
The 2019 AGM is hosting a top speaker: Peter
Butterfly Conservation
Company limited by guarantee, registered in England (2206468) Registered Office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth,
Eeles, (page 7). You might like to support his new
Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268) book at www.butterflylifecycles.com/become-a-
4 5
The Suf folk 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 - Butterfly 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 Butterfly Recorder) gave the annual photo competition
The Suffolk Branch was launched at a meeting in an overview of the 2018 butterfly season. He and our guest speaker
Ipswich on the 30th October 1993. thanked all those who had submitted butterfly
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 Butterflies’ 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 Butterfly 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 Butterflies 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 Butterflies website www.ukbutterflies.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 Butterfly Conservation. Mike
Some members attended the Conservation Action commented that the award was richly deserved Suf folk 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 flourishing SSB colony,
Income
translocated there in 2007. ********
Subscriptions 3246.00
During the tea break members voted for the VAT 21.50
Work at Purdis Heath continued during the winter Talks and Donations 207.00
photographic competition.
months, but in June the heath was put up for sale S. Mellor Legacy deposit for equipment 1681.00
Photographic Competition results:
and at present is ‘under offer’ to an unknown Trudie Willis Open Day Event 706.12
Category 1. Early Stage Butterfly or Moth - AGM Raffle 54.00
bidder. Natural England will be in contact with
Vaporer by Ann Piper. BC Interest 174.65
the new owner to ensure the conservation of the
Category 2. Overseas Butterfly or Moth - Lang’s ________
SSSI with its Silver-studded Blue colonies.
Short-tailed Blue by Dave Pitt. £ 6090.27
Category 3. UK Butterfly or Moth 2018 - Marbled Expenditure
Three editions of the Suffolk Argus have been
White by Mark Brewster. Insurance 63.34
produced. Trevor Goodfellow has become the
(see photos on page 2) Suffolk Argus 1178.40
new editor.
Stamps & Stationary 635.74
Books, kindly donated by the widow of Ken Moth Trap 336.50
23 events were held during the year. Members Equipment 1241.89
Buckland, raised £56.
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
******** SSB Recording expenses 88.20
arrangements are shown.
The Guest Speaker was author and journalist Buckthorn Project 419.66
Patrick Barkham who gave an interesting talk on ________
The Waitrose token scheme in the two Ipswich £ 4085.75
stores contributed over £800 to Branch funds. his pursuit of butterflies, from his early years, on
into adulthood, and his plans for the future. Closing Balance 31 Mar 18 C/Fwd £ 5553.33
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The Suf folk 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 Butterfly Survey of the supposedly common species; their
(WCBS) is a scientifically 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
a favourable start for the 11 of us who set off reed-fringed tracks where Meadow Browns,
of assessing the abundance and how thank you.
across the reserve. Robert Quadling, our leader, Gatekeepers, Large, Small and Green-veined
widespread common species of butterflies
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 butterflies and were seen. Dragonflies 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 Damselflies,
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 butterflies 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 filled with on an overhanging Hawthorn. In the afternoon
zone and report their findings 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 butterfly 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 Butterfly 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.
male and young spiders were all identified. A
The outcome of the surveys in Suffolk are 07743 305363 In 2019 search for what has probably become
very nice diversion….and then back to butterflies.
nearly predictable. The most abundant was Suffolk’s rarest breeding species.
Although the bare earth tracks that hold heat
the Meadow Brown with 848 recorded. Every butterfly record matters are favoured basking sites of the Wall, the sun-
This was followed by the Small White, 797, See our 2019 Events Programme for details of a
drenched river bank, which in parts is sheltered
and Large White, 727. The least abundant repeat walk at SWT Carlton Marshes, a hot spot
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
be starting soon on the significant Suffolk Broads
Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper with 24.
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
drenched concrete walls of the structure where
we just would not know the ups and downs
basking Walls might be found.
8 9
The Suf folk 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 flying distance of Bradfield 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 Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) which reflected 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 butterfly 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 butterflies management plan. SWT’s final 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 five years i.e. 2013-2017. This includes importance of really wide, sunny, scalloped, places; and the provision of more nectar-rich paucity of butterfly records on Andrew’s baseline
four of Suffolk’s priority species, notably Small shrub-edged woodland rides; woodland margins on arable field edges. We hope to carry transect in 2018 is equally important to record
Heath, White Admiral (page 28), White-Letter management to favour specific 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 first survey is most useful in will be inspired by the return of butterflies, 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 wildflower margins have been established,
implementing a woodland pollen and nectar mixes sown, sympathetic
Free wood southern edge field management plan that aims mowing regimes have been implemented and
margin towards Mellfield 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-filled
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 Hawkins@thehall-milden.co.uk
in Bramfield where Suffolk 01473 890089 (SWT)
10 11
The Suf folk 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 identification and
recording. And there are heath and forest walks for
the threatened and special Dingy Skipper,
We want to know what butterflies 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.
Marbled white by Mark Brewster
Grayling by Douglas Hammersley
12 13
The Suf folk Argus Spring 2019
Saturday 9th March - Suffolk Moth Group Annual Grid reference of the meeting place: TL648478 free. Contact: Sam 07712 281307
Indoor Meeting Time – 10am start until about 2pm Email: schamberlin@hotmail.com
Illustrated talks, discussions and workshops. This year Contact – Phone Rob Parker 3 days before for final 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, coffee) will be provided (contribution Email: robparker@waitrose.com ) Suitable for beginners - Walk around Clare Country Butterflies
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, finish 4.30 pm A series of surveys and walks to ascertain the hours in length) Meet; at the first car parking area towards the end of the
Contact: Neil Sherman population and locations of Dingy Skipper in Suffolk. Contact – Kevin Ling (Tel: 07443623987) - Call day road starting at the Green in Tuddenham village. The
Email: neilshermanmothman@hotmail.com Location: Various events will be run but will include key before for weather check track is very bumpy after this point.
sites within Kings Forest and other locations in Breckland Grid Ref; TL744721
Friday 19th – Tuesday 23rd April - Butterfly Suffolk. 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 flight period in 2019. Kedington Contact Sharon Hearle
A coordinated Suffolk Butterfly Conservation and Time: Actual survey dates and times will be advised via A search along the Stour Valley path for summer Email: shearle@butterfly-conservation.org
Marlow’s garden centre display featuring a collection Suffolk BC website events page species.
of their available pollen and nectar rich plants. Contact: Bill Stone, Suffolk Butterfly Recorder 07906 Meet: The 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 Bonny Wood nature reserve
Edmunds, IP32 7AP Email: billbutterfly68@yahoo.com Grid ref:TL7046 in search of summer butterflies.
Grid ref: TL865652 Time: 10am start until about 2pm. Location: Bonny Wood
Time: 8.30 – 17.30 Friday 17th May - Butterflies of North Suffolk Contact – Phone Rob Parker 3 days before for final Meet: Barking Village Hall, Barking Hill, IP6 8HW
Contact: Trevor Goodfellow, Butterflies of the wildflower meadows (40 acres) instructions (01284 705476 or Grid ref: TM067526
Email: trevor@greenfarm.org.uk and SSSI woodland (80 acres) of West Hall Farm, Email: robparker@waitrose.com ) Start: 10.00 am Finish: 1.00 pm
Rickinghall. Contact: Adrian, 07518 908436
Thursday 2nd May - Butterflies at Martlesham Creek Meet: West Hall Farm, Rickinghall Thursday 20th June - ‘Black Holes’ in NE Suffolk Email q18xcv@yahoo.co.uk
Butterfly identification 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 confirm Big Butterfly Count (BBC).
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Saturday 18th May - Butterflies Along the Sailors’ details. For more details visit www.butterfly-conservation.org
Contact: Peter Maddison Path Grid ref: TM364745
Email: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk 01473 736607 Butterfly identification and recording along the Time: 10.00am - 2.30pm Friday 19th July - Kick off the Big Butterfly Count
Aldeburgh to Snape Sailors’ Path. Beginners very Contact: Peter Maddison Join Rob Parker and Jillian Macready at Wyken. The
Monday 6th May (Public Holiday) FREE FAMILY welcome. Email: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk 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 Butterfly Fritillary. Start off your butterfly count in style.
Join Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation and lots Grid Ref: TM442581 Post Code: IP17 1PG walk. Meet at Wyken Vineyard a short walk south of The
of other conservation groups at Kiln Meadow. Butterfly Time: 10.30am - 2.00pm (with optional afternoon visit Come and see the vast array of butterflies among the Leaping Hare (IP31 2DW) we will walk through one
and other guided walks, wood crafts, children’s activities, to SWT Hazelwood Marshes) Linear morning walk, lift flower rich meadows. or two of the woods on this private estate.
music and storytelling. Park at Bourne Park off 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: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk 01473 736607 Start; 10.00 am Finish; 12.00 mid-day Hare or a picnic afterwards in the vineyard (booking in
Where: Kiln Meadow, off 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: jmacready@outlook.com or 07980 208442
Contact: Helen Saunders Plant Heritage Spring Plant Fair at Helmingham Hall Saturday 29th June – Moth Trapping at Pipers Vale
Email: helens919@gmail.com Come and find Suffolk Branch in the Conservation LNR Thursday 25th July - Devils Dyke in Newmarket
Zone at Plant Heritage (Suffolk Group’s) Spring Fair at Identifying and recording ‘macro-moths’ with Sam Looking for Chalkhill Blues.
Saturday 11th May - Two Black Holes - Butterfly Walk Helmingham Hall Gardens. Chamberlin and David Dowding. Although not in the West Suffolk 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.
The 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: The 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 Withersfield (CB9 7SH) £7 entrance fee per person. All children under 16 years Start: 21:30 Finish: Midnight roundabout with horse statue.
14 15
The Suf folk Argus Spring 2019
Grid Ref:- TL617614 Saturday 10th August - The Wall and other butterflies Important information
Start:- 11.00 am, Finish:- 1.00 pm at SWT Carlton Marshes
Contact: Sharon Hearle The 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: shearle@butterfly-conservation.org Tel in the UK and has nearly disappeared from Suffolk. 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 Butterfly to see the butterfly. that of others. We try hard to ensure that our events • Dogs may be allowed at some of the events. Please
Conservation Senior Regional Officer, East of England) Meet: SWT Carlton Marshes car park present no greater hazard than any other walk in the contact the leader in advance to find 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 Butterfly 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 butterflies 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: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk 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 different. Saturday 16th November
Where - Off the A11 north-east of Newmarket. Butterfly Conservation National Annual General programme, but stout shoes are a minimum requirement let the leader know if you need, or can offer, a lift. If
Place to meet - Millennium Centre car park, Magnolia Meeting for any walk. you decide to leave early, please tell the event leader.
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) Suffolk Branch A.G.M & Members Event with details of any known hazards and advice on what of Butterfly 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 - Butterfly Pipers UK Butterflies website (www.ukbutterflies.co.uk). In Binoculars, cameras, field 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, butterflies are not always to be found always useful. For moth nights bring a torch and
summer butterflies. Promotion of Lepidoptera Conservation at Butterfly 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 Butterflies” 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
Contact: Julian, 07910 170609 ground. Children are welcome at branch events but, if the site. Anyone is welcome to come along, Branch
Email: julian.dowding@ntlworld.com under 16, they must be accompanied by a responsible members or not.
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)
Map Ref: TM452591 Post Code: IP15 5QE Iris replied: Moths’ attraction to light (positive though, take the vapourer moth for example: flightless
Time: 10.30 am start phototaxis) could be related to certain light wavelengths females and you won’t find 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: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk 01473 736607 rather than light.
would imply that only male moths would be attracted
Venue: Stowupland Village Hall
Saturday 3rd August - Butterflies of East Suffolk Grid Ref: TM 070600, Post Code: IP14 4BG to light, as this is not the case, maybe females don’t like So, Vanessa I am sorry, there is no positive explanation.
Recording butterflies in Kenton Hills, Sizewell Belts 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 afternoon Of course, moths are caught outside of their mating
‘Dogs not allowed on most of the permissive paths of this start. Iris replied: Instead of wasting your hard-earnt cash on
period meaning that this theory is, on its own, could first class postage, send your letters second class a day
walk’ The AGM will be followed by the guest speaker,
Meet: Kenton Hills car park members’ slides, light refreshments and the annual photo be unfounded. earlier.
Grid Ref: TM453638 Post code: IP16 4UP competition. Further details will be announced in The 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 Suffolk Argus and on the Branch website. often be seen flying erratically and bumbling frantically
Contact: Peter Maddison please email ‘ask Iris’ c/o the editor: trevor@
as if blinded by the light. This behavior could be some greenfarm.org.uk
Email: prmaddison@yahoo.co.uk 01473 736607
in-built reaction to their belief that ‘it is night, so
16 17
The Suf folk 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 officer 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 butterflies, some walk for a whole day, with a lunch break at
for butterflies, 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, If you want to find one of Suffolk’s rarities –
plants there, so it is ideal for butterflies. but at the same time you can’t hope to count host rarities like the Silver-studded Blue,
forests that feature the graceful flight of 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
the White Admiral, and coastal walks with Action Plan (UKBAP) species, it can be
and the brown argus, peacock and common your species and have a quick keen eye, walk
wildflowers that sparkle with butterflies found by visiting Westleton in late June or
blue. slowly to count them all, patience is the key;
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 butterfly flies on Westleton Common,
but if you want to be sure to find something which is accessible to the public and only
Butterfly of The Year? 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 find them,
particularly in the first 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 flight.
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 butterfly 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 find one-in 2015 it by making sure there are no spot markings on Browns, Common Blues, and possibly even are going on to Dunwich, 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 butterfly 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 the corner of the Dunwich Forest is a good
into the Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve at
the meadow at The Dales, also plan too. Not only is there a good chance
Hazlewood Marshes? You will find parts of
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
just under 3 miles between the small car gliding along one of the rides.
number was on Denbies, North
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
by Deborah Vass
Rendlesham Forest. Both are excellent
didn’t count every Brown Argus, is the assembly point for a field meeting places to stretch your legs and have good
concentrating more on finding onSaturday 18th May – See the events
18 19The Suf folk 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 butterflies. 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 butterfly 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 Butterfly. 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 butterflies by migration most summers. The incomers 1st Generation Walls fly from May to June: day survey was 25.
prefer the sunnier rides with broadleaf settle on the flower-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 Butterflies. 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 butterfly-watching zone for a much longer 2nd Generation Walls fly 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 butterfly was 10 Butterflies. Marsh. As the season progresses, they often
seen occasionally along the sea wall. If you 3rd Generation between September to spread out around the reserve covering a
If you prefer a view of the sea, the Suffolk join the coastal path at Orford you might October: highest number recorded was large area. It is these butterflies that are
coastal path can be joined at many places see it whilst visiting Orford Castle. Sadly 4 butterflies. These figures are from a seen mostly on the paths which have short
and can be a joy whenever we are lucky 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 find
at your feet. them on the defence
flood wall at the
Suffolk only has 35
sluice basking in the
species of resident and
sun. As SWT Carlton
regular migrant butterflies,
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 butterflies and see
monitor and maintain
anything interesting, why
the valuable habitat.
not send in your sightings
(see photos page 28).
to: butterflies@sns.org.uk
Illustration:
Illustration: Dingy Wall Brown by
skipper-Douglas Mervyn Crawford
Hammersley
20 21The Suf folk 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 ‘butterfly bush’ so and cuttings are easy. Ours survived the 2018
the WCBS scheme at the start. At the grand
This year hasn’t been good for Red 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
Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks First, by planting early varieties like the graceful shorter. Like some species of buddleia, it can be
wrote to me thus: alternifolia and late- flowering weyeriana the grown in pots and fine examples, admittedly in
and Commas but Brimstones, Orange Tips
flowering season can in a good year extend very large pots, surround the main fountain in the
“I enclose my record sheets for this year and and whites haven’t done badly. I hope next
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 visit Trudie’s garden at Aldeburgh, normally in Nectaring: Brimstone, Large, Small and Green-
All the best for the future”. veined White, Orange Tip, Common Blue, Red
the last week of July as a Butterfly Conservation
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 butterflies on summer
flowering 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 flowering period. In the long hot summer
near ground level. I suspect their food supply of 2018, I deadheaded six times, extending the
of honeydew at their normal treetop haunt Another consequence of the prolonged dry
flowering 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 finally returned, weeds (wild flowers) 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-
for meadows but not for many gardens. veined White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Small
hot weather.
For example: In late August, I watched Tortoiseshell, Comma, Meadow Brown.
The oaks will regenerate but it was brown argus and common blue butterflies 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 flourish of second brood argus and blues Hummingbird Hawk moth.
eggs on dried and shriveled leaves, and may be thwarted. The impact of these
not always their first choice of foodplant. Weyeriana: Large White, Green-veined White,
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 butterflies.
Bowles Mauve Wallflower: this has the great Painted Lady by Beryl Johnson
advantage of having a long flowering period
22 23The Suf folk Argus Spring 2019
A new Suf folk 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 butterfly 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 defined 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 butterfly 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 frustrating for the photographer. Although it is not
northern movement of over 100km per year it where the larval foodplant, Candy Tuft (Iberis to have a yearning. That patient waiting and especially difficult 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 first dancing flight 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 butterfly particularly in the a year goes by without me feeling real emotion and the butterfly 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 first sighting. learned that this didn’t work. For inspection of
in 2018. In respect of the Netherlands, Chris to confirm the identity. Orange Tips at close quarters, a partially cloudy
Van Swaay from De Vlinderstichting (Dutch My interest in Butterflies started as a small boy,
day provides the best odds. Allow them to come
when I would gaze excitedly at the sheer number
Butterfly 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: Identification help was given in the Suffolk wish they were so prolific 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,
high temperatures experienced in Europe last my best photographs have come with these tactics,
Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Painted Lady.
year and the corresponding effects of drought. using only a mobile phone as my camera of choice.
But nothing pleased me more that the conspicuous
The 4th generation of P. mannii is the one that flash of bright orange from a male Anthocharis The females are slightly more difficult to identify,
drives its expansion and in 2018 individuals had Cardamines (Orange Tip) in early April, the especially in flight 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 first 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
helpfully shows how P. mannii has been recorded reminiscent of lichen (see photo page 27). Only
rides where Garlic Mustard, one of its larval host
during the period 2016-2018. the Bath White displays a similar pattern to that of
plants is found. Another crucifer that is used for
the Orange Tip and this species is sadly not found
egg laying is Cuckooflower (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
respected butterfly expert has also commented female’s ability to camouflage itself whilst at rest
and rain enriched meadows.
that the expected expansion of P. mannii with on its preferred plant choice.
the 4th generation in the Autumn was smaller. As Male and female of this species are very different
Females are far less active than their male
such, P. mannii remains restricted to the south- in both appearance and behaviour. The orange
counterparts and are not as readily seen on the
east of the country. The map below, courtesy of markings to the forewings of course make the
wing, being more concerned with egg laying. I
Pieter Vantieghem shows this position well. male unmistakable. This also serves as a timely
have enjoyed analysing their behaviour though. As
reminder to predatory birds that they are not the
24 25The Suf folk 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 first, I was of the understanding that this increase the odds of finding 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 flowers until the second
however established that the same raised abdomen year). But when they did flower, 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 find 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 fine 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 flower. located the final pupation position. It was worth
She identifies this either by sight or using her feet the forty something year wait, my very first 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 butterfly year is at
egg to the flower 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 first 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 first laid, the egg
soon turns a vivid orange colour making them one Humming-bird hawk by
of the easiest of any species to find. The egg will Jenny and Gary Plank
be found on the top part of the stem just below the
flowerhead. 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, camouflaged 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 butterflying bucket list, was to find an Orange
Tip pupa. Sadly, they are extremely difficult to find
26 27White admiral.
The Suf folk
Rougham estate SWT
farmland 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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