| Butterfly Conservation |
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The Big Butterfly CountSave the Kaçkars butterfly hotspot in Turkey
Click HERE for more details (opens new window). Thursday 29 July 2010
I have two colleagues, Dorothy and Alan Bonner, who live in Southbourne near to Emsworth. They have just asked me to identify a butterfly which they took a photo of whilst it was settled on their wheelie bin, in their garden. (above) Response from Neil Hulme: This is a female Purple Emperor, recognisable by the slightly more-rounded wingtips, and the width of the white band on the hindwing. Males don't always show the purple sheen (which depends on the angle from which the insect is viewed), so the lack of purple is not itself diagnostic from a single image. However, the base colour is a slightly different brown - and this is typically 'female'. Females will wander long distances through the landscape, searching for sallows on which to lay their eggs. While driving along the A27 just to the North, I've noticed an abundance of sallow in the local landscape. Only yesterday I was watching male Purple Emperors disputing their territory 2 miles to the NW, but the butterflies might also be present in the much smaller copses to the North of Southbourne. Mary and I had a very pleasant walk from Storrington village to Kithurst Hill, via Chantry Hill. We recorded 23 species of Butterfly, as follows: Small Skipper, Silver-spotted Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Copper, Small Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Wall, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath. Seen today my first Painted Lady of the year, nectaring on fleabane. My large and very untidy garden in South Mundham has hosted most of the normal coastal strip species this year. Of note are very good numbers of Common Blue, Commas, and quite a few Brown Argus. Purple Hairstreaks are present in the oaks, but hard to see with the strong breezes of recent days. (Phil Down) On a short visit today to Footlands Wood near Robertsbridge in East Sussex I was very surprised to see a single Chalkhill Blue (male) which I believe is the first record of the species in this area. Other species seen were the usual: White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Comma, Common Blue, Small Skipper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White. (Rob Bogue)
Switched on the moth trap late yesterday evening and within a few minutes heard this flapping noise by a bush on the lawn. On investigation found this huge moth with very little attire to speak of, initially I thought it was an elderly Privet Hawk. Having studied the pic with Waring and Townsend the proportion of the antennae and the remaining grey hairs around the head and legs leads me to think its a male Convolvulus Hawkmoth (above). I would Welcome any other more informed opinion. What a journey this moth must have had? However it's not finished its journey yet as I quickly released it on its way. (Richard Roebuck)
News for Wednesday 28 July 2010:I spent a few hours at Cissbury on the 28th and had a lovely time wandering the slopes looking for butterflies. Species seen included: Brimstone, Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blue, Comma, Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Small Blue, Small Copper, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Small White, Speckled Wood and Wall Brown. As part of my continuing mission to find Essex Skippers I made an effort to look underneath all Small Skippers encountered on the walk (trying to find inky antennae undersides) but did not find any. This behaviour of mine, I might add, is quite a challenge given that I've lost my angle finder adapter for my camera and must look distinctly odd to anyone happening to be looking in my direction at the time. While I may not yet be finding Essex Skippers I suspect I will be building up quite a collection of Small Skipper shots! Clockwise from top left (below): Cynaeda dentalis, Dark Tussock, Shore Wainscot, Pale Grass Eggar, Reed Dagger and Pigmy Footman f. pallifrons, (Dave and Pen Green)
Recent news: Last weekend we were lucky enough to gain permission to trap on the vegetated shingle at the Lydd Firing Ranges, east of Rye Harbour. We ran two MV traps just inside the Sussex border in the area of the Midrips and The Wicks. The temperature was mild with a strong easterly breeze, so migrants were in very short supply, but as the evening went on some of the hoped for species appeared. These included a number of specialities of the Dungeness/Midrips area including a number of RDB and Nationally Scarce moths. Of the 40 or so species caught, RDB highlights included five specimens of the beautiful micro Cynaeda dentalis, 54 Pigmy Footman f. pygmaeola, three f. pallifrons and four Pale Grass Eggar. We also caught ten Grass Eggar, a female Oak Eggar, six Reed Dagger and three Dark Tussock, although the Tussocks didn't put in an appearance until about 2:30am. It was a great nights mothing, and on the way back we popped into Rye Harbour to see some Shore Wainscot which had been caught that morning. (Dave and Pen Green) Wednesday 28 July 2010 Brown Hairstreak at Ifield Common 11am today. Park in Rusper Road car park, cross football pitches to gap in hedge and view ash tree 50 yds ahead. Be aware of numerous Purple Hairstreak in same tree. (Jim Joyce) I saw a Silver-washed Fritillary in the woods near West Marden today. (Adam Howard)
Having seen note from Andrew Guest of Brown Hairstreaks at Pulborough Brooks we went to Povey Cross and were pleased to find a female butterfly. (above) Difficult to locate with large numbers of Gatekeepers and the blackberries not yet ripe. (David & Molly Dancy)
I feel I have lived in Abbotts Wood this week with 4 visits, 3 mornings and 1 evening, 2 with Nigel Kemp who kindly tipped me off about the site. In one of the cleared area there are several oak saplings which are around head height and occasionally a Purple Hairstreak flies across the clearing and settles on one of these short oaks. Unfortunately it is as I say only occasionally so a lot of perseverance is called for. It is also very frustrating as most of the time there are plenty of butterflies flying around the tree tops well out of range. On Monday morning I was lucky enough to get 3 flying and settling at ground level. This was followed by 2 blank photo visits, although Nigel got some good shots Tuesday morning, and there was plenty of other butterflies showing well with some excellent Small Coppers and hundreds of Gatekeepers, several Common Blue and a Holly Blue. Anyway, today my patience paid off with a very nice adult spotted on a very low oak which allowed several shots before it flew off and settled again with this time its wings partially open (above). I then stopped off at High and Over where at least 5 Wall Brown males were seen. Whilst I was there Matt rang me to say a Purple Hairstreak had just settled in our garden!!!! (Bob Eade) Today I wanted to count the number of butterflies that entered my garden, I saw 22 Gatekeepers, 12 Speckled Woods, some landing on a rotten banana I put out in the sun. Also a few female Holly Blues landing on the Hebe bush. 6 Commas which didn't settle and flew around the garden for a bit then flew off. 21 Large Whites mainly passing by. 52 Meadow Brown mainly feeding on my Hebe bush. 48 Small Whites some laying eggs on the nasturtiums, sometimes coming into the garden in large groups. Also 1 Common Blue which didn't stay for long and 1 Peacock that made an appearance as the sun was going down. Also later finding a pair of mating Six Spot Burnets on the lavender in the garden. I managed to count a total of 167 butterflies including the 2 Burnet moths. (Jamie Burston) With three days before the peak emergence of Chalkhill Blue Butterflies on Mill Hill (north of Shoreham, Sussex) would be expected, the numbers are extremely poor with just 49 males recorded on the lower slopes transect on a cloudy day. The first second brood male Adonis Blue was noted on the lower slopes, with five Wall Browns amongst 17 species of butterfly seen on Mill Hill and its approaches. Male Common Blue Butterflies were almost as frequent as the Chalkhill Blues on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, and on the middle and upper slopes their numbers exceeded 200. Females of these three blue species were not noted, but the cloudy and breezy conditions were well below optimum. Ten Small Blue Butterflies still fluttered around on the southern bank of the Buckingham Cutting. (Andy Horton) Lancing Rings today, long sunny periods, bit breezy, 19 species seen (3 new ones to add to the 22 seen last week): I contacted the Natural History Museum about the Silver-washed Fritillary which is a bilateral gynandromorph and was photographed by myself and Susie Milbank at Southwater Woods. I received the following reply: 'I passed your information on to our Lepidoptera department and they informed me that out of the 1,857 British Silver-washed fritillaries we have in the collection there are 12 bilateral gynandromorphs, making the specimen you photographed very rare indeed.' (Colin Knight) News for Tuesday 27 July 2010: A look at Red House Common (Chailey) failed to turn up any Silver-studded Blues (following up on a possible sighting), but at least a solitary Purple Hairstreak at TQ390217 can be added to our Atlas database. I also failed to locate any Grayling, where a wandering female was observed at the Ouse Estuary Project (Newhaven) last year. However, my spirits were lifted when I heard some exciting butterfly news from Clare and Michael, currently on a surveying tour of the West Sussex/Hampshire borderlands (where Grayling rustling has been going on for some years). I'll let them break their news! A quick stop at Mill Hill revealed the first male Adonis Blue of the second brood (expect an awesome late summer Adonis 'spectacular' here - starting at the weekend) and two summer brood Wall. I'm afraid the Chalkhill Blue continues to struggle on this site. (Neil Hulme) Identifications for Richard Roebuck: The prolific yellow moth at Windover is the very localised and scarce Mecyna flavalis, and the 'fluffy job' is a Dusky Sallow. (Neil Hulme) Tuesday 27 July 2010 2-3 recently emerged Small Blues on our front lawn which is given over to wildflowers and is currently dominated by Kidney Vetch, so a good result. Interestingly did not notice this species in the main first brood flight period and never previously. Also present on the 'lawn' numerous Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White and a few Common Blue. Have recently also had Marbled White and Essex Skipper. Just goes to show what can be achieved from a very small area of wild lawn which in my case is 6m x 4m. ( Philip Thompson)
Spent a couple of Hrs at Wilmington and Windover Hill the first time I have been here and what a beautiful place. Started off walking up from car park at Wilmington, saw, Small Blue, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Small Skipper, Chalkhill Blues (loads) including mating pairs, Marbled Whites, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell caterpillar on path, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Silver Y, Carried on up the Hill to Windover Hill. Quite soon found several Graylings (8+) my first for Sussex. Very distinctive flight pattern a few inches above the ground, amazing camouflage when at rest. Met fellow enthusiasts (I am absolutely hopeless at re remembering names apologies) however an enjoyable time looking at a courting pair of Graylings (male on the left) (above) followed buy agreed sighting of 5 Spot Burnet amongst the many 6 Spot Burnets. In addition Silver-spotted Skippers, reported Wall by my expert colleague, Also Chalk Carpet, and a distinctive small yellow moth which was numerous, and another distinctive noctuid type moth I found later. Any ideas on moth i.d welcome please. TQ5403, a fab place to visit, too little time. (Richard Roebuck 1 Hummingbird Hawk moth nectaring on red valerian, County Hall, Lewes, late afternoon today. (Jeremy Patterson) News for Sunday 25 July: We walked through Friston Forest on Sunday and saw: Monday 26 July 2010
Quite a day of butterfly hunting today starting with Abbotts Wood with Purple Hairstreaks being the main target. 3 were seen at ground level where I managed to get my first photos of these delightful creatures since the 1980s. I then went onto Wilmington Hill where many Small Blue were seen along with large quantities of Chalkhill Blue and Gatekeepers. In Deep Dene there were good numbers of Grayling. Tried for ages to get one with its forewing showing and eventually managed to get a half decent shot of one. In the afternoon went for a walk with the other half, (the better half) to Tide Mills where a superb male Wall Brown was seen (photos above). (Bob Eade) A rather bald-headed Hummingbird Hawkmoth was in my garden yesterday (25th), but not doing normal Hummingbird things. Instead, it was buzzing slowly through the flowerbed in awkward jerks, never still but not the hover-dash-hover-dash you expect. Then jackpot! as it (ie she) found the patch of Lady's Bedstraw I have had growing for several years expressly for this purpose, and began laying eggs, one at a time. This evening she's back again doing the same. Bring on the chunky green caterpillars! (Adrian Thomas) For the past 10 years I have had a colony of Burnet moths at the end of my garden. This year the caterpillas did not appear as usual but 2 weeks ago I noticed some crysallis on long grass. These are half the normal size and so far only 3 moths have been seen on the wing, looking smaller also. The only thing that has been different this year from other years is the late cold spring/summer nights. I live surrounded by organic farmland and garden organically. (Sunniva Harte, Hankham, Pevensey. East Sussex) Seen this evening, Purple Hairstreaks in the canopy of oaks at the bottom of my garden - though not on my land. I shall now look for them in Oak in my front garden! Thanks to Michael B for the literal "heads up"! (Stuart Cooper) 5-6 Yellow-legged Clearwings attracted to pheromone lure at Park Corner Heath on Monday under overcast skies. (Darryl Perry) News for Sunday 25 July: We tramped over Chapel Common, we tramped across Weavers Down, the clouds lifted and the hot sun beat down but sadly never a Grayling was found. However many other species were seen and, as always, a day with Michael Blencowe and Clare Jeffers is always enjoyable and most amusing and with Bruce Middleton's knowledge of the area we learnt a great deal. Don't be disheartened, Michael! Remember: (as was quoted by a wise participant), "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." (Margaret Hibbard) Sunday 25 July 2010 Big thanks to Stuart Cooper for filling in for me while I was absent over the weekend and apologies for the e-mail hiccup too, I think everything has cleared through now but if your sighting report or photo(s) have not appeared please resend and I'll get them up as soon as is humanly possible - ed. I spotted a White-letter Hairstreak nectaring on buddleia under a mature elm tree at 12.30 today in Second Avenue, Hove. (Alan Barrett) Saw my first White-letter Hairstreak for the Warnham area on Friday, but in rather unusual circumstances.
A brief visit to High and Over and Frog Firle produced 5 Wall Brown at High and Over along with a Holly Blue and some smart Commas. On Frog Firle Silver Spotted Skippers (above) are now emerging in good quantities. 2 Small Blue were also notable. (Bob Eade)
Went to Camber sands on Saturday to have a look around a Dune habitat for butterflies. At the edge of maram grass where ragwort, Rosebay willow herb and Vipers Bugloss were in flower saw Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Skippers (possibly Essex) Meadow Browns, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Peacocks, lots on Brambles, Large and Small Whites, Silver Y, Cinnabar caterpillars, a Migrant Hawker, lots of common hawkers and a Large Marsh Horse Fly Tabanus autumnalis. Tetrad TQ9518 . On Saturday afternoon saw 4 Purple Emperors in local woods at Spithandle, and on Sunday, Silver-washed Fritillary laying an egg on bark near base of an Oak tree and female Purple Emperor egg laying on sallow. Also Speckled Woods, Meadow Browns, Purple hairstreaks, White Admirals, Holly Blues, Commas, Red admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Peacocks. Lastly came across a young Grass snake who agreed to pose for photos (above). (Richard Roebuck) Pulborough Brooks: Brown Hairstreaks ( 2 female, 1 male) visible in master Ash on nature trail near the Hangar crossroads this morning. Also along the trail, many Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Small and Green-veined Whites, 3 Speckled Woods, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, 5 Ringlets, 2 Red Admirals, 3 Small Coppers, 3 Commas, 8 Common Blues, 1 Peacock and a few Large Whites. (Andrew Guest.)
News for Saturday 24 July 2010: A visit to Windover Hill and the adjacent valley produced my first Grayling of the year - about a dozen in all, including a single female (top, left). Other species included Small Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Dark Green Fritillary, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White and Small White. Moths included a Hummingbird Hawkmoth and large numbers of Silver-Y. Moving on to Cradle Valley ('High and Over') I saw about 20 Silver-spotted Skippers (above), with some females already on the wing and being pursued by amorous males. One unlucky chap got 'nailed' by a Hornet Robberfly. A fuller story appears at http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=4065&start=100. (Neil Hulme)
More news for Saturday 24 July: Like buses, you wait for one for ages, and then another comes along just after! Since 1933 when Marsh Dagger (above left) became extinct as a breeding species in the UK, up until this week the only UK record of this moth was of a single migrant at Rye in 1996. This changed when earlier this week one was recorded at Pagham Harbour, and on Thursday morning another was discovered in the regularly run moth trap at the Sussex Wildlife Trusts' HQ, Woods Mill. Another moth of note caught that night at Woods Mill was a Webb's Wainscot (above right). More can be seen at Graeme's Blog at http://analternativenaturalhistoryofsussex.blogspot.com/. (Penny Green and Graeme Lyons) There have been 2 reports of Chalkhill Blue in Rother in the past week, one by Katie Walker at Brightling (Monday 19th) and one by Gordon Jarvis at Beckley Woods (Saturday 24th). I wonder if there will be some more sightings of these lovely butterflies away from the Downs this year? (Steve Wheatley) 3 Hummingbird Hawkmoths and a fresh Painted Lady at Hope Gap in the morning. (Matt Eade) Today's BC walk was planned as a 'Butterfly Atlas event' and targetted some tetrads in Northwest Sussex from which we have no records at all - who knows what we would find. A team of intrepid members met at South Harting and climbed up onto the South Downs where we met with Tom and Barbara Ottley who had already discovered a fantastic 'hidden' piece of Chalk Downland. Large White, Brimstone, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small White, Ringlet, Green-veined White, Silver-washed Fritillary, Peacock, Marbled White, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Skipper, Small Copper, Large Skipper, Holly Blue were soon added to the list before we headed west into West Harting Down. Here we were able to add Essex Skipper to the list before we sat down for lunch dangerously close to the Hampshire border and gazed out across to the Isle of Wight. Eagle-eyed Adrian Thomas spotted a rarity - an oak tree - the only one we saw all day. And sat on top of that oak tree? A Purple Hairstreak! Despite there apparently being no other oaks for miles this hairstreak proved the point that you find the oak - you find the hairstreak. Even more amazing was that Tom had found a Wych Elm - another rarity in this area. And on top of that Wych Elm? 3 White-letter Hairstreaks! We have a record of this species from Harting in 1978 but in recent years we've had no WLH records away from the coast. Once again you find the elm - you find the hairstreak. A great day out in a lovely 'un-discovered' part of the county - thanks to all who came along - especially Mr Thomas & Mr Ottley for their Hairstreak spotting-skills. (Michael Blencowe) Many thanks to Michael and Clare for leading a hugely enjoyable field meeting starting from South Harting. The main objective was to survey just one tetrad for the Sussex Butterfly Atlas. With over 20 species seen it was successful in that respect alone. But what a square! Meadows full of flowers, woods with wide rides filled with Hemp Agrimony and consequently high counts of many of the commoner species and some of the less common ones too. Even the picnic spot had a view reaching to the Isle of Wight. We found possibly the only two oak trees in the tetrad and one of them even had its own Purple Hairstreak, well spotted by Adrian Thomas. This was a well planned field trip indeed. (Tom Ottley)
On Saturday I joined a most enjoyable walk led by Michael Blencowe and Clare Jeffers at South Harting . Tom Ottley was able to find some Essex Skippers for us among the Small Skippers and also a tall Wych Elm with resident White-letter Hairstreaks. We spent 30 minutes watching the tree top waiting for the next sun burst between clouds. Every time the sun shone through the little fellas would fly up and a spiralling pair would argue about territory. We walked through about three tetrads, calling out the names of finds. A pair of Silver-washed Fritillaries spiralled away in a courtship dance. While they were resting I took a photo of the male and only noticed later that a either female Common Blue or Brown Argus (some were seen) had appeared in flight beside it. A hover fly also pestered a resting Common Blue. A couple of dozen species were recorded during the day. (photos above) (Colin Knight)
My thanks to Michael and Clare for leading this lovely walk. It really does add a little something to your walk when you are 'discovering' new butterflies for the Atlas with every step you take. I think it could be addictive. And we saw lots :). There were Whites of all kinds, brilliant Red Admirals in pristine condition, Peacocks, Commas, Silver-washed Fritillaries, Small Copper, Skippers and more. The long ride along which we walked at the top of the Down had abundant flowers and when the sun came out there were butterflies all around us. At some spots you just had to stop for a while to take it all in, it was absolutely beautiful. Thanks to the observations of Tom and Adrian we were able to locate both Oak and Elm (both of which seemed very scarce in the area) and this enabled us to find both Purple Hairstreaks and White Letter Hairstreaks. My personal favourite, though, was the Essex Skipper. I was able to see one close up in a specimen jar (thanks Michael) and, with Tom Ottley's help (thanks Tom) I was able to photograph one too. We also saw Deadly Nightshade (photo attached), Blood-vein moth, Dark Mullein, Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Round-headed Rampion and more. I believe our butterfly count was over 20 species which has got to be good going for one walk. It's a lovely spot and well worth the effort to get up the hill for anyone interested in going. One of the group photos attached shows the group sitting at lunch with the Isle of Wight in the distant background (photos above). (Sherie New) A walk up Windover Hill today and a look around Litlington produced a total of 21 species the highlights of which were: Tetrad TQ5216 Davis's Town, near East Hoathly TQ530170 4 Large White, 11 Meadow Brown, 8 Ringlet, 10 Gatekeeper,1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Holly Blue. Tetrad TQ5218 Butlett's Wood, near Blackboys TQ530190 2 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Green Veined White, 16 Meadow Brown, 3 Ringlet, 7 Gatekeeper, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Copper, 11 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood. (Roy Wells)
We saw this Gatekeeper (above) in our garden this morning. (Nick Linazasoro)
Today we ventured to Woods Mill where we saw our first ever Purple Hairstreak. We also saw Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Red Admiral, Comma, one Silver-Washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown.
We also ventured to Loder Valley Nature Reserve where we saw one Kingfisher as well as Essex or Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and we were treated with a few White Admiral and lots of Silver-Washed Fritillary (photos above). (Nick Linazasoro) Checked the small oak woods just north of my house in Edburton on 24th and found 4 White Admirals, 14 Silver Washed Fritillaries and 10 Purple Hairstreaks + common species. In the garden Dark Green Fritillary and Hummingbird Hawk Moth have been daily for over a week + Brown Argus, Marbled White, Small Skipper and the best of the moths were a European Corn Borer and a Lunar Spotted Pinion + plenty of Silver Ys. (Tony Wilson)
News for Friday 23 July: Friday's moth trap produced a few new moths for the year including Early Thorn, Dot Moth, Lychnis, Marbled Beauty and a first for our garden, Royal Mantle (above). 7 Diamond Backed Moth were suggestive of immigration into Sussex but it was the first trap for ages without any Large elephant Hawkmoth. (Dave and Pen Green) News for Thursday 22 July: A quick look in Park Wood Maresfield this morning, 3 Silver Washed Fritillaries and a fresh looking White Admiral. This species seems to be doing better than for many years, Mike Cameron reports record numbers in Plashett Wood [no access] They have even found one in Kent!! Recent news: For the second weekend in a row (Fri 16th, Sat 24th) July we have captured a Waved Black In our moth trap in Catsfield, according to the moth book it is nationaly scarce B! (Rob Brownnutt and Lyn Kellaway) More recent news: 24 July 2010: At least two Holly Blues and a few Small Whites, not seen the previous day, were seen around the Buddleia on the Adur Riverbank by the houseboats where the most frequent butterfly were Red Admirals with a few Gatekeepers and Large Whites fluttered around in the humid sunshine. This is a first flower stop for immigrant Red Admirals.
Gem, Hailsham (Chris Ball) and Vapourer caterpillar, (Colin Knight) Friday 23 July 2010 At some point over the coming week (24th July - 1st August) please consider taking part in our BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT, a nationwide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment. It's really simple and I'm certain you'll find it enjoyable and rewarding. www.bigbutterflycount.org - Steve Wheatley A drive across West Sussex on friday evening was made more interesting with a few stops here and there to scan the oak tops. Yet again every tree we looked at had a little silver butterfly flying erratically at the top or engaged in frantic, spiral combat with an opponent. Purple Hairstreaks were recorded in 16 tetrad squares; East Wantley, Merrywood Lane, Abingworth, Apsley Farm, Saucelands Farm, Barnhouse Farm, Slaughter Bridge Farm, Copyhold Farm, Melrose Farm, Planted Ash, Shiprods Farm, Toat Copse, Newbridge, Rowner Farm, Shortloes Farm and Colin's Cross. There must be Purple Hairstreaks in every tetrad square in Sussex. If you're out and about in the evening pull over and scan an oak - the hairstreaks were still flying at quarter to nine last night! Send your sightings in to us. (Michael Blencowe) Tetrad TQ8814 Icklesham TQ880150 1 Large White, 2 Small White, 1 Green Veined White, 4 Gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown. TQ890150 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Green Veined White, 3 Red Admiral, 5 Meadow Brown, 10 Peacock, 14 Gatekeeper, 1 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Tetrad TQ9224 Iden Lock TQ930240 1 Small White, 3 Green Veined White, 2 Meadow Brown, 3 Red Admiral. (Roy Wells) Numbers of butterflies recorded at Bedelands Farm during the transect
walked today at 1200, species seen; A male Gem trapped in my Hailsham moth trap on the night of the 21st July was my first for the garden. (Chris Ball) Many thanks to Bill Taylor for leading the walk at Cissbury Ring on Thursday afternoon. Fourteen of us shared 19 species (not everybody saw all of them): Painted Lady Some people had their first ever sightings of several species. Everybody enjoyed it very much. (Peter Atkinson) Having been confined to home this week due to a knee problem I was
delighted last night to find this unusual moth larva ascending a wardrobe
door. It was about 3 cms long and I identified it as a Vapourer
Moth larva. It escaped from a container while my back
was turned so I expect it has gone off to pupate and I hope to see the
adult sometime. (Colin Knight) Thursday 22 July 2010 Nice Hummingbird Hawkmoth around mid day in well flowered garden in Cuckfield (David Geoghegan) We saw one White Admiral in our garden in RH19 today at 5:30pm. Just a hour later a report on it's rarity and a recent sighting in Kent was shown on BBC News. (Mr David Sandall) News for Wednesday 21 July: 1 Wood White, private land near Ebernoe. News for Tuesday 20 July: 2 Wood White, a field at Butcherlands near Ebernoe (Sussex Wildlife Trust ownership, no public access). (Margaret Hibbard) Wednesday 21 July 2010
In an effort to conquer unknown territory in NW Sussex I ventured out to Woolbeding Common and Pound Common yesterday. I especially enjoyed the Purple Hairstreaks which seemed to be everywhere. Other species included Meadow Browns, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Comma, Peacock, Large White, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper and Red Admiral (photos above). (Sherie New) 2nd brood Wall Brown at High and Over at lunchtime today. This is just 3 days later than the first 2nd brood last year despite the 1st brood being 13 days later this year. It was an immaculate male in exactly the spot that I saw the last 1st brood on the 24th June, by the gate above the white horses' head. (Bob Eade) A single Purple Emperor spotted circling round a beech tree near the road at Nutley Windmill (Marlpits on the map, TQ 4529 2884). This was seen whilst watching Purple Hairstreaks at 6:30 in the evening. There are suitable breeding sites nearby so the hunt is now on for more. (Tom Ottley) Fine Morning. Tetrad TQ6216 Rushlake Green TQ620170 Dog Wood 3 Speckled Wood.
News for Tuesday 20 July: Interesting Small Copper taken at Warnham LNR Yesterday (above). No orange bands at the rear of the hindwings... Not sure what this abberation is called? (Damian Pinguey) - see note below from Neil Hulme
More news for Tuesday 20 July: Surveying a 1km square (TQ5907) just south of Hailsham for the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey, recorded the following species: News for Monday 19 July and today:Two visits to Lancing Rings Monday (sunny) and today (started cloudy but humid but sun came out) produced 22 species:
Gatekeeper (Hedge Brown) circa 300
News for Sunday 18 July and today: Grid reference TQ318253. I popped up to the Borde Hill Millennium Woodland between Haywards Heath and Cuckfield on Sunday afternoon and again on Wednesday morning. There had been sightings of Silver Washed Fritillaries and Purple Emperors reported earlier on in July, so I wanted to investigate further. Sadly I did not see any Purple Emperors but there were some Silver Washed Fritillaries gliding around in the rides, one of which I was lucky enough to capture on camera. Other butterflies sighted were numerous Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers, as well as several Ringlets and Large Whites. Also there were single sightings of Common Blue, Large Skipper and Comma (photos above). (Barbara Woods) News for Sunday 18 July:Buchan Country Park, Crawley: A good year for butterflies at this usually quiet site. Today Silver Washed Fritillary and 4 White Admiral including ab. nigrina. For third year running Purple Emperor have been sighted with 3 records over the weekend, close to the car park. Although numbers were small, a short walk on Sunday produced a tally of 17 species. (Mary-Ann Edwards) Unfortunately I can't put a name to John Kerby's Abbott's Wood Silver-washed Fritillary 'ab.' without a photograph, as many 'irregular' patterns are quite similar. Even if it can't be labelled for your wildlife diary - it's always nice to see these oddities. I can do better with Damian Pinguey's Small Copper from Warnham (pictured). This is a nice example of ab. obsoleta. (Neil Hulme) Tuesday 20 July 2010 Heard the devastating news today that the two 300-year-old English elm trees opposite the Co-op in Patcham - on the outskirts of Brighton, have Dutch Elm Disease and will need to be cut down. Last year I recorded a colony of White-letter Hairstreak on these wonderful trees. (Caroline Clarke) Went into Friston Forest today looking for Broad Leaved Helloborines, which are not quite in flower yet. However was pleased to find 2 White Letter Hairstreaks along the top of Charleston Bottom at TQ5255 0022. Both were nectaring on bramble in an area where the trees were mainly beech. Obviously there was an elm somewhere near. Other species seen were Brown Argus, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Small Copper, Small and Essex Skipper, Common and Chalkhill Blue. Didn't manage any photos of the hairstreaks but other photos can be viewed on http://seafordbirding.blogspot.com (Matt Eade). My wife and I were astonished to see a lone Wood White on Ebernoe Common this after-noon Tuesday 20th July. It was flying and settling in the clearing under the over-head cables which leads on from the main path from the church car-park, in company with Silver-washed Fritilleries, Small Whites, Gatekeepers and rather tatty White Admirals. (David Connell) Am I just lucky or are there more Hummingbird Hawkmoths around this year? I have seen 4 in the past 10 days: 1 on the downs near the Royal E/bo Golf Club, another near the Long Man at Wilmington and 2 in my garden in Old Town - no photos yet, they move so fast! Could be some bonus points up for grabs in the race!! Bought a new car yesterday evening so we decided to break it in with a tour of the oaks of Sussex looking for Purple Hairstreaks. In each new tetrad we pulled over and scanned the oaks with our binoculars and in every oak tree we found the jittery silver flashes high in the canopy. Purple Hairstreaks were recorded at Brownbread Street, Ponts Green, Penhurst, Darwell Hole, Twelve Oaks, Brightling, Herstmonceux, Windmill Hill, Stunts Green and Ginger's Green. (Michael Blencowe) A White-letter Hairstreak was nectaring on a white Hebe in my garden (High Salvington) this morning. There is a very small regrowth coming from an old Wych Elm stump in the garden. This is the first WLH here since 1997. The Hebe is between two buddleias and there were also Peacocks, Red Admirals, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, 1 Holly Blue and 1 Common Blue. (Peter Atkinson) Having spent a pleasant hour or so with my daughters in Abbots Wood on Sunday afternoon where we had seen Purple Hairstreaks, Silver-washed Fritillaries, and White Admirals I pottered off for a twilight round of Golf at Wellshurst (between Horam & Hellingly). Mindful of Michael Blencowe's advice on early evening Purple Hairstreak activity and aware that the golf course had significant numbers of Oaks I decided to keep my eyes skyward. Needless to say every Oak I looked at had numbers of Purple Hairstreaks spiralling and tussling and perched and accross the whole site there must be literally thousands given the number of oaks. I dont know if this area is ever surveyed as to my knowledge there aren't any public footpaths although there is a conservation area (which is out of bounds to golfers!). (Chris Ball) Monday 19 July 2010 Took a stroll through Eastbourne this morning - where the streets are lined with Elms. Staring up into the canopies under perfect sunny / still conditions revealed the familiar dark-grey triangles of White-letter Hairstreaks; still very active. The butterflies were found in two tetrads; TV6096 & TV6098. One butterfly on an elm close to the city centre had chosen a very dodgy territorial perch on a lower branch which was hit by every passing double-decker bus. It returned to its perch regardless of this disturbance. (Clare Jeffers) Buchan Country Park: Two fairly fresh White Admirals flying round the visitor center at lunchtime today. (Damian Pinguey)
Last night (18th July) a Marsh Dagger (above) was Trapped at Pagham Harbour. (Ivan lang) News came in to the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre of a Camberwell Beauty seen in a garden in Maresfield today. The man who reported it watched it for a few minutes as it fluttered around his herbaceous borders, and says that it was different to any butterfly he'd seen before in the garden and looked it up. (Penny Green)
The day started well with a 3 pointer Hummingbird Hawkmoth stopping in the garden and settling briefly. (Mind you this tetrad will not count) This is the first seen in the garden this year and hopefully not the last. As I have neglected my main patch along the Comp and Frog Firle recently as I have been concentrating more on woodlands and the white letters it was good to get good numbers of butterflies back on the Downs. Starting in the so called waste land off the Alfriston Road I found good numbers of Brown Argus along with the common species such as Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns. Common Blue and Marbled White were also very numerous. Along The Comp Ringlets were showing well. I was hoping that Wall Brown 2nd brood might just be emerging but none were seen. Last year the 2nd brood were seen from the 18th, however with the 1st brood being much later this year that may follow as well with the 2nd. However please report any you see. Silver Spotted Skippers were also not seen today but once again it is quite early in the season. In total 21 species were seen today with huge numbers of some. I was trying to get pics of Essex Skippers and I think I got one (above). If its not one Tom will I'm sure let me know!! (Bob Eade). I went to Park Corner Heath, the weather was warm and sunny but sadly the butterflies didn't want to settle. I saw the following :-
Silver Washed Fritillary (18), Checked the Chalkhill Blue slopes above Butchershole CP this morning and they are now in their 'thousands'. Previously, I had seen a couple of small birds dart out from the bushes to catch a Chalkhill Blue, but today I saw three young skylarks (I think) dashing around trying to catch them, but I could not see if they were successful. Then later I saw what seemed to me to be a male and female chaffinch clearly scoffing them down, pale blue wings flapping in their beaks. I thought chaffinch only eat seeds, etc.??? And do young crows eat butterflies??? Common Blue also appearing in larger numbers. (Susan Suleski) Seen during my Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey today in 1-km grid square TQ2022 just south of Cowfold, a Purple Hairstreak! This is the first time ever that I have knowingly seen a Purple Hairstreak, but there was no doubt about it because it was resting on oak leaves at eye level and I even had time to focus my binoculars on it. Other species recorded during the survey: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Small White, Holly Blue, Small Skipper and Small Copper. Also a lovely green sandpiper on the muddy margins of a small farm pond. (Helen Crabtree)
Recent news: I haven't been out and about much recently so these sightings are confined to a) my garden and b) my local tetrad in the Adur Valley. On the 16th July in rather windy weather I saw Small White (4), Gatekeeper (3), Red Admiral (2), Comma (2), Meadow Brown (1) and Speckled Wood (1). Yesterday (18th) in sunnier weather I saw Small Whites, Commas and Gatekeepers in double figures as well as Red Admiral (2) and Peacock (1). I ran my moth trap again on the night of the 17th and opened it up yesterday morning to reveal the following: Drinker (probably the same one that appeared on the 12th), Common Footman, Buff Ermine, Buff Tip, Small Magpie, Brown-Line Bright-eye, Peppered Moth, Dark Arches, Large Yellow Underwing, Dusky Sallow and Scalloped Oak. Micros included Agriphila straminella and Spindle Ermine. My garden is still playing host to a variety of the more common Whites: Small, Large and Green-veined. I've had occasional appearances from Red Admiral and Peacock and a Gatekeeper has been seen here for several days in a row now. (photos above)(Sherie New) News for Sunday 18 July: Sadly I wasn't able to upload Sunday 18th July as I was to busy, again I went to Hollingbury park and managed to see the following on Sunday :-
Comma (3),
News for Saturday 17 July: Saturday was a cool, breezy day which proved ideal for a brilliant walk round Castle Hill, Brighton, ably guided by Tom Ottley with Crispin Holloway. Butterflies were everywhere, Small Skippers and, thanks to Tom's expert eye and bins, the occasional Essex Skipper. Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue and Brown Argus appeared plus plenty of Marbled White and a couple of Dark-green Fritillaries which I missed. Peacocks, Gatekeepers, Small Heath and quite a few Small Coppers were around, including a mating pair, plus an iridescent blue Forester Moth and a Great Green Bush-cricket. I have seen a seen several metallic olive coloured beetles recently and photographed this male Oedemera nobilis (female has normal sized hind femora), a False Oil Beetle. There were also hundreds of Six-spot Burnet moths, many of them mating. (photos above) (Colin Knight) News for Wednesday 14 July: A walk on Kingley Vale (SU825088) in dull weather produced the following sightings: Sunday 18 July 2010
This afternoon the whole family went for a summer stroll from Littlington to Alfriston and back via the river walk. It was not an official butterfly spotting walk, but the camera was taken just in case any happened to be within lense-shot! It was used just a few times today, but managed to capture a few shots. Anyway, we spotted Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell (above, left), Peacock, Comma (above, right), Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small Heath. Alas, none of the classics, but a very enjoyable walk all the same! (Nick Linazasoro)
I went for the first time today to take photographs of Butterflies at Spithandle lane woods. Although cloudy I saw the following, Holly Blue, Purple Hairstreak, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Ringlets, Gatekeepers, White Admiral, Comma, Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green Veined White, Emperor Dragonfly, Silver washed Fritillaries including a valesina which I pointed out to my assistant who seemed to get very excited and ran off into the forest in pursuit... Georgie Barrott (age 9). Bag carrier and general assistant Richard 9+ (photos above) (Richard Roebuck) Purple Emperor on dog poo in the car park at RSPB Broadwater Warren (Alan Loweth)
News for Saturday 17 July: Thanks to all those who came to the field meeting at Castle Hill. We were lucky with the weather and the freshly emerged Chalkhill Blues were a real treat to see although the Great Green Bush-cricket and Nottingham Catchfly were close runners-up. Essex Skippers were duly found of course. Thanks to Mavis for help with the plant identification, to Sally for help with the route and to Crispin for his usual dependable support (photo above). (Tom Ottley)
News for Sunday 11 July: Weald and Downland Museum - Singleton, about 4pm - through the entrance building then along the higher path through the wood on the left, past the Gridshell building on the way to the charcoal burning settlement: - at least four Silver-washed Fritillaries and one Comma (above). Despite there being a special event there that day I didn't see anyone else in the woods as I walked through. (Chris Smith) Saturday 17 July 2010
Today's overcast and very windy conditions didn't lend themselves to butterfly watching - but I knew of one hardy butterfly who can handle these conditions. After a climb up breezy Mount Windover I found the first Grayling (above) of the year - the best butterfly on the list. This Grayling had tucked himself into a chalk hollow out of the wind and was laying flat to get the most out of the sun (when it appeared from behind the clouds). When it landed amongst the grass after a short flight it took me 20 mins to find it again - even though it was inches from me - their cryptic camouflage is absolutely incredible. (Michael Blencowe) Today I walked to Hollingbury park in the morning, later returning again in the afternoon both in poor weather conditions. I managed to see three White-letter hairstreaks, thanks Caroline. Totals are shown below.
If you are like me and are the wrong side of 40, then the occasional jibe from loved ones regarding forgetting important events etc. comes as no surprise. I will expand. With a digital camera you tend to get a bit happy snappy at anything that moves and as a consequence you end up deleting a lot of pics that clog up your hard drive. So see this "poor" pic of a comma I nearly deleted. On closer inspection its a female with an egg just appearing from her abdomen prior to it being deposited. I took this picture 10.07.10 (it's been cropped to see the detail). Having mentally remembered this I parked the car today walked a mile and a quarter, returned to the same nettle and the same leaf and found the egg which is less than <1mm 1 week later. As the great sage Homer Simpson once said "I can't remember the old stuff as the new stuff pushes all the old stuff out of my brain". Job done. (photos above) (Richard Roebuck)
Tom Ottley lead a superb walk at Castle Hill NNR (above) providing useful tips and information on distinguishing, in the field, between Small and Essex Skippers, male and female Marbled whites as well as interesting and useful observations about the butterfly species, crickets, grasshoppers, birds and diverse chalkgrassland flora.
Many thanks to Tom Ottley, who stepped into the breach as Adrian Thomas was unable to make it today, and also to Crispin Holloway for a wonderful walk on the Downs at Castle Hill NNR. It was quite breezy but the rain kept away and we saw a large selection of butterflies and other insects. Everywhere we went there seemed to be Six-spotted Burnet Moths flying amongst the Greater Knapweed, Field Scabious and Rounded-headed Rampion. There were numerous sightings of Marbled Whites, such a beautiful butterfly, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers, as well as Small Skippers. Just as there were the Gloucester Old Spot Pigs on the walk "Wey Up North" earlier on in the year, livestock made an appearance on this walk in the form of two escapee sheep, who tried to make a bid to return to their meadow with no success on this occasion.
Today my two sons and myself ventured up to The Gallops at Friston Forest in the hope of spotting a few butterflies. Although it was quite windy, we were more than rewarded. In fact, some would say, spoilt! Virtually every step we made once out on The Gallops, we managed to disturb butterflies from the ground. Friday 16 July 2010 Details of the Transect at Bedelands Farm walked today in very windy conditions, species recorded;
I know the world has gone in to a WLH frenzy and perhaps quite rightly so. I however have continued my pursuit of Purple Hairstreaks yesterday evening with a few more pics. This morning by a stroke of luck I found a an injured female Purple Hairstreak on the ground on a very windy morning at Spithandle Woods. For the very first time I can now see those beautiful iridescent patches on the forewings.(top and side views) Also c.f a typical male. This is probably because she is viewed directly from above something you cant easily do up an oak tree etc. Despite the wind also saw Red Admirals, Small Whites, Green Veined White, Speckled Woods, Meadow Browns, Ringlets, Gatekeepers, Silver Washed Fritillary, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Commas and one rather battered looking White Admiral ( 13 spp.) (Richard Roebuck) With reference to Neil Hulme's note and photographs of aberrations on 7 July, we saw a different variation of the Silver Washed Fritillary in Abbott's Wood today. Sorry, no photograph. But the main feature was a dark band approx 8mm wide, extending in an arc mid-way through the fore and hind wings. The colour of the band was similar to the butterfly's normal spots and other markings, and it looked as if they had merged together in this band. I hope this description may be enough for Neil to identify it. (John Kerby)
News for Thursday 15 July 2010: Well, maybe I have turned a bit mad having spent just over 3 hours in front of a bush!!! However, this was possibly my last chance of getting some more good views of the White Letter Hairstreaks in good condition at Littlington. On the walk to the site the wind was really strong and I thought there was little chance of the butterflies coming down to nectar on the bramble. Fortunately though the area is quite sheltered and I soon had 5 in view. 1 male and 4 females. The male was past its best and was the only one near, however every now and then a female got nearer, although it was over 3 hours and past 6pm before a female was posing well for the camera. Plenty of other butterflies were also nectaring on the bramble including several Commas, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, a Small Copper and an Essex Skipper. Interestingly, all these other species kept putting each other up fighting for flowers etc. but they all ignored the hairstreaks and the hairstreaks ignored them as well. (Bob Eade)
Mating Lunar Hornet Moths (above), Wiston. (Tom Beach) Tetrad TQ6628 Cottenden near Stonegate TQ270280 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Comma, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet, 1 Red Admiral. TQ6798128905 Limden Wood 1 White Admiral, 1 Silver Washed Fritillary.
News for Monday 12 July 2010: Male Purple Emperor and a Pair of Silver Washed Fritillaries, Southwater Woods (above) (Damian Pinguey)Thursday 15 July 2010 Tetrad 4606 Firle Place TQ474071 3 Large White, 2 Small White, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Peacock. (Roy Wells) Wednesday 14 July 2010
Despite the cooler weather today I had another look at the Littlington site for the White Letter Hairstreak (above) where I found another area nearby where 2 hairstreaks were seen. At the usual spot I had 2 individuals nectaring. Both were females in very good condition. On the way home I also had 5 fresh Red Admirals at High and Over as well as several Chalk Hill Blues just below High and Over. (Bob Eade)
I spent the morning "transecting" in Rowland Wood and Park Corner Heath. There was plenty about, flying when the sun was shining but going to ground as soon as it passed behind a cloud, taking flight again as I walked past, making counting somewhat more tricky. I had two additions to my species list this week: Gatekeeper and Brimstone, the latter seeming to be a particular irritant of the Silver-washed Fritillaries in their vicinity (I get the impression Silver-washed Fritillaries get irritated by most things). Tetrad TQ6406 Pevensey Levels TQ650060 7 Meadow Brown, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Red Admiral. News for Tuesday 13 July 2010: Tetrad TQ6004 Stone Cross TQ607042 1 Red Admiral (Roy Wells) Tuesday 13 July 2010 It's fantastic to see that a lot of people have been taking the time to 'look up' over the past few weeks. We've been receiving some great records of White-letter Hairstreak and Purple Emperor from new sites across the county. Many people have been pleasantly surprised that their local elms are home to White-letter Hairstreaks. As we've seen from previous reports even the most remote trees (such as the one reported by Andy Stokes in Uckfield) are home to this butterfly. Other reports from Shoreham, Lewes, Brighton and Hove have highlighted that this elusive butterfly can be found even in the most urban environments. Jon Curson reported another colony to me today - found after checking his local trees in Seaford. It's certainly worth taking your binoculars out with you and checking your local elms when summer returns at the weekend - but I'd certainly agree with Paul James and show some caution when carrying binoculars next to schools / swimming pools/ nudist beaches / women's changing rooms at Top Shop etc. (Michael Blencowe)
Whilst at work in Crawley today found a very sad specimen of moth (above) which I think is most likely a Poplar Hawkmoth - albeit pale, battered and in possession of only one wing. It appeared to have a wound on its left side but I would say that the green bumps next to this are its eggs. (Caroline Clarke)
Recent news: I recently reported that I went to find a mating pair of Ringlets, actually I failed because on the computer I realised that what I had actually got a photo of was a male Meadow Brown mating with a a female Ringlet (above). Must have been the hot weather that confused both me and the butterflies. In addition re comment on the Common Footman although first year for me I have had numbers of these and also a few Rosy Footman visiting my moth trap over the past week. (Richard Roebuck) Monday 12 July 2010 Seen in my conservatory (TQ333085) a freshly emerged White-letter Hairstreak (below, left). She was kept overnight and released onto an Elm growing in my garden the following morning. (Dan Danahar)
Old Town, Eastbourne: Scarlet Tiger (above, right) seen in my back garden over several days. (Heather Maryson) I only ran my moth trap until 1am last night but still got a good haul of moths. The ones I've been able to ID so far include: Drinker, White Plume, Riband Wave, Dark Arches, Buff Arches, Agapeta zoegana, Brown-tail, Flame and Small Magpie. There were many more but it is quite a challenge IDg them. Also, in my garden were Small White, Green-veined White, Red Admiral and - a first for this garden - a Marbled White. I'm delighted about the latter and about the Fritillary seen in my garden earlier this month (presumed to be a Silver-Washed Fritillary). It looks like my efforts to make the garden more attractive to passing butterflies are beginning to pay dividends. Neither the Fritillary nor the MW stayed more than a few minutes but they were a real treat to see. I sowed some Horseshoe Vetch seed in the Spring and now have four plants growing (very slowly) so maybe next year I can hope to see some specialist Blues... ok, maybe not but I can dream. Besides, Horseshoe Vetch is a pretty little plant. Luckily, many of our native, butterfly/moth-friendly plants are great additions to the garden, but in saying that I'm probably teaching my grandmother to suck eggs or at the very least preaching to the converted :) (Sherie New)
As it was raining first thing Sunday, I went to find a mating pair of roosting Ringlets, which I eventually did. Spent another few hrs at Wiston Woods off Spithandle lane, found another location 100 yds from my last sighting where I saw 2 to 4 Purple Emperors but difficult to accurately count. Between 10.30 and 11.30 a.m. saw 2 individuals on three occasions patrolling but not really dog fighting around a group of trees. Saw one fly over 70 feet over the top of a Sequoia. Also saw some 3 feet over my head. Saw one visit three separate sallow trees one after the other possibly looking for a female. (it seemed to quick to be egg laying). Worth looking around the footpaths and bridleways in this area for more PE. Sunday 11 July 2010 White-letter Hairstreak watchers (below) on Caroline's walk at Hollingburuy Park, Brighton. (Crispin Holloway)
Today Caroline Clarke lead an excellent White Letter Hairstreak Walk at Hollingbury Park, Brighton with useful tips on how and where to look for White Letter Hairstreak and differentiating between the varieties of Elm trees. Once you know what and where to look, it is much easier to see these elusive little triangles jumping around the tree tops and even better when they come down to the thistles.
Thanks to Caroline for leading the visit to Hollingbury Park today, and for giving me my first view of White-letter Hairstreak (above). Couldn't have asked for better views. Not sure if Small Copper managed the list of species recorded as one appeared as we were eating lunch after the rest of the group had left! (Roger Pendell)
Photos (above) of White-letter Hairstreaks found at Hollingbury park, Brighton. With Caroline Clarke leading the search. (Jamie Burston) A trip to Broadwater Warren (Nr Tunbridge Wells) this morning produced 21 Large Skipper, 4 Silver Washed Fritilllary, 2 Ringlet, 2 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Comma (f. hutchisoni - egg laying) (Rob Thomas) I have never definitely seen a White-letter Hairstreak. There are two small groups of elms about 7 to 10 metres tall alongside the A259 on the left from Pevensey to Bexhill. They both show caterpiller leaf damage and there are small flying insects whizzing about in the canopy though they seem a bit on the small side for the said butterfly. Perhaps if some more experienced member is passing that way they may care to take a look. One of the clumps is at Middle Bridge, one can park at the Pevensey side of the bridge, the other about 100 metres further on next to the lane that leads to the model airplane flying field, one can park there about 30 metres along the lane. If you do stop be very careful, the A259 is a fast road here. (Roy Wells)
Took a mid-afternoon walk today (Sunday) around Horseshoe Plantation. A plethora of Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Marbled Whites, Dark Green Fritillaries, Small Skippers and a few Large Skippers, Red Admirals and Whites. No White-letter Hairstreaks but did see an early Silver-spotted Skipper (above). (Bob Coleman) A Purple Emperor spent at least 40 minutes in my garden (near Broadbridge Heath) this afternoon from about 2.00pm. Most of the time it just sat on an apple tree and allowed me to approach within inches to take a some photos. It also settled briefly on the lawn. A fantastic day (5 hours in the field) produced 20 butterfly species including: 1 Purple Emperor in "Black Forest" north east of Ansty good numbers of White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillaries to the east of Ansty. 9 Marbled Whites in rough grassland near Hilders Farm a scattering of Purple Hairstreak sightings 22 Commas 2 Small Tortoiseshells also Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Small and Large Whites Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Small Heath, Small Copper, Peacock, Red Admiral, Large and Small Skippers. (M. J. Silk) Another evening drive around East Sussex hunting for Purple Hairstreaks - a bit cloudy tonight so they weren't as feisty as normal - the usual riots in the tree tops seem to have been downgraded to minor scuffles in these cooler conditions. Still managed to find them in the oaks at Polegate, Cowbeech, Hailsham, Dittons, Chapman's Town, Carter's Corner, Wartling, Windmill HIll, Puddledock, Chapel Cross, Court Horeham and Punnetts Town. (Michael Blencowe & Clare Jeffers) News for Saturday 10 July 2010: Many thanks to the tough expeditionary force of 14 that joined me for the lengthy BC walk up the steep face of Heyshott Down, and then along to Graffham and back on Saturday. Given the terrain and energy-sapping heat, this was not a walk for the faint-hearted. However, it attracted a good number of individuals that are actively involved in 'hands-on' aspects of butterfly conservation, including members of both the Murray and Graffham Downland Trusts, and volunteer surveyors. It was also one of the most enjoyable walks I've ever led - no pain, no gain! The views along this beautiful stretch of the Downs were stunning, from start to finish, and the butterflies did not disappoint us. We saw Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath. On Heyshott Escarpment we stopped to look at the characteristic feeding damage caused by Duke of Burgundy caterpillars, and spent some time discussing recent achievements in the conservation of this species here. But the stars of the show were of course the high-altitude Purple Emperors of Graffham Down. The first sighting was of a large female, which soon disappeared as she was clearly on a furtive egg-laying run. The male assembly point here is 728' amsl, and we watched a total of 4, constantly doing battle across their territory. Several times we watched a pair of males indulging in a dogfight worthy of 'The Blue Max', tailing each other to heights in excess of 100' above the very crest of the Down, silhouetted against a crystal clear, azure sky. For me this is the very pinnacle of butterfly-watching - pure butterflying ambrosia! (Neil Hulme) News for Saturday 10 July 2010: We didn't get the news in time to alert you, but hopefully some will have seen the marvellous article in Saturday's Times magazine, written by Simon Barnes. Park Corner Heath, Rowland Wood, Michael and his merry band of volunteers were all given generous column inches in Simon's insightful piece; while Michael's rakish, Mr Darcy good-looks clearly benefited from that hour and a half in the Winnebago. (Neil Hulme)
News for Thursday 8 July 2010: During a late afternoon visit to Bob Eade's White-letter Hairstreak (above) site at Litlington, I watched good numbers of butterflies spiralling around the elms, almost everywhere that I chose to stop. The majority of males were beginning to show signs of 'wear and tear', but a couple of very obliging and photogenic females were still in pristine condition. It was also nice to see good numbers of Small Tortoiseshell here (Bob is regularly recording these), and the scarily large horsefly Tabanus sudeticus. White-letters probably occur on the vast majority of elms within the Dutch Elm Disease Control Area, so it's a case of 'eyes up' to help both Caroline Clarke's Species Champion efforts, and The Atlas project. (Neil Hulme) Saturday 10 July 2010 "You'd know Michael Blencowe for a nature-reserve warden at 500 yards in fading light without binoculars. And not just because of the beard and the deeply distressed outdoor clothing. It's in the jizz, as birders say; in movement and general demeanour. It's in Blencowe's air of total absorption in his surroundings. Anywhere out of doors is his natural habitat." Unexpectedly had Fri. off work so decided to explore the Royal Eastbourne Golf Course and adjacent downland which is in my tetrad, as best I could, avoiding golfers! Quite a lot is accessible by public footpaths and it proved excellent - Large White 2, Small White 2, Small Copper 3, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Gatekeeper 4, numerous Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and Large Skippers, Dark Green Fritillaries 3 and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. I also ventured onto the course to investigate a couple of elm trees and was delighted to spot 2 dark b/flies spiralling above the canopy - White-letter Hairstreaks (confidently id'ed after my session with Susan in Diplocks Wd to get my eye in!) Unfortunately at this point a well-intentioned golfer asked me to get back on the footpath as I was in danger of being hit by a ball!! Undeterred, I have been in contact with the Environmental Committee at the club and look forward to a "field trip" by golf buggy round the course - have also been given a detailed flora/fauna map of the course which is very impressive. Was pleased to meet a fellow Sx BC'er surveying the same tetrad who had also seen WLHs in the area. Popped into Hampden Park en route home from S/burys this evening having taken Michael's advice and indeed found Purple Hairstreaks fighting in oak canopies - a lovely sight! (Anna Grist) On the slopes above Butchershole Bottom an explosion of Chalkhill Blues with hundreds flying low. Several females also seen including a mating pair. Also seen were my 1st second brood Small Blues with once again a mating pair. Lots of Forester Moths also flying and another Hummingbird Hawkmoth seen. (Bob Eade) Last night had my first Heart Moth for my Hailsham garden - unfortunately escaped before I could get any pics due to laxness on my part! (Chris Ball) Further to my post on 26th June about an unusual sighting of a White-letter Hairstreak in my urban garden in the middle of Uckfield - the same insect stayed around the Virginia Creeper for the next few days and I was able to get close enough to see the red portion of the rear wings was missing. However it was joined over the next few days by another, perfect specimen. They both stayed for a few days then disappeared, but I was unable to get anything other than an extremely poor shot. Today, however, I saw 2 individuals in the elm situated at the busy crossroads in the middle of Uckfield (TQ473 207). I have never seen them there before and this elm is very isolated - in fact, I don't know where the next nearest tree is!! Sorry for the long post but perhaps Caroline will find it of interest - what on earth were they doing on my creeper for that amount of time?? (Andy Stokes) At least 11 White-letter Hairstreaks at Home Bottom, north of Denton. 2 males and a female were observed nectaring on bramble at around 3 pm. Also several Gatekeepers, 30+ Small Skippers, 5 Essex Skippers, 100+ Marbled Whites, 12 Brown Argus. The Skipper colonies were completely mixed even down to a male Essex sharing the same thistle flower as a female Small but they completely ignored each other - they clearly have no identification problems. (Tom Ottley) During a trip to Highdown Hill this morning the following were observed: - Plenty of Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers, Red Admiral, Small and Large Skippers, Marbled Whites, Comma, Speckled Woods, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Large and Small Whites and plenty of Five and Six Spot Burnetts. (Pete Ashley)
Trapped again in our small garden in Hampden Park, numbers not high but again some different species. Barred Yellow, Willow Beauty, Magpie, Swallow-Tailed Moth, Common Footman, Peppered Moth, Large Elephant Hawk Moth and our first Privet Hawk Moth, also Light Brown Apple Moth and 1 Ermine Micro Moth. (photos above) (Ron & Brenda Elphick) I would just like to report a sighting of a Purple Emperor near Forestside in West Sussex. I was walking with my wife and two children on a track that leads into a wood, and just before the wood I spotted him on some horse dung. Unfortunately we did not have a camera. My father also spotted a White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary yesterday. (Fred Duncannon) I have long had a hunch that White-letter Hairstreaks should occur in Kingston Lane, Shoreham but have never got round to looking untiltoday despite it being only 5 minutes walk from where we live.Opposite the southern entrance to Shoreham Academy (formerly KingsManor School) there is a long line of elms on the east side ofKingston Lane (TQ237056). This morning we saw two at the northern endof these elms at about 10:00 and then another about half way along.They spent the whole time flitting round the canopy though I did seeone settled through binoculars. If you do go and look for them,weekends might be best as there are two schools close by so strangerswith binoculars might be viewed with suspicion. Also a Small Tortoiseshell and then a Clouded Yellow in Phoenix Way, Southwick. (Paul & Bridget James)
The day started with emptying the moth trap which was bulging at the seams 40+ spp including a Female stag beetle, my first ever Small Elephant Hawk and Eyed Hawk, Thorns, Swallow-tailed Moths, Riband Wave (both forms), Large Emerald, Small Emerald, Buff Arches, Brown-tail, Blood-vein, Elephant Hawks, I have identified 24 spp but along way to go with the others if at all. Also an enormous Crane fly with very unusual patterned wings. Returned to a new potential White-letter Hairstreak site close to Ditchling Beacon at TQ 323 112. Having seen 1 White-letter here on the previous afternoon, I decided to come back earlier in the day. Despite warm sunshine & very little breeze I couldn't confirm any sightings. However, this is a good spot for butterflies in general. Species seen were Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Comma, Large White, Small White. Moved on to Hollingbury Park where I recorded 6 White-letter Hairstreak. (Caroline Clarke)
Spent a cracking morning/early afternoon at Litlington watching Bob Eade's White-letter Hairstreaks (above) which were nectaring on Bramble flowers. Initially they were a bit awkward however as the day progressed they seemed to visit in increasing numbers and become quite photogenic! Also 5+ Comma, many Gatekeeper & Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small Skipper. (Chris Ball) Slopes above Butcher's Hole CP - there are now hundreds (not yet thousands) of Chalkhill Blues on the slopes between the CP and the gallops a week after first emerging - all (?) males thus far. Also, lots of Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites, Gatekeepers (3), Dark Green Fritillaries (3), Small Coppers (3). (Susan Suleski) Recreation grounds and playing fields are often an easy place to spot Purple Hairstreaks. That's because they tend to be fringed with oak trees and the open aspect means plenty of evening sunshine. This evening they were to be seen at Five Ashes Playing Field, Framfield Recreation Ground, Cross in Hand Recreation Ground and Waldron Recreation Ground. They were almost abundant at the last site, being seen on 11 trees with at least 12 on just one of those. As has been said before, it's easiest to see them between 7 and 8 pm on a sunny day. (Tom Ottley) Reported via Brian Easlea - Humming-bird Hawkmoth in Buddhist Centre Gardens, Lansdowne Road, Hove on 8 July and up to 3 White-letter Hairstreaks same site. Round the corner in St Anne's Well Gardens up to 6 White-letter Hairstreaks all week. (Peter Whitcomb) Friday 9 July 2010 Toady's count at Beacon Hill LNR, Rottingdean was by far the best of the year so far, and included first sightings of Clouded Yellow and Gatekeeper. Totals were: Small/Essex Skipper 13, Clouded Yellow 1, Large White 1, Small White 3, Common Blue 4, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Dark Green Fritillary 3, Marbled White 81, Gatekeeper 14, Meadow Brown 69, Small Heath 4. (Peter Whitcomb) Abbots Woods: Spent over an hour wandering in the woods and saw lots of Meadow Browns (seemingly all male), over 20 Silver Washed Fritillaries, several Ringlets, Large Whites, Gatekeepers (3), Red Admiral (1), Small Copper (1). Met a couple who had seen several White Admirals today and had picked up an injured Purple Hairstreak a week ago. I encouraged them to report their findings here in future. Then I spent the rest of my walk getting a cricked neck scanning the oak canopy in vain. Have now read Michael's advice to look after 6.00 p.m. and will check Diplock's Wood later this evening. (Susan Suleski) Details of the Transect walked today at Bedelands Farm, very hot with temperatures in the high 80's, still must not grumble. We went to look for Bob Eade's Littlington White Letter Hairstreaks this afternoon. We were delighted to find them in 2 locations about 80 yards apart. First quite a number flying around the tops of a group of elms by a bend in the river (TQ 520 019). Then one nectaring on bramble (at great length) and 2 flying above at 520 018. There are so many elms here I can well believe there are numerous colonies. (John Kerby) Tetrad TQ7620 Compasses Lane, Cripp's Corner TQ775207 20+ Meadow Brown, 20+ Essex Skipper.
Today I had a very quick lunch-time wreckie up to Cissbury Ring. I was fortunate to spot the following butterflies: Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Small White, Painted Lady, Comma, Dark Green Fritillary, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and a Cinnabar Caterpillar (photos above). (Nick Linazasoro)
This evening I had a brisk walk to the rear of Chalvington Field, Seaford and then onto Frog Firle and Seaford Golf Course in order to work off some pounds. Yes, you guessed it, I still managed to take a few butterfly shots! This evenings list included: Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma (photos above). (Nick Linazasoro) On Bedelands nature reserve in Burgess Hill I saw 2 White Admirals, 2 Silver Washed Fritillaires, 1 Marble White. (Sandra Solly) Diplocks wood: of course, Michael is right! Followed his advice and found Purple Hairstreaks in the oak canopy in the evening. Not quite as easy as he seemed to think, as seeing the tops of oaks in a wood in the evening sunshine can be hard. I reckon I have now seen 18 butterfly species in these small woods - and hope for more! I phoned my daughter to tell her to look for Purple Hairstreaks in Abbots Wood, which she visits most evenings, and she said she thought she saw a Purple Emperor there yesterday. A flash of purple, seen several times, caught her attention: large dark butterfly flying slowly along the ride edge. She is pretty certain it was not a White Admiral which she saw several of. I don't think anyone has reported Purple Emperors in Abbots Wood this year - what about previous years?? (Susan Suleski)
News for Tuesday 6 July: A walk through Ebernoe Common on 6th July produced the following sightings: Recent news: On Sunday 4th July me, my brother Tom, Dad and Mum went out with Neil Hulme to look for Purple Emperors at Botany Bay. There were a few clouds and quite a strong breeze which Neil said was not that good for the Emperors because they get blown over easily. We spent more than 3 hours walking round and our first view was flying across a path but I didn't really get a good view. Later we saw another one up in a tree but I didn't see that very clearly either. We thought we weren't going to get a good view but Neil seemed to know the best place to look and at the last minute we got very close to one on a track in a sheltered spot. It was tempted to sit on the ground by some smelly fish bait. Neil said we had to be creep very carefully and not rush until the butterfly was settled down or it would fly away. Luckily it stayed still and we all got really close views. Thursday 8 July 2010 Took a trip into Brighton to do some shopping. Whilst waiting at the traffic lights spotted 2 White-letter Hairstreak on a street elm tree opposite the sixth form college, BHASVIC, on Dyke Road (TQ303 054). On foot I found 4 more White-letters on wonderful ancient elm trees in the graveyard of St Nicholas Church also on Dyke Road (TQ307 045). Unfortunately didn't stay long here as is also favourite haunt of chaps who were a bit 'worse for wear' and who were overly interested in what I was doing hanging about gazing at the heavens. Driving home, I spotted a further 2 White-letters on another street elm on Dyke Road (TQ304 054). When I got home recorded 1 White-letter checking out the nectar on a tall Philadelphus in my own garden. Moved on to Hollingbury Park in the afternoon and counted 6 more White-letters. A total of 15 White-letter Hairstreak in one day with the first seen at about 10:15 and the last at 3:30pm. Other butterflies include at least 12 Comma in Hollingbury Park, together with 2 Small Skipper, Gatekeeper (sometimes doing quite good White-letter impressions), Meadow Brown and whites. (Caroline Clarke) Tetrad TQ5608 Milton Hyde TQ560080: 20 Meadow Brown, 6 Silver Washed Fritillary, 3 White Admiral, 1 Large White, 11 Marbled White, 1 Common Blue. One Heart Moth trapped in my garden near Broadbridge Heath last night. This is five days later than the single Heart Moth I trapped in the garden in 2009. (David Bridge)
Spent an hr at Mill hill in searing temperatures just to see what was around, Peacock 1, male Brimstone 1, Meadow Browns lots, Hedge Browns 20 +, Common Blue 1, Red Admiral 2, Small Heath 10, Large White 2, Six-spot Burnets, my first and only Chalkhill Blue of the year on the bottom slope and also near the car park a Pair of English Grey Partridges who must have had chicks nearby as they were clucking loudly and one was doing a great impression of being wounded, flapping around all over the place (hence the blurred pic). Great to see these and a suprise to see in such a public place(photos above).
Decided to survey the elms trees that run from Littlington to Alfriston today to see if more White Letter Hairstreaks are there. Pleased to find 4 more colonies of them with several fighting males seen at the tops of the trees. I ran out of time so only covered half the distance I was hoping to. I'm sure there are plenty more colonies between the 2 villages with elm running the whole distance. Also some very fresh Commas seen (above). (Bob Eade) Trapping in the last week or so has been fairly good, with 270 moths of 54 species in the garden trap this morning, the highest count this year. New moths for the year included our first Lozotaeniodes formosanus, V-Pug, Barred Yellow, Beautiful Hook-tip, Shark, Coronet, Nutmeg and Buff Arches. Hawk-moths seem to be having a good year this year, with up to 10 Large Elephant Hawks visiting the trap some nights and Privet and Small Elephant also putting in a good show. One family that is significantly down in numbers though this year at Mill Hill is the Footman, with a Common Footman being the only species of this family caught in the last two weeks. Is anyone else seeing a reduction in their numbers this year? After tea tonight (a nice bit of fish and spinach) we decided to head out for some butterfly action. With the time heading towards 8pm we drove off The Downs and went hunting for some oak. Each time we saw an oak bathed in the summer sunset we pulled the car over and reached for the binoculars - and flying around every oak were Purple Hairstreak - loads of them! We recorded them in 10 2km tetrad squares from Ripe to Foxhunt Green. After spending pretty much all the day doing absolutely nothing at all these butterflies go completely crazy after 6pm. Look up in the oak canopies and you'll see these silvery butterflies tearing around the tree - sometimes in gangs of 10, 20 or more - as males fight and compete for females. Some trees may have up to 100 hairstreaks whirling and spiralling around them. It's an incredible sight and is probably happening in an oak near you each evening. It's worth taking a stroll in your neighbourhood after tea and looking up at the oaks. We need plenty more records for this species so please post any sightings on this website or email them to sussexgrayling@aol.com (Michael Blencowe) Wednesday 7 July 2010
Today at Southwater Woods butterflies were out in good numbers despite the overcast conditions. I encountered Colin Knight's bilateral gynandromorphic Silver Washed Fritillary (above) (now nicknamed "Freddy" for short) as well as a couple of other aberrations. There were good numbers of SWF on the wing as well as White Admiral, Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Large and Small Skippers, Purple Emperor and Purple Hairstreak. (Susie Milbank) Tetrad TQ6406 Pevensey Levels TQ650060 50+ Meadow Brown, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Common Blue.
From Butchers Hole in Friston Forest found 5 Chalkhill Blues, my first for the year. On the edge of the Forest a Hummingbird Hawk Moth was nectaring on bramble along with a couple of White Admirals. In the Forest itself 8 Scarlet Tiger Moths as well as remnants of another 3 that had probably been predated by spiders. Many excellent specimens of Dark Green Fritillaries still showing. I then couldn't resist another look at the White Letter Hairstreaks at Littlington. The weather had by now clouded up but still 3 seen as well as a very smart Gatekeeper (photos above). (Bob Eade) Recent News: In celebration of the fabulous year we are experiencing for both the Purple Emperor, and unusual, dark-coloured aberrant butterflies, I've put together a collection of images taken at Southwater Woods and Botany Bay recently. The aberrants include 'black' White Admirals (ab. obliterae with grey smudges where the white bands should be; and ab. nigrina - lacking even these markings), Silver-washed Fritillaries (ab. confluens), Ringlets (ab. arete - without 'eyes') and Small Tortoiseshell (ab. nigrita). Others have seen dark, aberrant Commas, such as ab. suffusa, so keep your eyes peeled and have a really good look at everything at the moment! Thanks to all those that attended my Southwater walk last weekend - and submitted reports to the website. For those members that missed out on the fun, the trip on Saturday should be equally rewarding. Last Sunday I ran a VIP trip for Ellie Corrigan and her brother Tom (Mum and Dad were invited along too!) to see the Purple Emperor in all his glory. You can read whether we were successful or not in my diary, hosted by Pete Eeles' wonderful UK Butterflies website at http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=4065&start=100 (Neil Hulme) Purple Emperor, Botany Bay, 4 July and enthusiasts (right):. White Admiral ab. nigrina: Silver-washed Fritillary ab. confluens (left) and White Admiral ab. obliterae (right): Small Tortoiseshell ab. nigrita (left) and Ringlet ab. arete (right): Purple Emperors: Tuesday 6 July 2010
Yet another look at Plantation Wood for the White Letter Hairstreaks was a blank, however, on the way to the wood from Birling Gap I found a mating pair of Marbled Whites amongst the large numbers of these butterflies flying. I then went to Littlington to once again look for the Hairstreaks and at last I found some. Not only that but I found some feeding on bramble, 4 years almost to the day that I last saw them in close up. Some were also in fabulous condition. I must have seen at least 20 in the area although it was a very long wait for 1 to come close enough to photograph. At last I feel some reward for the hours spent looking for one of my favourite butterflies over the last couple of weeks. Also seen was my first Gatekeeper of the year as well as a Southern Hawker dragonfly. A great morning to think about tonight when I am at work!! (photos above) (Bob Eade)
The range of butterfly species and number of individuals is increasing after the June gap. The sward is very dry on the south facing slopes and there are loads of grasshoppers at Malling Down. I would like to submit a sighting of a White Admiral butterfly in Hove, East Sussex. I was advised by Katie at butterfly conservation that this would be worth recording. I have never seen one of these butterflies before and I understand that they are in decline. (Nina Elliot-Newman) Re. Southwater Woods Silver washed Fritillary behaviour: The pair I saw in Spithandle woods recently did something similar. The male was duly carrying the female around however at one point they ended up on some mud in a drying out stream bed. On the ground the male was feverishly flicking his proboscis around the mud either after moisture or salts. He then carried her up onto a hazel branch. One presumes it must be pretty energy sapping and or dehydrating carrying around his spouse in this fashion. Re Nicks Bug it looks like quite an impressive sp. of Longhorn beetle, I saw one yesterday evening as well. (Richard Roebuck) Monday 5 July 2010 Monday morning - another Elm - another White-letter Hairstreak! On the way to the office this morning I noticed a young elm on the banks of the Ouse at Lewes. When I popped back with binoculars at 10:50 there was a familiar dark butterfly flitting around the elm canopy. If you have an elm near you it really is worth checking between 9-11:30 - we're really keen to get more records from West Sussex. I've had an 80% Elm/WLH hit rate so far. (Michael Blencowe) My first Chalkhill Blue Butterfly of the year was recorded at 11.06 am on the lower slopes of Mill Hill. (Andy Horton)
Purple Hairstreaks (photos above) seem to have the same sort of attention span as a whirligig beetle. However after a bit of field craft hanging around (well a lot really) a small ash tree amongst some small oak trees ) I eventually caught a male and a female Purple Hairstrek at at my furthest telephoto range. What I really need is Sherie's lens. (Richard Roebuck) I haven't been out today but one moth inside tonight, The Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix. Identified thanks to the UK moths site. (TQ362164) (Jonathan Wood)
Following our report of a successful paring of two Privet Hawkmoths last year it's been a busy fortnight releasing the outcome of their endeavours. So far 32 have hatched and there are still a few to go. Here is tonight's squadron ready to taxi off (above). They have been kind enough to leave a sufficient deposit of eggs for the next generation. (Josse Davis)
Last week-end while on top of the Trundle, Goodwood with the family watching the Red Arrows fly overhead my eye was distracted by a more exciting flight. Fighting for air space amongst a good number of Marbled White was a male Purple Hairstreak. My son Theo took the picture (above). (Josse Davis)
News for Saturday 3 July 2010: Many thanks to Neil for yet another fantastic guided tour of Southwater Woods and the chance to see the amazing Purple Emperors and a profusion of beautiful White Admirals and Silver Washed Fritillaries. Neil showed us the prime areas to spot the Purple Emperors and related tales of how aggressive those found in Sussex are compared with Purple Emperors found in other parts of the country. Apparently they have been known to attack birds, as well as other butterflies, that intrude on their territory and this was witnessed at first hand, when one flew at one of the group. Also, Neil told us about the mating dance of Silver Washed Fritillaries and we were lucky enough to spot two mating but exhibiting behaviour not quoted in the reference books or ever observed by Neil. The male was nectaring on bramble blossom, flitting from one nectar source to the next, with the female in tow during copulation. Sunday 4 July 2010 Took a long hike in breezy winds and inappropriate footwear around Brightling today - taking in tetrads TQ 6620, 6622, 6820 & 6822. Recorded White Admiral, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Large White, Speckled Wood (Michael Blencowe & Clare Jeffers) Out on a reckie for my field trip next Sunday 11th July at Hollingbury Park (TQ316 076) in Brighton I saw 2 White-letter Hairstreak up high in the elm canopy. Was very breezy so not ideal weather for spotting them. Am hoping that in a week's time the creeping thistle will be in full flower, the females will be out (they are always so much more accommodating - posing nicely on the thistle instead of fighting each other up high like the boys do!!) and with a bit of luck on the weather we might just get up close. Was very pleased to bump into last year's young person's photo competition winner, Jamie, who was also out White-letter hunting. Other butterflies seen at Hollingbury Park were 1 Comma, 2 Small Skipper, 5 Large White, 1 Red Admiral & numerous Meadow Brown. Moved on to a line of immature elm along the nearby Surrenden Road (TQ310 076) and recorded 4 more White-letter Hairstreak. (Caroline Clarke) One Purple Emperor high in canopy, 10 White Admiral, 16 Silver-washed Fritillary wood near Plaistow (Margaret Hibbard)
Today I ventured to Malling Down to top up the weekend butterfly spotting. I managed to get quite a few decent shots not only of butterflies but also of dragonflies, damselflies and a mystery beetle or bug. However, the butterflies spotted this afternoon were: several Large Skipper, a couple of Large White, lots of Small White, three Green-Veined White, one Small Copper, one Red Admiral, lots of printine (and agressive to other butterflues) Comma, one Speckled Wood, one Marbled White, tons of Meadow Browns, several Ringlets (including a mating pair flying around) and Small Heath. So 12 species in total. Not bad for an afternoon stroll, except I have gained an increasingly itchy and expanding red bite on my leg! So no shorts next time! (photos above) (Nick Linazasoro)
The Purple Emperors stayed aloft at Southwater this morning. Three were twirling around the top of the master tree but none came to the ground for any of the twenty plus enthusiasts who were searching. A pair of Silver-washed Fritillaries coupled on a branch high up. I came across two unusual forms - a White Admiral where the white markings are blurred and a Silver-washed Fritillary which is a bilateral gynandromorph (one side male and the other female, thanks to Neil Hulme for indentifying this rare form for me) (photos above). (Colin Knight) Marbled Whites were flying early morning on both Saturday and Sunday at Blatchington reservoir (Seaford). Also Small Tortoiseshell. (Chris Brewer) Like a falling leaf a Swallow-tailed Moth, Ourapteryx sambucaria, dropped out of the tree canopy on to the meadow on the verges of the Coastal-Downs Link Cyclepath midway between Old Shoreham and the Cement Works at Upper Beeding. Nine species of butterfly were seen on the Adur Levels during the morning including frequent Ringlet Butterflies, three Wall Browns, three Comma Butterflies and one Small Skipper. My trip was curtailed quickly because of excessive bicycle traffic. (Andy Horton) Recent news: In response to your request for Scarlet Tiger records, I caught two in a moth trap on the night of 24-25 June in my very small garden in Brighton (on Belton Road, off Ditchling Road). A dead individual was found nearby on 2 July last year. (Jeremy Patterson)
Rannoch Looper (above) we descovered in our moth trap on Friday night (18 June) in Catsfield, East Sussex TQ719135 (Rob Brownnutt) Saturday 3 July 2010 Drove 'round the local area this morning on a White-letter Hairstreak hunt. In Jevington churchyard (home to the rare Weeping Serpentine Wych Elm) we found one White-letter Hairstreak within seconds of getting out of the car (at 08:52am). At Selmeston churchyard we watched two battling male White-letter Hairstreak spiralling above the Wych Elm. We popped in to Seaford on the way home and found a Wych Elm in the corner of Micklesfield Park - complete with a White-letter Hairstreak. That's three more tetrads marked with a WLH for the atlas. The coastline between Shoreham & Eastbourne has the world's largest poulation of mature English Elm trees - check out a tree near you. The butterfly can be seen best between 9:30-11 on warm mornings - look for dark butterflies flying around the canopy or spiralling up in the air as they engage in battle. Join Caroline Clarke in Brighton at her event on 11th July to 'get your eye in' with this species (Michael Blencowe & Clare Jeffers)
What a wonderful day at Botany Bay! My three year old son Elliot and I left the wife to her baking and set off in search of the Purple Emperors which were now showing according to your sightings page. Silver Washed Fritillaries, White Admirals, Meadow Browns, greeted us straight away from the car park. Speckled Woods, Large Skipper, Small Skipper added to the list up till the bridge. Just the other side on silver birch we saw two Purple Hairstreak. We turned right at the first option and along this path we had two Purple Emperors and Common Blue. We had our statutory picnic and set off for home. As if the day could not get better the Red Arrows flew by in an eight plane formation. I knew I was important!!! Just before the bridge, we had what I would guess as a newly emerged Wood White. The perfect end to this perfect morning was arriving home to a kitchen full of freshley made Cakes, Pies, Crumbles....Oh the list goes on & on. Happy sun filled days (photos above). (Steve Morgan)
My thanks to Neil for leading this very enjoyable walk. It was great to get reacquainted with Silver-washed Fritillaries, White Admirals and Purple Emperors as these are some of my favourite butterflies. There were plenty of each flying and, although I didn't manage to get up close and personal with the majestic PE, I did learn about where to go and at what times to make that hoped for meeting more likely. Not that we didn't see any on the ground but it did not settle for long. Within a short while it was up and about again. As a result, I think one person got more close and personal than is deemed strictly necessary for PE appreciation as the flying PE bumped straight into him! PEs, apparently, are known for attacking species bigger than they are... The Chalkhill Blues have emerged on their slopes above the Butchers Hole CP! Only counted 7 today, hopefully more everyday. They were on the upper 'forbidden slopes'. The slopes are very parched and I wonder if this will affect numbers this year. Also saw at least 9 Small Skippers (I think) in the grass along the gallops above the slopes and there seemed to be many more. Also, lots of Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and Small Heaths, and 2 fresh Comma and 2 Small Tortoiseshells. Re my earlier report on White-letter Hairstreaks in Diplock's Wood: I got a very good view of one today and can confirm that my initial report was correct. Thus far I have only seen them in one patch, which is sadly succumbing to disease. (Susan Suleski) Sightings in our East Dean garden (TV562984)... 2 separate sightings of Humming-bird hawkmoth nectaring on Lavender. Great day because we also had a Red kite riding the thermals overhead for about fifteen minutes. (Carole & David Jode) Spent a couple of hours this morning at Botany Bay. Highlights were 5 separate sightings of Purple Emperor including 1 on fox scat for 10 minutes and 2 males fighting in mid air. Also 2 Wood White, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral and good numbers of Silver Washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Small Skipper, Large Skipper and Ringlet.
Today myself and my somewhat tired and reluctant eldest son ventured to Southwater Woods to see what Mr Hulme had to offer us! Would it be as exciting as my Botany Bay 7 Purple Emperor Day in 2009? Seen today 3/7 in and around the parish of Plumpton.
I made another visit to Cissbury Ring this afternoon to try to get some more shots of Marbled Whites and Dark Green Fritillaries. I was rewarded with a mating pair of Fritillaries, with multiple males trying to get in on the action. The happy couple flew a long way off in the end. Both species were hard to find settled, for long, but were present in hundreds. I came across my first Forester moth, a Six-spot Burnet two Small Coppers, many Meadow Browns, a Small Tortoiseshell, many Small Skippers and a battered Small Blue(photos above). (Colin Knight)
We found three Scarlet Tigers (above)in Friston Forest this afternoon. We've already had reports of this species from Brighton and Eastbourne in 2010 - areas where they seem to have established themselves in recent years. A surprise report was of one caught in a moth trap in Brede in the far east of the county - so it's worth looking out for this moth throughout Sussex and please send any sightings to the website. (Michael Blencowe) I took a stroll through Tottington Woods, Small Dole yesterday to show some friends the ancient woodland and butterflies. We were delighted to see at least 6 White Admirals as well as Commas, Meadow Browns, Skippers and a Gatekeeper. (Jan Hamblett) Macro moth species caught in a 40W Heath trap: Heart &, Dart - 2, Dark Arches - 8, Common Footman - 1, Plain Wave - 11, Tawny Marbled Minor - 2, Bright-line Brown-eye - 1, Magpie - 1, Brimstone Moth - 1, Silver Y - 1, Small Emerald - 1, Clouded Silver - 5, Heart & Club - 1, Flame - 1, Buff Ermine - 1, Pale Oak Beauty - 1, Privet Hawkmoth - 1, Large Yellow Underwing - 3, Small Elephant Hawkmoth - 1, Coronet - 1. (James Weston, North Lancing, TQ186058)
On Saturday spent about four hrs in Spithandle woods with friend Peter. At the Bridleway currently under reconstruction saw 20+ Sliver Washed Fritillaries. (mating pair around 1.00p.m In the morning they were cascading down form the upper canopy like a waterfall. Males were also on the ground collecting minerals from, crushed rubble and ground up chalk Also many White Admirals, Meadow Browns, Comma 2, Large Skippers 15+. News for Friday 2 July 2010: Three of the first Small Skippers of 2010 visited the clumps of Tufted Vetch and three strong flying Marbled Whites were seen amongst the long grasses on the towpath from Old Shoreham to Beeding Cement Works. (Andy Horton) Friday 2 July 2010 At 6.30a.m this morning an early dog walk at Wolstonbury (Pycombe Street end) produced Marble White 15, Common Blue 2, Small Blue 2, Large Skipper 15, Small Skipper 20+, Small Heath 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Meadow Brown too many to count and for me the first time saw two Dark Green Fritillaries at his location. No doubt later in the day it will be alive with butterflies. A Peregrine overhead. Scabious and Knapweed in flower amongst orchids and many other species of down and flower stunning. (Richard Roebuck) Had my first Gatekeeper of the year,this afternoon at Thorney Island.(Barry Collins) Gatekeeper Butterflies were seen frequently along the Coastal-Downs Link Cyclepath by the Cement Works at Upper Beeding where in the tall meadow verges of Hardheads and Melilot, a few Ringlet Butterflies were seen; both species for the first time this year. A first of the year Southern Hawker (dragonfly) cruised amongst the first flowering Buddleia in the same area. The same area hosted frequent Meadow Browns and one distinctive Cinnabar Moth that fluttered rapidly through the tall herbs making photography impossible. Transect details walked today in boiling hot temperatures at Bedelands Farm, Burgess Hill. Species seen; Went Hairstreak hunting this morning at a group of elms on the edge of Friston Forest and located a White-letter Hairstreak holding territory high in the elms. If you know of any elms in your area it's certainly worth grabbing your binoculars and going out and having a search over the next few weeks. (Michael Blencowe) 2 White-letter Hairstreak spotted fluttering around elm in Saunders Park (TQ 321 060), Brighton whilst planting a nectar garden as part of the Big Butterfly Count event. (Caroline Clarke)
I got a nice pic of a very proud Comma huthcinsoni, note that there is more detail and coloration on the underside of the wing. In addition found my first aberration in a butterfly, like Mr Eade's excellent pic, I believe its ab. suffusa although this one appears slightly different again. Note the wing indentations are distinctly rounded. This form according to South by TG Howarth is produced because the caterpillars feed up very quickly, normal feeding produces the normal form (any other comments welcome) P.S. courtesy of Spithandle woods (photos above). (Richard Roebuck)
A visit to Cissbury Ring today yielded Marbled Whites all the way round the dykes, but not settloing, plus Meadow Browns, Small Heaths, a few Small Blues, a Ringlet and a Burnet and a Cinnabar Moth. Dark Green Fritillaries were all over the blackberry flowers on the top of the hill, landing and tmbling in twos and threes in the air (photos above). (Colin Knight) Seen 1/7/10 while meadow surveying near Lindfield @ TQ348280
News for Thursday 1 July 2010: First stop was to Oaken Wood/Botany Bay to try to find my first Purple Emperor of the year. This duly appeared by the bridge, having landed on Neil Hulme's boot. Amongst the large numbers of Silver Washed Fritillary and White Admiral there were at least 2 first-brood Wood Whites still flying. Moving on to Southwater Woods in the afternoon, there were even greater numbers of White Admiral, with sometimes 5 in sight at any one time. 2 Purple Emperors were seen flying from the Madgeland master tree. There were a few fresh Commas as well as second-brood Green Veined White and Small White on the wing. Also notable were 4 Red Admiral, some of which looked very fresh. The highlight however was an aberrant Small Tortoiseshell (above) with grey/black hindwings which was on bramble on the track under the power lines, south of the Madgeland master tree. (Vince Massimo) Thursday 1 July 2010
I couldn't resist popping in to Southwater Woods for an hour late this morning. (Purple effect kicking in). Not only did I see another Purple Emperor but I met fellow enthusiast Sandra with whom we had an interesting experience (strictly for research purposes), feeding sweat from my head to said Purple Emperor, who was grateful of this small snack and duly pinned Sandra's finger firmly to the ground with his foot for some 5 minutes or so. In addition I had the great fortune to meet a certain animal I am particularly enamoured with for some reason, a Roe deer with twins - not a common site. As I have said before Butterfliers Beware. (Richard Roebuck)
A trip to Southwater Woods again this morning to show Sue and Julie the wonders of our local butterflies turned into a spectacular Purple Emperor encounter. We found five on the ground, three at one spot which we shared with other enthusiasts. We also met a roe deer on the path. (Colin Knight) Amongst other things it was good to see this dayflying moth at the Butterfly Haven (TQ309072). The Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis (below, left). The larvae feeds in the rootstock of bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus) or kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria) of which we have masses at the butterfly haven. (Dan Danahar)
My garden in Burgess Hill is tiny and has very little wildlife. I have filled it with a jungle of buddlea, lavender, jasmine and verbena to tempt as many butterflies, moths, bees etc. as possible and look what turned up this evening - Hummingbird Hawkmoth (above, right). You will have to forgive the dodgy focussing - I've never seen one before and I was so excited my hands were shaking. (Nicki Kent)
Although tempted to go West again for the 'purple experience' I decided again to look for the White Letter Hairstreaks at Plantation Wood at Belle Tout and Littlington. At Plantation I did find a hairstreak. However, it was a very old Green Hairstreak, for a single brood butterfly this is pretty impressive being seen in 4 different months. There were lots of Marbled White in the field between Birling Gap and the wood. On the way to Littlington I stopped off at Friston Forest where I hoped for nectaring Dark Green Fritillaries. I was not disapointed with several nectaring along the rides. There were a couple of darker individuals, although not as dark as last week's one. I was lucky to get a Marbled White and Dark Green Fritillary nectaring together at one point (above). It was certainly much easier than chasing them all over the Downs!! At Littlington the breeze was a bit high for the Hairstreaks. (Bob Eade)
News for Wednesday 30 June 2010: Yesterday afternoon on the western cliffs of Seaford head I photographed butterflies. They were extremely active in the warmth, taking a frustrating time to settle and then only pausing for seconds. Among other species I managed to capture a Meadow Brown as I thought - but on viewing it in the computer I find that it has one feature absent in this species in galleries and reference books: there are prominent dark ocelli showing on the underside of the hind-wing. Browsing the internet I found that Maniola telmessia and M. megala from about the Mediterranean region both show this character, so I'm left wondering whether the photo attached is of one of these species or perhaps an aberrant form of our meadow brown, Maniola jurtina? Can anyone help please? (Keith West) Reply from Neil Hulme: Variations in the spotting pattern, and size of spots, particularly on the underside of the hindwings, is well documented in the Meadow Brown. However, this is quite an unusual example. There is a detailed discussion of this topic on pp. 262 & 264 of 'The Butterflies of Britain & Ireland' (Thomas & Lewington, 2nd Edition, 2010). It takes an eagle-eye to spot what amounts to quite a subtle departure from the norm, but it's a UK born and bred jurtina rather than an 'incomer'. Wednesday 30 June 2010
Although just out of Sussex I called in on Botany Bay today and had a male Purple Emperor on the ground at 11.45am for about 30 minutes. Then a black version of White Admiral at Oaken Wood. Then late afternoon the butterfly of the day with a suffusa form of Comma (above) back at Botany Bay. Lots of Ringlet, White Admirals and Silver Washed Fritillaries. I then called over to Iping Common where there were a few Silver Studded Blues flying, although these are now past their best. Also a couple of Golden Ringed Dragonflies were seen. (Bob Eade)
Went to Southwater woods late afternoon to see many Silver Washed and White Admiral Butterflies. But slightly unexpected and it has to be said an amazing first time ever encounter with a Purple Emperor at close quarters er. like 6 inches away. Plenty of time to take some special photos (above) which luckily caught the beautiful blue iridescence of this magnificent creature. Fantastic. Many thanks to the expert BC member who I am in gratitude for pointing out His Majesty to me and of course the illustrious Mr Hulme who "some say" may have had a influence with his apothecary skills. (Richard Roebuck)
On my way over to Rowland Wood this morning I had to stop off at Plumpton College, as the weather was so fine I was unable to resist the temptation of a quick hike up to the top of The Downs to see what I could find. The bostal track, TQ358127, was the most productive, here I found Small and Large Skippers as well as Meadow Browns. Best of all, on a sheltered, sunny verge nectaring on the kidney vetch were two Small Blues. In all I saw: Small Tortoiseshell 6, Speckled Wood 4, Green-veined White 1, Small Skipper 3, Meadow Brown 100's, Large Skipper 13, Common Blue 1, Small Blue 2, Red Admiral 1, Large White 1, Small Heath 3, and an unidentified Burnet moth. Diplock's Wood (TQ576043): as sure as I can possibly be that I saw 4 White-letter Hairstreaks out this morning in one patch of elms. I have given as close a reference as I can in the hope someone (Tom?) can confirm this. (Go along lane on southern side of woods to end where one elm is clearly dying and check canopies of healthy elms - no bench, I'm afraid!) (Susan Suleski)
5 male and 4 female Silver-studded Blue spread over rough moorland (mixed heather and grass) below Smugglers car park on Ashdown Forest. This includes one mated pair. (Tom Ottley)
A walk at Southwater today with Phil and Neil turned into a very productive day. Jill turned up to check where Saturday's walk was starting from and accepted my invitation to wander along the track. A Purple Emperor landed at our feet 200 yards from the road and gave us a great display while investigating rabbit droppings. Later the same butterfly landed on Neil's boot and enjoyed sucking up whatever nutrients were embedded therein... White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillaries were everywhere. We saw a couple of Emperors fighting around a tree top then later Phil spotted a nigrina form of the White Admiral which topped off a great day (Colin Knight)
Taken today at Botany Bay. A male [Purple Emperor] that was on the main ride just before the bridge. (above). (Frances Bassom) Seen while meadow surveying near hadlow down 30/6. Tetrad TQ7016 Creep Wood, Penhurst. TQ700160 40 Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Copper. TQ700170 20 Meadow Brown. There were also a couple of Skippers but they were too quick for me to identify. (Roy Wells) Tuesday 29 June 2010 Very quiet on Frog Firle today, however I did spot my first Ringlet of the year. The only other species of note was once again good numbers of Small Tortoiseshell. (Bob Eade) Seen today on Markstakes common, chailey TQ398178. Since I was in Brighton I went to Hollingbury Park. 3 White-letter Hairstreaks seen at the northern end of the strip of woodland at TQ 31735 07783 to be precise. Quite easy to see on a sunny day since they can't resist fighting every minute or two and the elms there are not too high. Use WheresThePath to see exactly where to go and there's even a seat thoughtfully provided for hairstreak watchers. (Tom Ottley)
News for Monday 28 June 2010: Southwater Woods was bulging at the seams with butterflies today! The 'big three' all performed well. The first Purple Emperors put on a good show, and I spent a very enjoyable 15 minutes lying beside Paul Day and a particularly obnoxious fox poo, as we photographed the first of hopefully many (I suspect we are in for a good PE year). A second male Emperor was later seen at a Master Tree, beating the living daylights out of Purple Hairstreaks. I was delighted to see two valezina Silver-washed Fritillaries (above, right), amongst the dozens that are now on the wing here. This olive-green, aberrant form of the female butterfly is quite rare in Sussex, and tends to seek out the shadier rides, to avoid over-heating. White Admirals numbered 50+, and are still emerging. Hannah spotted the all black nigrina form. All-in-all, a day to remember. (Hannah Sanders and Neil Hulme) More news for Monday 28 June 2010: Kiln Wood Blackboys: at the spot I mentioned on Saturday (26th June), there were 18 Purple Hairstreaks, presumably all males. Pleased to be able to show them to Ali Wright and Andy Stokes too. Interestingly the main tree they use is neatly divided between two tetrads! (Tom Ottley) News for Sunday 27 June 2010, BC Walk: I led 30 people around Botany Bay, in temperatures that soon exceeded 80 degrees, despite an early (9am) start. Several BC Sussex members stayed on after the official end of the walk at midday, by which time most of the butterflies were over-heating and looking for shade (like us!). Some respite was to be found in a small stream-bed, where we watched 3 male Silver-washed Fritillaries and a hutchinsoni Comma from a low concrete bridge, as they repeatedly returned for a drink. It turned out that we were one day too early to see the hoped-for Purple Emperor, but we did see an impressive list of butterflies, with excellent views of all species. Our tally included Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Wood White, Purple Hairstreak, Ringlet, Comma, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown. Many thanks to all that came along for a most enjoyable walk. (Neil Hulme) News for Saturday 26 June 2010: I spent a very enjoyable day with Matthew Oates at Southwater Woods, where White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary numbers are building rapidly. I saw my first Ringlets of the year and good numbers of Small Skipper, with 23 seen in a communal roost beside a track, during the evening. This was encouraging, following a poor year for the species in 2009. Matthew reported seeing two nigrina White Admirals (all black) on the way back to his car. (Neil Hulme)
More news for Saturday 26 June 2010: At Southwater Woods, a beautiful valezina Silver-washed Fritillary, with possibly a second one as well, though couldn't get on it for long enough as it whizzed past us. (Paul Marten) Monday 28 June 2010 On a walk in north-west Sussex a few weeks back we met and recruited Tony Grace to help record butterflies for the atlas - he's sent in his first report from his tetrad square north of Lodsworth. "Today I was working in the garden of a cottage next to the woods, a nightingale sang and a male Purple Emperor came into the garden and rested on my foot !". Some folk have all the luck! (Michael Blencowe)
Word has obviously got around the Moth World that I haven't been running mothtraps recently so they have decided to make it a bit easier for me. And so it was that I was doing a dragonfly survey on one of the tributaries of the Ouse when I reached a fingerpost pointing across the next field and lo and behold perched part way up was a Privet Hawkmoth (above). (John Luck) Seen on a dragonfly outing 27/6 at Pippingford Park. 2 White-letter Hairstreaks clashing around the young elm tree in my neighbour's garden in Brighton. Observed quite early in the day (9:45am) on the sunny side of the tree with the weather hot, dry and calm. (Caroline Clarke)
I ventured over to Mill Hill, Shoreham after work today for some fresh air and butterfly spotting. As it was about 6pm there was not much around except for one Small Blue, two Marbled Whites, one Painted Lady, several Meadow Brown and Small Heath. Not very impressive but I did manage to get my first shots of the year of a Marbled White, so not all was lost (photos above). (Nick Linazasoro) Checked out the elm in Hove Recreation Ground: 2 White-letters high in the tree canopy at TQ293061 at the south-eastern end of the Rec. Also, a further 2 observed from the Rec. on a street tree at the end of Hove Park Road at TQ292059. (Caroline Clarke)
News for Sunday 27 June: Botany Bay: Thanks Neil for a great day. Here is some that we could count: Ringlet 6, Meadow Brown 5, Large Skippers 20, Small Skipper 1, Wood White 7, Silver-washed Fritillary 10 plus, White Admiral 6 plus, Small Tortoiseshell 1 (photos above). (Pat and Peter Gardner) Sunday 27 June 2010 Very pleasing to see the Small Tortoiseshell is making something of a spectacular recovery... above a nettle bed in Edburton, I estimated 20 - 30 inividuals - all in super newly emerged condition... got some nice video shots.
This morning I visited Iping Common for 2 hours in temperatures which reached a hot 27°C. Silver Studded Blues were everywhere, including in areas where I had not seen them before. My count was over 250! In the more wooded areas Large Skippers were guarding their territory on bramble or fern. My totals were Meadow Brown (5), Large Skipper (18) and Silver Studded Blue (235 Males 34 Females) (above). (Richard Symonds)
Today I ventured next door to Friston Forest to an area I think is called The Gallops. It was to be a perfect relaxation prior to the England vs Germany game. (I don't know why I didn't stay longer and miss the match).
After six days in the Norfolk Broads with Swallowtails and other butterflies, I wondered what we would see on Neil Hulme's Oaken Wood tour yesterday. The large group was not disappointed. Although the Purple Emperor was not about yet, we had an abundance of butterflies, the most surprising being over a dozen Wood Whites, including a mating pair. Silver-washed Fritillaries and White Admirals were everywhere, though few settled. The little stream under the path was a settling place for Fritillaries and a Comma. Meadow Browns were mating, and we also saw many Small Skippers, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Ringlet and a Purple Hairstreak. Full details of our Norfolk trip with reports on nature reserves are being posted on my blog www.seapic.com (photos above). (Colin Knight) News for Saturday 26 June: Sussex Butterfly Conservation attended the Wildlife Weekend event at High Beeches Gardens on Saturday (www.highbeeches.com). Unlike other ornamental gardens in the county High Beeches dedicates plenty of space for wildlife. The famous wildflower meadow was a sight to behold and incredible profusion of wildflowers alive with insect life - and the ponds held a wide variety of dragonfly species. On Friday evening we held a moth trapping session and in the morning the trap was opened in front of a crowd of visitors. There was plenty for everyone in the trap including crowd-pleasers (Elephant Hawk-moth and Buff-tip) as well as Sussex rarities (Great Oak Beauty and Beautiful Snout). In the day there were wildflower walks (expertly lead by Arthur Hoare) and butterfly walks around the gardens where we recorded the first Ringlet of the season. Visitors to the gardens over the coming weeks should look high into the oaks for the possibility of Purple Emperor and Purple Hairstreak. (Michael Blencowe) Saturday 26 June 2010 Instructions for seeing Purple Hairstreaks!
Spent over 2hrs with a new BC member on our first outing at Cissbury ring this morning. Sightings were as follows, large numbers of Small Heath and Meadow Browns, Large Skippers, also saw Small Skipper, Common Blue 6 most were worn. Female Brimstone 1, Painted Lady 2, Marbled White 3, Holly Blue 2, Dark Green Fritillary 25 - 30 or even more, Difficult to count as always on the move and only a small area covered Many pristine we were surrounded by them most on the wing but spent a long time with one particular female (Presumed) that posed for pictures. By chance found also a mating pair. Also 6 spot Burnets just emerging, Cinnabars, Burnet Campion. A fantastic morning. (photos above) (Richard Roebuck) A Silver Studded Blue on Ashdown Forest from Hollies Car Park this morning. Also a Dark Green Fritillary and 3 Small Tortoiseshell. (Matt Eade) We Run our Skinner trap in our Garden in Hampden Park on Friday 25th, and had in our trap. Silver Y. Willow Beauty. Swallow-tailed moth. White Ermine. Dark Arches. Green Pug. Clouded Silver. Small Blood Vien. Barred Yellow and hundreds of small flying insects which made it very uncomfortable when approaching the trap. (Ron & Brenda Elphick ) Noticed a small butterfly spending time on the creeper at the back of my pond. Thought it was a bit late for a Holly Blue, so after risking an early bath, I managed to get close enough to i.d. a White-letter Hairstreak. I have been keeping an eye on a solitary largish elm in the middle of Uckfield for a few years but never seen any. I can only imagine this sighting is connected to this tree which is a hundred yards from my garden, or perhaps there is a breeder nearby? (Andy Stokes) In my Storrington garden there were two freshly emerged Small Skippers this morning together with several Large Skipper and Meadow Browns. Single White-letter Hairstreak bobbing around the tops of a line of young elm on the edge of Surrenden Field in Brighton (TQ301 075). (Caroline Clarke)
In addition at Cissbury this morning Speckled woods 3, Large white 1. In the afternoon went to Spithandle Woods where I saw many Large Skippers, Commas 2, Red Admiral one (and David, a Hornet). I believe a Silver-washed Fritillary flying past at great speed. But also 3 White Admirals (above), first of the year for me. One was very close on a bridle path sitting on hazel and oak and sipping honey dew giving an unusually good opportunity for pics of this beautiful butterfly. Fantastic day. (Richard Roebuck)
Had a lovely walk from Old Town, E/bo over the downs and through the valley past Cornish Farm this morning and back via Beachy Head. Saw many "seasonal" butterfliesflies: Small Heaths, Small Tortoiseshells in abundance, Common Blues, Meadow Browns, Large Skippers and stunning Dark Green Fritillaries but didn't manage any photos. Did, however, get pictures of an exotic/grotesque! Lizard Orchid and beautiful Bee Orchids on B. Head. Sitting in the garden on my return home I noticed this colourful Mullein caterpillar munching on a buddliea leaf - shame the moth isn't so noticable! (photos above) (Anna Grist) Thorney Island: 8 Marbled White, 2 Essex Skipper, 2 Holly Blue and 90 Meadow Brown. (Barry Collins) Saw a Scarlet Tiger moth sunning itself on the driveway of my father's house in Eastbourne today (26 June). Got a picture so was able to check and confirm it. However, the moth which foolishly came into our sun lounge last night and perished in todays intense heat is still defying my attempts to identify it, even though I have its little carcass. It looked a lot bigger when it was flying. (John A Heys) Cissbury Ring Transect produced 123 butterflies in 14 species of which the highlights were 13 fresh Dark Green Fritillary and 5 Marbled White. One of the Dark Greens flew so close it was clearly identifiable as a female. Several seen in close focus binoculars but all with wings closed. Meadow Brown gradually increasing at last with 47 count. (Peter Atkinson) With the help of the ukmoths.org.uk website, I have now tracked down the identity of the moth which died in our sun lounge - L-album Wainscot. It is my moth book, but somehow it was easier to identify from the on-line pictures. (John A Heys) Friday 25 June 2010 A visit to Home Bottom, north of Denton yielded no hairstreaks yet but 45 Small Skippers were some compensation, along with 6 Marbled Whites. (Tom Ottley)
At Worms Wood SU969010 today I saw Marbled White - 11 (above), Large Skippers - 10, Meadow Brown - 14, Small Tortoiseshell - 1. (Paul Ingate)
A suprise in the moth trap this morning, a single Rosy Marbled (above) along with the usual 75 seasonal specailities. (Ivan Lang) Finally, the unmistakable jerky flight of a single White-letter Hairstreak made its way from one mature English elm to another along the A23 into Brighton - grid ref. TQ300072. This first sighting for me is 9 days after the first sighting for 2009. (Caroline Clarke)
I visited Botany Bay/Oaken Wood on the Sussex border this morning and was surprised to find 6 Wood White (3 Male and 3 Female). These appear to be late first-brood individuals rather than the result of an early second brood. Numbers of Silver Washed Fritillary and White Admiral are building only slowly (photos above). (Vince Massimo) I captured 2 Rannoch Looper moths in my moth trap on Friday night (18th) in Catsfield, East Sussex TQ719135. We were not sure of the sighting having checked our moth book due to its natural habitat Scotland! So my wife took one of the moths to David Burrows who confirmed the sighting for us. He also caught one in his trap a few nights later. He thinks they may be offspring from last year surviving possibly on another food plant. I believe he may have sent the record to you already. I will be running my trap again on Saturday night 26th to see if any more are around. (Rob Brownnutt) News for Thursday 24 June: Pulbourough Brooks: Saw my Purple Hairstreak of the year yesterday on the hedge leading to west mead hide. Meadow Browns out in ever increasing numbers now, and also around the trail in recent days Speckled Woods, a few Common Blues, Small Tortoiseshells, Large Skippers and one Painted Lady. (Pete Hughes) Transect details; Bedelands Farm, Burgess Hill walked today, 25th June, butterflies recorded: More news for Thursday 24 June: Yesterday, I walked around the gallops above Butchers Hole CP hoping I might see my first Marbled White and sure enough, there was a very fresh one at the SW end of the gallops, but that was the only one I saw. Walking along the hedge I counted more than 20 Large Skippers (met Tom Otley in the CP and he confimed that was what they were as none of them settled). Each was patrolling a territory of about 2-3 metres by 1-2 metres and attacked anything that flew into the territory, which was mostly male Meadow Browns and Small Heaths, but also bees, moths, etc. At one point 3 Skippers were fighting over the same territory. Also saw at least 4 Small Tortoiseshells and 2 Dark Green Fritillaries (again, confirmed by Tom). Also, several very worse-for-wear blues on the 'forbidden slopes' but no Chalkhill Blues yet - a week early maybe? Also several very fresh, bright Cinnabar Moths. (Susan Suleski) Thursday 24 June 2010
Single White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary in Knowlands Wood near Barcombe. Also 9 positively identified (!) Small Skippers (above) of which 8 were males. This site also has Essex but they won't be out for another couple of weeks. (Tom Ottley)
A good search this morning at both Horseshoe Plantation and Littlington for White Letter Hairstreaks drew a blank. However did find a 6 Spot Burnett Moth freshly emerged and still sitting on its pupal case near Birling Gap (above).
Found a Lobster Moth near to the moth trap yesterday, first one I have seen of this fabulous looking moth. Also found a Female stag beetle flying at about 8.00 am and Glow-worm Beetle larvae on he downs link path at Henfield. On a visit to Birling Gap on 22.06.10 saw two Small Tortoiseshells by the car park about 20 Small Heaths on the embankment leading up to the Horseshoe plantation. Speckled Woods near the sycamore trees and on the east side several Common Blues. Also saw two male Clouded Buffs which were extremely difficult to approach to get a photo. Six spot burnets were numerous with hundreds of cocoons on grass stems by the bottom footpath (photos above). (Richard Roebuck) My first Marbled Pug of the year in my Lewes moth trap last night. (Michael Hawkins) A Lime Hawk-moth roosting today in the Northgate underpass. Also a Holly Blue in the North Street precinct. (Derek Lee) A rather worn Wall Brown this afternoon at High and Over. (Bob Eade) Seen today while surveying meadows near Hadlow Down: News for Wednesday 23 June: Chilgrove area: Highlights were 5 Marbled White my first of the year, 25 Large Skipper and one male Orange Tip still on the wing. (Barry Collins) Wednesday 23 June 2010
I walked some of the more "greener" tracks within Stansted Forest (SU745118) this morning on a day where I recorded the temperature as 22°C. I was pleased to me my first Silver Washed Fritillary of the year, a male which flew with some urgency within a glade contained Sweet Chestnut trees. My counts were: Large White (1), Green Veined White (1), Speckled Wood (10), Meadow Brown (7), Comma (1), Silver Washed Fritillary (1), Large Skipper (8) and Six Spot Burnet moths (5). (Richard Symonds)
A day hunting Dark Green Fritillaries on the edge of Lullington Heath/Friston Forest and Deep Dene. Approx 10 were seen at Lullington before moving to the southern end of Deep Dene where large numbers of males were searching for females, very rarely settling but giving great views as they flew past. At least 50 individuals were seen in total including 1 very dark form that I believe was a female which settled more regularly nectaring on thyme (above, right). At one time I was watching 10 flying around me at the same time, all very fresh specimens. Other species seen included Green Hairstreaks, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Brown Argus and Small Blue. A female Large White produced a photo opportunity as did a Forester Moth (top) in Deep Dene. In total 17 butterfly species were seen on what was a great day. (Bob Eade) News for Tuesday 22 June: Two new impressive first of the years on a sunny midday with at least one Marbled White Butterfly fluttering energetically over the Spotted Orchid and Ox-eye Daisy meadow of the southern bank of the Slonk Hill Cutting, north Shoreham, and a Beautiful Demoiselle, Calopteryx virgo, settled on vegetation at the top of Slonk Hill Farm Road on the south-west side of the bridge over the A27. (Andy Horton) News for Monday 21 June: From a distance McIntyre's Field (north of Lancing Manor and the eastern part of Lancing Ring Nature Reserve) was covered in the yellow of Bird's Foot Trefoil, and close-up hundreds of of small moths and butterflies could be disturbed in the long grass meadow. The numbers were exceptional and included frequent Common Blue Butterflies of both genders, frequent Burnet Companion Moths, numerous Common Carpet Moths, and at least a dozen species that had to remain unidentified because of lack of time and knowledge. The much larger Meadow Brown Butterflies were also frequently seen. Tuesday 22 June 2010
A butterfly survey in a private wood near Ringmer produced several Silver Washed Fritillaries and a single White Admiral. Many Meadow Browns (above) also seen as well as a very fresh Comma. (Bob Eade) Cissbury Ring, Findon: A 2 hour visit in the morning produced 5 Dark Green Fritillary, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Dingy Skipper, 1 Small Skipper, 1 Marbled White, 5 Speckled Wood, 1 Large White and 2 Brown Argus. There were also numerous Large Skipper, Small Heath, Meadow Brown and "Blues". These all looked like Common Blue, but were so worn, there could also have been some Adonis amongst them. A chap I spoke to reported a sighting of a Ringlet, but this was not seen by me. News for Monday 21 June: Mid afternoon along the East Side of the Rife in South Ferring there were 8 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, and 1 Small White. (Colin Knaggs)
News for Sunday 20 June: Spotted on walk to Highdown Hill from Angmering two Burnet moths, two what I think were Holly Blues, three Speckled Woods and a Meadow Brown (photos above). (Paula Marshall, Angmering)
News for Monday 7 June: I saw a pair of Poplar Hawkmoths (above) mating on leaves of a passion flower vine in my garden (West St Leonards, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 area) on Monday 7 June 2010. Monday 21 June 2010
With a sunny warm day promised I set off to do a count of Small Tortoiseshells between Littlington and Alfriston. This area is full of nettles and each year I get good numbers of these butterflies here. Unfortunately, halfway through the count the wind picked up, the sun went in and the temperature dropped several degrees. However, despite this I still had a count of 26. This would easily have got into the mid 30s if the weather had held. I will try again later in the week. At High and Over I had another 7 Tortoiseshells as well as 2 Wall Brown. As I was nearly home the sun came out again so I called into the 'waste ground' just off the Alfriston Road and here I saw 2 Marbled White, 1 Dark Green Fritillary, several Small Skippers (above), several Meadow Brown and a further 6 Small Tortoiseshell. In all a total of 39 Tortoiseshells. I was also pleased to meet with new BC members Maggie and Steve that had come over from the Brighton area to explore the back of Seaford. (Bob Eade)
A late afternoon visit to Birling Gap to Beachy Head produced yet more Small Tortoiseshell with 8 seen. Also 4 Dark Green Fritillaries, many Small Heath as well lots of Burnett Moths. There was also a Lackey Moth larvae. (above) (Bob Eade) 2 White-barred Clearwings attracted to pheromone lure at Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest this morning (between 10.45 - 11.00). Also tried for Large Red-belted Clearwing but no luck (it had clouded over by midday).
I was interested to read about the Small Elephant Hawkmoths something I have never seen, and the Heath Fritillary (stunning pic), However I did find the dismembered wings of both an Elephant Hawkmoth and a Polar Hawkmoth on the lawn this morning. The culprits are sparrows and their young who have caught on to the odd moth on the outside of the trap at day break. To make matters worse my neighbour has a virtually tame black bird which this morning made a bee line for a Grey Arches which was trying to make good its escape about 3 feet from me. Luckily it escaped. I have also noticed bits of moth in the trap. This is also worrying in that I know there are wood mice in the garden. The last problem I have to put up with is my spaniel who is also fascinated by what's in the moth trap and on my outings is quite partial to having ago at Speckled Woods but strangely ignored the Silver-studded Blues (don't mention the duck). I will have to think about these problems. Moving house seems to be the only option? By the way found a male broad bodied chaser (above) in Spithandle this evening on the longest day, and 20 Large Skippers and 10 Meadow Browns. (Richard Roebuck) Sunday 20 June 2010 Caught a single male Ranoch Looper in the Skinner trap I run in my Ringmer Garden on 18th June. Also 2 Small Elephant Hawkmoths. (Jacob Everitt) White Admiral (1) and Wood Whites still flying. wood near Plaistow. (Margaret Hibbard)
I set off for Iping common quite early this morning. On arrival I was slightly disheartened as firstly it was cloudy, cold (about 13 degrees ) and my goodness the heath land was huge. No chance I thought. However I set off and after about 45 minutes in the middle of the common on one side of a large ride I spotted a quite small blue butterfly. Bingo. Having never seen a Silver-studded Blue before I thought its got to be it. On a small strip of vegetation sprinkled with flowers about 10 feet long and about 2 foot wide I found 10. They were just waking up mostly sun bathing with small short flights. Some were clearly newly emerged in pristine condition. I also noticed that for some reason the females varied in size some were really small (small blue size) and some appeared quite large? As the sun finally came out and I retraced my steps I felt surrounded, I counted about 35. I also saw 8 Large Skippers and a couple of Meadow Browns and one mallard with four ducklings in the heather. Being a northerner I still think there is something odd about seeing blue butterflies on Ling /heather, and also getting lost on my way back to the car added to a fab morning. Butterfliers beware? (photos above) (Richard Roebuck) On the open part of the path that runs parallel with the dual carriageway at the top of the southern embankment of the the Slonk Hill Cutting, north Shoreham, the first Six-spotted Burnet Moth settled on the first Tufted Vetch noted in flower this year. (Andy Horton) TQ358165 Plumpton. 6 Meadow Browns. News for Saturday 19 June: First emergence of Narrow Bordered 5 Spot Burnet at the local colony. The larvae were observed feeding on Meadow Vetchling in May. They have also been seen on Red Clover in previous years. (Graham Parris, Isfield) News for Friday 18 June: I walked my first transect in Rowland Wood this morning, there wasn't a great deal flying, it was fairly cool and the sunshine was intermittent but when it did shine I recorded the following: News from elsewhere...
Friday 18 June 2010 A Painted Lady Butterfly today in Barcombe Churchyard, near Lewes TQ428143. (Jeremy Burgess) Details of the species recorded on the Transect walked today, 18th June, at Bedelands Farm, Burgess Hill. Tetrad TQ5608 Milton Hyde TQ566087 3 Small Heath. (Roy Wells) A pleasant walk from Charleston Manor to Lullington Heath and back showed good numbers including 6 Small Heath, 11 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Brimstone, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 2 pristine Dark Green Fritillary, 1 Red Admiral, and numerous Adonis and Common Blue. (Stuart Ridley)
Not 100% sure what moth this is but looks a bit like a Common Heath enjoying the sun and posing for photos (above) in my garden in Angmering, West Sussex. (Paula Marshall) Thursday 17 June 2010
Today I had my butterfly fun on a walk to the library in Littlehampton. I walked through an unspoilt piece of woodland between Granville and Fitzalan Roads (TQ03180171) and found it teeming with Speckled Woods resting on grasses and the path and battling in the air. I counted a dozen within a short time, the most I have seen anywhere. This must be a self contained colony on my doorstep (Colin Knight)
News for Thursday 16 June: A trip to Rowland Wood yesterday afternoon gave me my first sighting of the famous Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Four other butterfly enthusiasts were also at the reserve. The butterfly was mostly flying fast along the paths but I found one resting on the path and two others on blackberry flowers and birch leaves. Also present were Speckled Woods, Large Skippers and Broad-bodied Chasers. (Colin Knight) More news for Thursday 16 June: During a half hour walk on Iping Common, SU853220 this morning, I saw 5 male Silver-studded Blue, 1 Large Skipper and 1 Speckled Wood. (Roger Pendell) And some recent news: I have seen several Small Tortoiseshells every day in the Polegate/Wannock area this week, including six together on the red valerian in my small garden yesterday. Also seen Red Admirals daily since last week's rain, and one very pale Painted Lady. (Susan Suleski) Wednesday 16 June 2010 On a roadside verge in Crawley my first Small Skipper of the year. (Paul Marten) Tetrad TQ6622 Bateman's, Burwash TQ671236 2 Meadow Brown (Roy Wells)
Had a walk around Spithandle woods late afternoon, found Red Admiral 1, Speckled Woods 20, Large Skippers 8 Large White and none of my target spp. slightly too early I think. There were however two spp of Longhorn beetles nectaring, one I have never seen before. Two Broad bodied chasers and presumably, a Golden Ring Dragonfly (above) that thankfully stayed still while I snapped off loads of Pics. (Richard Roebuck
News for Tuesday 15 June: Went up to a very breezy Springhead yesterday 15th June but when the sun did break through there were some butterflies about, the best being a fresh Large Skipper male and the female Small Blue (photos above) which I am convinced was egg laying but couldn't see them as no glasses with me. Others braving the wind were Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue and Meadow Brown. (John Baker) Tuesday 15 June 2010 Several Meadow Brown on Sunday 13th in open glades in a deciduous wood near Storrington. A common butterfly but my first of the year. (Martin Kalaher) Monday 14 June 2010 On a windy walk around the perimeter of the RSPB Bracklesham Bay reserve we saw 4 Painted Ladies, plus a number of Common Blues. (Derek Lee) A walk round the field opposit our house this afternoon produced 4 Common Blue, 1 male, 3 female, Small Copper, 2 Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Painted Lady, a dozen Peacock caterpillars, Scarce Chaser,and a large blue Hawker Dragonfly of unidentified species. (Graham Parris, Isfield) Tetrad TQ6810. Farm track near Hooe Levels TQ685104 5 Small Tortoiseshells. (Roy Wells) I saw my first Small Tortoiseshells of the year today. Two (it seemed a male pursuing a female) close to Blatchington Reservoir, Seaford. (Chris Brewer)
Had an evening walk around Cissbury ring, Common Blues 50+, Small Heath 25, Large Skipper 12, Green Hairstreak 5, Dingy Skipper 1, Wall 4, Painted Lady 1, Cinnabar moths 12, Speckled Yellow moth 5, Burnet Companion 2, Mullein moth caterpillars feeding on Mullein 15+ (above). These caterpillars are here every year skeletonising the Mullein plants. Also later on a walk south of Henfield, Red Admiral 1, Speckled Wood 5, Large Skipper 20, Comma 1. (Richard Roebuck) Sunday 13 June 2010 Had a Dark Green Fritillary on my BMS transect walk at upper Beeding this morning. Also a pristine Painted Lady. (Jim Steedman)
This morning I visited Iping Common (SU848219) where I was pleased to see my first Silver Studded Blue (above, left & centre) this year - a single male resting on long grass. Despite looking closely at other areas of the common where it is usually found in large numbers, my only other sighting, again another male was flying a further 200 yards away. My only other sighting (apart from moths) was a single female Common Blue. Also seen were two male Beautiful Demoiselles, a female Broad-bodied Chaser, a female Golden-ringed Dragonfly and a juvenile Adder resting under a sheet of corrugated tin.
Details of Transect walked today, 13th June, at Bedelands Farm, Burgess Hill. Seen today 13/06 between 3-4pm.
2 Large Skippers TQ355164. At Westdean Woods today we saw three male Silver-washed Fritillary, our first of the year. Other butterflies of note included 30+ Speckled Wood newly emerged second brood, several Large Skipper and a single Grizzled Skipper. Two Brown Silver-line disturbed from bracken, 6 Speckled Yellow and one Common White Wave. (Barry and Margaret Collins)
This morning myself and my two boys nipped out for a brief nature walk around Horseshoe Plantation at Beachy Head. We were rewarded with several Common Blue, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Large White, 1 Six-Spot Burnet, 2 Cinnabar and a few small yellow moths that I couldn't get close enough to photograph in order to identify (photos above). (Nick Linazasoro) Saturday 12 June 2010 During a visit to Highdown Hill - TQ098042 this morning, I saw a Meadow Brown, Adonis Blue (Both a Male and Female), Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Small Heath and a Five Spot Burnett Larvae. (Pete Ashley) A walk around the local lanes produced our first Painted Lady of the year, also a few Silver Ys, Common Blues, Red Admiral & Speckled Wood. Seen today while on a Dragonfly fieldtrip on the Arun.
Today myself and my sons went for an early pre-3-game World Cup walk right around Frog Firle and Rathfinney. Things weren't looking too good as I think we started off too early, but worry not! We had a much better day than Robert Green! We got some great photos and saw lots of Common Blue, 1 Dingy Skipper, 3 Red Admiral, 3 Large Skippers, 2 Small Heath, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, several Speckled Wood, 3 Wall (Brown), 1 Large White and several moths and unusual beetles. (Nick Linazasoro)
On the downs link at Henfield saw several Wasp beetles on dog rose, worth keeping an eye out for, (above right), also two Large Skippers and a first for me, caterpillars of Red Admiral in their little nettle leaf "tents". At Steyning, Bostal Rd old quarry, saw four Adonis Blues, and a Small Heath and a Holly Blue TQ168103. At the Rifle range Two Large Whites (above left), rarely are these obliging for photos, but still a beautiful butterfly close up, two Small Tortoiseshells, one Common Blue, 6 Small Heaths, two Large Skippers, huge numbers of Grasshopper nymphs, bloody nosed beetles and lots of other insects. P.S. The topped damson and sloe has new shoots and appears to be growing back quite well. (Richard Roebuck) Friday 11 June 2010 Small Purple and Gold, Pyrausta aurata (Below). We've had a lot of these little beauties all over the mint in the back garden. (Tim Davies)
After a rather wet day the evening brightened up and lots of insects were just sitting around on vegetation including Large Skippers 3, Cinnabar moth 1, Silver Y and my first Meadow Brown of the year (above right) in a meadow off Bramlands lane nr Woodmancote. The weekend should be excellent. (Richard Roebuck) News for Wednesday 09 June: Seen while meadow surveying in Buxted. 3 Small Whites, 5 Common Blues, 1 Small Copper TQ492223. (Jonathan Wood) Thursday 10 June 2010 It would seem that Wall Brown may be more widespread on the South Downs than hitherto known. Two weeks ago there two male Wall Brown at Chantry Hill but yesterday there were three males and one female. All in one very small area, which will hopefully be observed from a respectable distance and left to get on with expanding this small new colony.
After a terribly slow start to the year the moths in my garden in Lindfield seem to be making up for lost time. I have recorded 92 species so far this month. Three of these have been new records for the garden: Bordered White, Alder Moth and best of all, today, the remarkably beautiful Rosy Marbled (above) a tiny moth which I first assumed to be a tortricid. Things are definitely looking up. (Bob Foreman)
Some how I feel a slight pause in the butterfly calendar as we wait for the new flush of summer butterflies. However Nature is rampant as ever and waits for no man. For me the recent highlight in my home village of Henfield is the annual emergence of stag beetles flying around after about 9.30 a.m. This has caused much intrigue to the kids and eventually one became within reach to cause much excitement (above). On another note I was given a tetrad which I have avoided thinking there was nothing there, however eventually I made a visit and instead of butterflies a profusion of Banded Demoiselles in a drainage ditch running through meadows. Eventfully I did a check at 6.00 a.m to to do a rough count.Here goes, I paced out three steps and counted as many as i could on both sides of a ditch,three times ( average 10). I then paced out 400 steps along said ditch. With a bit of crude maths and extrapolation I came up with 1330 demoiselles or approx 4.0/m. Now bearing in mind males are easy to see and females being green aren't, most of the count was based on males. This is without doubt the biggest concentration of large insects I have ever seen in my life and quite possibly underestimated. Amazing, see dew covered female Demoiselle (above). (Richard Roebuck) Wednesday 09 June 2010 A really warm day on Frog Firle produced lots of butterflies with 20 species seen. A great start with an Adonis Blue just below High and Over. A further 10 were seen along Frog Firle in 4 different areas with the majority being on Greenway Bank. I also had my 1st Small Blue on Greenway Bank as well as a couple more on Frog Firle. 2 Painted Ladies were my 1st of the year. The 2nd brood of Speckled Wood are building well although the 1st brood of Wall Brown are now already almost over with only 3 seen. Green Hairstreaks are still hanging on as well as a few Dingy Skippers and a single Grizzled Skipper. Large Skipper numbers are also building well. Common Blues were once again everywhere. There was also a very fresh Small Tortoiseshell. (Bob Eade)
At Worms Wood today SU969010 I saw: Large Skipper 5 (2 male, 3 female), Orange-tip 1, Small White 2, Large White 1, Common Blue 3, Speckled Wood 1. At SU955025 I saw hundreds & hundreds of Peacock Caterpillars on nettles, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Red Admiral 1 (photos above). (Paul Ingate) Highlights at Thorney Island today were 2 Large Skipper my first of the year and one Meadow Brown, also a male Orange-tip was still on the wing. Nearby at Pilsey Island a Cream-spot Tiger showed well. (Barry Collins) Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne. TetradTQ6202. TQ639023 1 Large White. 1 Small Tortoiseshell. (Roy Wells) Tuesday 08 June 2010 First Large Skipper of the year on the 8th. My first for my Storrington garden this year. One also present on a local footpath. (Martin Kalaher) A few nice butterflies were flying around on Frog Firle (TQ 503 013) between 2 and 4pm today (08 June 2010):
Mother Shipton (above), seen basking in the sun at Ardingly reservoir on Saturday 5th June. (Heather Maryson)
Whilst looking for butterflies in Spithandle woods came across two Hover flies mimicking Bumble bees so did a bit of research and found the following (although similar the third name is the form or subspecies) The imitator of the Red-tailed Bumble Bee is scientifically known as Volucella bombylans bombylans (above left). The imitator of the Earth or Garden Bumble Bee is called Volucella bombylans plumata (above right) the larva of both are apprently found in bumble bee nests scavenging around. Nevertheless they are quite impressive insects and fairly common. My first Cinnabar Moth of the year flitted amongst the grasses and herbs on the southern bank of Buckingham Cutting, north Shoreham, where about fifty Small Blue Butterflies were immediately seen in an area of five square metres in just two minutes. (Andy Horton) News for Monday 07 June: Two Painted Lady at Chantry Hill on the 7th. My first for the year. Neither was in very good condition but one of them was very faded. (Martin Kalaher) Response to Darryl's message: I'm afraid that Jill must be mistaken Darryl, as you suspect. We are unlikely even to see the adult as early as in the previous couple of seasons (23/24 June), bearing in mind that most Purple Emperor larvae are some way off pupation. I'm expecting the first adults towards the end of June this year. (Neil Hulme) Monday 07 June 2010 While doing a Timed Tetrad Bird Atlas visit at Thorney Island SU70K this morning at 0630. I had a Painted Lady in pristine condition and another necturing on thrift mid-morning at Pilsey Island. (Barry Collins) A colleague of mine is adamant she saw a Purple Emperor on The Weald in the Groombridge area over the weekend - seems very early for Purple Emperors & I am not sure whether they even occur in that area (sorry to doubt you Jill!!) - if anyone could confirm if this species occurs in that area & whether it is possible it could be on the wing this early it would be interesting to know. (Darryl Perry)
Spent a large part of the weekend at Park Corner Heath (my first visit). Saw plenty of the gorgeous Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, lots of Brimstones, a Green Hairstreak, a Painted Lady and a Grizzled Skipper. However, my personal highlight was a Cream-spot Tiger - which was hypnotically beautiful. Also saw this slightly nibbled moth (above right). Since I'm a beginner in the field of butterflies and moths I have no idea what it is. I think it's a type of carpet moth. Perhaps someone could enlighten me. (Nicki Kent) News for Thursday 03 June: While botanical surveying. A nice meadow. TQ 481268 10 Common Blues, 1 Large White. (Jonathan Wood) Sunday 06 June 2010
An early evening visit to Rowland Wood finally gave the opportunity for some closer viewings of the Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary (above). Nice to meet and chat to other fellow entusiasts during my visit. (Richard Roebuck) Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne. Tetrad TQ6402. TQ640023 Around a couple of bushes in exposed shingle with no trees nearby 1 Speckled Wood. TQ640025 5 Common Blue. TQ641025 1 Small White.(Roy Wells)
I joined an excellent tour of Mill Hill on Saturday morning led by Brianne Reeve of the Shoreham District Ornithological Society. Common Blues were everywhere and mating, also some Adonis Blues. A pair of Dingy Skippers were conducting an aerial courting display a few inches above the grass for over five minutes. A Wall, Brimstone and Speckled Wood were seen. In the afternoon I joined a species survey at Stanmer Park and found a Common Blue female on cow parsley and buttercup in a clearing by the woods, also a spectacular Black-Headed Cardinal beetle (photos above). (Colin Knight) As part of the Bioblitz Event this weekend in Stamner Park the Biodiversity Record Centre organised a moth trapping session on Saturday night ahead of Sunday, when the main Spring Watch Event was held. The evening had two main aims; to record as many species of moth as possible in the evening to add to the site records, and to catch moths and beetles to show to the attendees at the event and help inspire them about biodiversity. As we discovered, children seem to love nothing better than a Maybug or Hawkmoth crawling over their hand! We set up 5 MV traps and one actinic, and after a slow start to the evening the moths started pouring in, in ideal conditions from around 11pm. Saturday 05 June 2010 A number of Common Blues, both male and female, and a single Wall Brown at Blatchington reservoir (Seaford) early this morning. Red Admiral on Silver Lane, Bishopstone. (Chris Brewer) My first Painted Lady of the year at Wolstonbury Hill, late pm today.(Peter Whitcomb)
Today myself and my two sons went to Park Corner Heath and then onto Arlington Reservior for a picnic. At Park Corner Heath we saw around 25 Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary. It seemed to look like more, but the pesky butterflies kept whizzing around in the hot sun and were quite difficult to photograph. We also saw a few Brimstone, a couple of Speckled Woods and a Cream Spot Tiger Moth which looked tremendous as it flew away. We then went for a picnic at Arlington Reservior and saw about 40 Common Blues (I think), one female Orange Tip and two Small Heath (photos above). (Nick Linazasoro)
News for Saturday & Sunday May 29th & 30th: Thank you Michael for a very enjoyable weekend, the weather was kind to us, and when the Cavairy of gentlemen Moth-trappers turned up, to my mind, a successfull evening, also my thanks to you all for your patience, as i was the only woman there on Saturday trapping-night, ( I must remember to stay at home and wash my hair next time!). Michael and Dave had everything under control as allways.Dave does not say much, but does he work, you should see him with his power assisted wheel-barrow, no bank too steep no rut to deep, the generators are in place. Sunday was also great, Sunshine and every thing set out like a professional for us to see at the opening of the Moth-traps, which also included the three tap-hopping click beetles which made the young and not so young smile. It was nice to see the young representative from the St Johns Ambulance there again this year. As I think I heard Michael say a few times A ( Great Prominent ) event. (Brenda Elphick) Friday 04 June 2010 Transect details; Bedelands Farm, walked today.Species recorded; A trip to the meadow opposite Kithurst Hill car park (Springhead) today found a Duke of Burgundy, 2 Green Hairstreaks on the meadow, abundant Common Blues and Small Blues, Small Heaths, Large Whites, Brimstones, a Red Admiral, an old Painted Lady and an Orange Tip. (Colin Knight)
Had a late afternoon walk around Wolstonbury Hill started off with the usual Speckled Woods (5) along the Bridleway from Pycombe Street. On the Hill lots of male and female Common Blues (30+), Small Heath (10), Green Hairstreak (5) Burnet Campion (10+), Dingy Skipper (12), Mother Shipton (2), Common Heath (2), Wall (1), Broad-bodied Chaser (1) that's high up, but best of all the first time I have seen a Small Blue (female) (above) on Wolstonbury Hill. It stayed in a sheltered patch of about 8 foot square and never left apart from attacking the odd male Common Blue that flew past. (Richard Roebuck) At Worms Wood and adjacent meadow this afternoon I saw Small Copper - 2, Common Blue - 5, Green-veined White - 2, Orange-tip - 2, Peacock - 1, Comma - 1, Cinnabar Moth - 1, Silver Y - 12. Boy those Silver Y's can fly fast! (Paul Ingate) A single (and my first) Currant Clearwing attracted to a pheromone lure at my Parent's House in The Avenue, Lower Bevendean, Brighton. Another (or the same individual) attracted around half hour later. I have armed myself with the 'full set' of Clearwing pheromone lures for a 2nd year so I hope to add a few more Clearwing species to my Sussex list (I managed Orange-tailed & Six Belted back in 2009. (Darryl Perry)
Saw my first Large Skipper (above) (2) of the year yesterday, at the edge of a small plantation, nectaring on buttercups they were zooming around in the evening sunshine. The give away is the hooked antenna. (Richard Roebuck) Thursday 03 June 2010
Whilst doing the Frog Firle transect today I counted 129 Common Blue, 10 Wall, 7 Green Hairstreaks, 2 Grizzled Skippers, 5 Dingy Skipper, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper, 1 Peacock, 3 Large White and best of all 4 Small Blue (above). I then went onto Bo Peep Bostal where the Wall Browns are doing extremely well with 16 seen in quite a small area. Small Heath were also very numerous here as were Dingy Skippers. I then travelled over to Windover Hill looking for more Small Blue where there were several more flying. Very difficult to count here but there must have been double figure numbers. (Bob Eade)
Went to the Rowland wood and another first for me. In a beautiful setting saw at least 5 Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary (above) busy patrolling over the reserve. Fantastic. They very occasionally stopped to nectar on a a small vetch and the occasional bramble flower, very difficult to get a good clear pic as they were very active. Also saw lots of different spp of dragonflies a lovely cardinal beetle and another first heard the bizarre song of a Night Jar ( didnt know they called in the day) which sounded to me like a machine. (Richard Roebuck) Me and Jazzy went butterflying today on Mill Hill... Grizzled Skipper (2), Dingy Skipper (1), Common Blue (loads), Small Heath (20+), Adonis Blue (loads), Brown Argus (1), Small White (2), Large White (2), Red Admiral (1), Cinnabar Moth (1). (Danny McEvoy) (Below, clockwise from top left) Small Blue, mating Common Blues, Small Copper, Burnet Companion, Green Hairstreak and Dingy Skipper, High & Over. (Nick Linazasoro)
What better way to wind down from work than a leisurely stroll around High & Over and Frog Firle? Today's was quite successful as spotted were 5 Wall (Brown), 4 Small Heath, lots of male and female Common Blues, 1 Small Blue, 1 Green Hairstreak, lots of Dingy Skippers (but suprising not a single Grizzled Skipper), possibly 1 Brown Argus, 2 Small Coppers, 1 Red Admiral, several Large Whites and 1 Speckled Wood. So a minimum of 10 butterflies! (Nick Linazasoro)
News for Wednesday 2 June 2010: John A Heys sent me a photograph (above) of a butterfly his wife spotted on the Downs at Springhead (TQ 069125) earlier in the day, understandably confused as to its identification! A quite worn Glanville Fritillary no less! Although captive-bred release is a distinct possibility, the species is having a very good year on the Isle of Wight - and warm, calm conditions are ideal for the dispersal of pioneering females. Species such as the Duke of Burgundy and Pearl-bordered Fritillary have certainly shown a greater-than-usual tendency for wandering of late. (Neil Hulme)
A visit to Steyning Rifle Range on Wednesday produced a Green Hairstreak among the grass tussocks, Large Whites, Brimstones, Small Heaths, Common Blues and a Dingy Skipper. A nearby chalk working (TQ168102) had plenty of Walls and Six-spot Burnet moth caterpillars (above). (Colin Knight) Wednesday 02 June 2010 Sitting in the garden at Ripe enjoying a cup of coffee, I noticed a brown butterfly settle of a clump of sea pink flowers, and on approaching it slowly realised that it was Wall Brown!
At last the summer has returned, so a walk to The Comp, Greenway Bank and Frog Firle was a must to see how the Wall Browns are doing this year. A total of 20 were seen throughout the walk which was not as many as I expected to see. In fact none were seen on Greenway Bank which was a big surprise, however, Greenway Bank did hold another very pleasant surprise. Last year I saw 2 Adonis Blues on the bank. These were the 1st I had seen there up until then, but today there were 9 seen on the bank (bottom row, above) including 1 female. I did find a couple of males that were trying to mate!!! Having walked regularly on this bank for the last 5 years it just shows how you can still be surprised by what you can find. This could become another important Adonis site. I did find 1 more Adonis between the bank and Frog Firle. On the bank there was also 14 Brown Argus. On Frog Firle my first Large Skipper (top row, left) of the year showed up. I also saw yet another mating pair of Green Hairstreaks with the female looking very fresh and the male very worn. Common Blues were everywhere and there was also 1 Small Blue on Frog Firle. A total of 18 species were seen. Also Burnett Moth larvae were climbing tall grass preparing to pupate (top row, right). (Bob Eade)
Wolstenbury Hill. Wednesday, 2nd June 2010. Sunny day following rainy Tuesday. Good variety of sightings (photos above). (Peter Cockerill) Significant numbers of Small Heath and Common Blue seen on Seven Sisters Country Park today. The Small Heaths seem so intent on mating that they were oblivious to us erecting fences. (Chris Brewer) A sunny, flying day again at long last. At Trolliloes near Cowbeech. Tetrad TQ6214, Studden's Lane TQ629147 1 Orange Tip, 4 Green Veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Speckled Wood. Trolliloes Stream TQ637149 1 Orange Tip. 2 Green Veined White. (Roy Wells)
News for Monday 31 May 2010: Cream-spot Tiger (above)Found outside RSPB Pulborough Brooks visitors centre by Mark Simcox on Monday. (Abi Bulloch) The extensive webs made by caterpillars in the Sussex entries for May 24 and May 27 are a species of Yponomeuta. These are "micros", sometimes known as "small ermine moths". One of them - another dastardly European invader, Y. malinellus - is just starting out here on Vancouver Island. Yours may well be the same species, though I can't be sure. I expect I'll be putting up a photo on our BC (British Columbia!) site in a few days. That'll be http://vicnhs.bc.ca/invertalert.html (Jeremy Tatum) Tuesday 01 June 2010
News for Monday 31 May 2010: Went to Heyshott down on a cloudy day on Monday and took my darling wife out for the "first time Butterflying !?" Temperatures were warm with very little breaks in the cloud. Very little activity until 12.30 until I saw 6 Duke of Burgundy all worn so possibly coming to the end of the season. Lots of male Common Blues and very few females 10, Small Heath 15, Dingy Skippers (6) Burnet Campion (3). However the interesting thing was there were 5 Spot Burnet moths everywhere including mating pairs and some strangely marked, but perhaps this is natural variation. According to the book they shouldn't be out until July ?! I also saw one quite small Burnet moth caterpillar. So what did the wife think? She sat in the same place relaxing,while I scampered all over the hill getting heated up. Where have you been I have seen several of those those Burgundy's flying around. You mean Duke of Burgundy, What's that brown one? er Dingy Skipper. What about the lunch you suggested, Aah, what now? Okay Yes Dear,Cest le Vie. (Richard Roebuck)
News for Sunday 30 May 2010: We spotted this individual in the lower Cuckmere Valley, East Sussex (Grid Ref: TV512986) late morning on the 30th May 2010. It appeared from lush growth at the side of an irrigation channel and flew into an adjacent area of leafy scrub where we took the photograph (above). Our first thought was White Ermine but the few black spots and its habitat made us think it may have been a Water Ermine. Were we correct? (Lynne and John Scott) The pic of the large black beetle grub is the larva of The Bloody Nose Beetle. And the fly... Its definetly a sawfly, possibly the Rose Sawfly. (Richard Roebuck) 
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"Colin Pratt’s Silver Trophy Cup for Sussex Lepidopterists"
