Neil Hulme
- Neil Hulme
- Posts: 3598
- Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:27 pm
Re: Neil Hulme
Reading The Map
Male
When I first saw the tweet reporting a Map butterfly in Dorset, linked to finder Steve Smith’s excellent blog http://birdingpooleharbourandbeyond.blogspot.co.uk/, I immediately became interested in its origin, particularly given the high levels of vagrant activity observed over the last two years. When the next report indicated a sizeable population, interest gave way to excitement and I became optimistic that we might be seeing an attempt at natural colonisation of the UK, which is almost inevitable as the species continues to expand its range in northern Europe.
Steve was criticised in some quarters for first reporting the event, allowing a relatively small group of people (a couple of dozen) in on the secret, before changing tack and suppressing the news, to use a birding term. Steve has already explained this apparent U-turn, which was based on the advice he initially received about the species, ruling out the possibility of a natural arrival, followed by discussions suggesting that this was far from certain.
For the first two days Steve believed that this was most likely a release, having been told that the Map is a non-migratory species and hence a poor candidate for Channel hopping. This is one of the many myths repeated on social media which need to be challenged. Irrespective of the debatable origin of these particular butterflies, the Map will get here under its own steam in the not-too-distant future. If non-migratory species were incapable of making significant gains in terms of their geographic distribution, we would have far fewer species on the planet than we do. I’ve already commented in another thread about the historical records of some of our more sedentary species on e.g. lightships; even the most unlikely species are on the move when environmental stimuli trigger adventurous dispersal behaviour. In 2011 Chalk Hill Blues ventured nearly 30 Km across the Sussex Weald during a population explosion. The Purple Emperor invaded Sweden in the early 1980s and is now spreading north. In 2006 Silver-spotted Skippers skipped 18 Km across the Sussex Downs. These are not migratory species, and nor are those which have spread from the Midlands to Scotland in just a few years. Matthew Oates’ motto is “never underestimate a butterfly (or caterpillar)”, but we always do, every time.
By the evening of 8th August I was planning to investigate the Dorset Maps. At this point I didn’t know Steve and wasn’t privy to any more information about their whereabouts than anybody else (other than the local birders who had already been alerted). I immediately knew where the site was, given the original wording on Steve’s blog, so I set off the following morning. I hadn’t realised the traffic congestion problems in this neck of the woods, so it was early afternoon before I introduced myself to Steve and was getting up-to-speed with events. At this point Steve and co-finders Brian Arnold and Derek Haynes were still assuming this to be a release, based on the advice they had been given.
Although I won’t be reaching any firm conclusions, it is worth airing the reasons why I suggested to them that this might represent a natural colonisation, not least because the thought processes address some of the misconceptions held about butterflies in general, and particularly the Map.
Before I go on to discuss the evidence for natural colonisation versus captive bred release, I must clearly differentiate my own musings from the official views of Butterfly Conservation. On the evening of 9th August I contacted the scientific staff at BC HQ to report on what I’d seen and my interpretation of the data. A number of staff visited the site and for a while at least it seemed to us that a natural colonisation might have occurred.
However, as widely reported, an individual subsequently came forward to admit an accidental release. The view at BC is that this individual is indeed responsible for the presence of these butterflies, and I agree that this is the most likely explanation. Sadly, these days it is seldom possible to be 100% certain about what is going on with some of these events, and irresponsible releases continue to muddy the water and hamper studies of butterfly distribution and their movements in response to climate change. Please don’t do it, not least because the release of alien species is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Natural Colonisation?
Female
So what was the evidence, albeit circumstantial, that these Map butterflies might represent a natural colonisation, before the guilty party owned up?
After visiting the site on a number of occasions, and after looking at photographic records in detail with Steve Smith, we know that at least 20 individual Map butterflies were flying here. Examination of their condition and advancing signs of wear and tear indicate an age variation of probably 7 – 10 days between adults. Detailed analysis of individuals versus time and precise location suggest that the emergence was ongoing over several days. Despite some comments made on social media, the presence of more than 20 adults is highly unlikely to be attributable to the progeny of a single pairing. If butterflies habitually produced this many offspring, populations of most species would increase exponentially, and they don’t. Sadly, for many species the reverse is true. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as the aforementioned Sussex Chalk Hill Blue population explosion in 2011, does the number of offspring significantly exceed the well documented ratio which generally leads to an approximate status quo. Generally speaking, a pair of butterflies will give rise to a pair, with periodic fluctuations above and below the norm.
If this was a natural event it was therefore most unlikely that these butterflies were the progeny of a single vagrant female, arriving in the spring of 2014. The potential for a primary, current movement of Map across the Channel was a complete non-starter, given some of the above details. Also arguing strongly against the possibility of a spring vagrant is the different behaviour observed between broods in the Map. Scientific research demonstrates quite clearly that dispersal behaviour is very much a feature of the second brood (note: the species is trivoltine in some areas), aided by a heavier build in thorax and associated musculature, and larger wing area. So it would be necessary to look further back for a rational explanation of events and population structure.
The previous brood would have been on the wing in northern France during the first week of August 2013. When I recalled what was happening during the first week of August 2013 I became more confident that something very exciting might be happening here. It was that week when more than a million butterflies crossed the Channel, including large numbers of Long-tailed Blue and gorganus Swallowtail. Around that time other species such as Queen of Spain and Monarch were making cameo appearances, although most voyagers were the more run-of-the-mill Whites. This was one of the biggest such events since 1945 and to me it looked very much like a smoking gun. An August 2013 arrival would certainly account for the population we observed here. It would also mean that the species had already overwintered successfully.
Returning to the oft quoted claim that the Map is a sedentary, non-migratory species that couldn’t possibly have made the journey here, let’s look at some facts. The highly respected Dutch butterfly scientist Chris van Swaay recently provided figures for the colonisation of new territory by this species in Europe. In 15 years it over-ran the Netherlands at c. 20 Km per year. It is currently moving through Finland at c. 60 Km per year. This is a butterfly on the move, and fast. It will fly over water too, having colonised a number of islands off the mainland European coast, including Jersey. Don’t believe claims that this is a weak, puny species. I’ve watched it battering the living daylights out of Red Admiral and performing some remarkable feats of aerial competence (more in the section on behaviour).
So could the Map have made the journey to Dorset unassisted by Man? In my opinion, yes, without any doubt whatsoever. However, that doesn’t mean that it did so on this occasion.
Captive Bred Release?
Male
Someone has come forward and admitted to releasing these Map butterflies. That should be the end of the story, but it isn’t quite that simple. Assurances of confidentiality were given to this individual, so I can’t say too much about this confession, but I’m personally very confident that the details of the story as told are untrue. Others have speculated as to why this might be, and they may well be correct. The thing about this admission which bothers me is that all such events involving vagrant species in recent years have rapidly become surrounded by rumours, silly claims and unverifiable stories. So how reliable is a story admitting to a release when it is clearly not true? When the Queen of Spain set up home briefly at Minsmere we heard “I know the guy who’s admitted it, but I can’t tell you any more”. Well, I know the guy too, and he told me that he admitted it to you just to wind you up. And so things quickly descend into a childish “he said/she said”. When the Queen of Spain set up home briefly at Chichester we heard “they’ve been released deliberately to counter the planning application to develop the site for housing”. The problem here was that the planning application was submitted a year after the butterfly had disappeared, requiring that Earth go into a reverse spin cycle to be true. This species doesn’t exert any legal influence on a planning application anyway. This sort of nonsense tells us nothing about the ability of butterflies to make incredible journeys for the long-term good of the species. It merely confirms some of the darker sides of human nature. Butterflies will continue to migrate and they will continue to disperse, as they always have done.
My own view is that, yes, this is most likely the work of the individual who came forward, but after doing something irresponsible in the first place, he’s then gone on to preclude a definitive judgement by making a complete hash of his admission. At this point all Recording Officers will be pulling their hair out or heading to Beachy Head. To reiterate, the official BC position is that this is an accidental release. My own view is that the butterflies were probably released, but that there remains an element of doubt.
One thing that does come out of this episode very clearly is the damage that is potentially done by releasing non-native species. The perpetrator claims to have been studying the influence of climate change on the Map. Through his actions we are prevented from studying the effects of climate change on the Map. If you know someone who is considering releasing Meadow Fritillary, Marbled Fritillary or European Swallowtail in the UK, please try to dissuade them.
Behaviour
Male
On the three days I visited the site I personally saw 17 individual specimens of the Map. Their condition varied from scale-perfect to well worn and individuals of this species appear to lose their condition very rapidly, rather like Mountain Ringlet, Chequered Skipper and Marsh Fritillary.
The best way of differentiating the sexes is abdomen shape (short and plump in females, long and thin in males) and behaviour, with males being typically aggressive and pugnacious. There is only slight sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger and having more broadly rounded wings. The degree to which the orange stripes are developed across the rear wings is also helpful, but not foolproof. Generally females have two such stripes and males just one, or a very weakly developed second stripe. However, it is the overall bolder nature of these stripes which usually signifies a female.
Female
Both sexes seem to spend much of the morning and first hour of the afternoon nectaring, during which time they can be remarkably elusive. Fleabane, Marjoram, Thistle, Cow Parsley and Convolvulus were all used as nectar sources.
At around 1.30 pm the males started to congregate at leks, becoming very visible for the remainder of the afternoon. These leks seemed to move in response to factors such as wind direction and position of the sun. The males are very aggressive and behave in a similar manner to Duke of Burgundy. When two male Maps clash they spiral upwards vertically to heights in excess of 20 metres, before returning to their perches on the sunny side of bushes and small trees. Other species which they attacked vigorously included Red Admiral (which they particularly dislike!), Comma, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, and Green-veined White. One male took risks by chasing a Southern Hawker.
Male
Activity stopped quite early on most days, usually around 4.30 pm, although males were observed as late as 5.45 pm on occasions. Butterflies were seen going to roost in Blackthorn at a height of 3 metres, and in Sycamore at a height of 8 metres. This species requires real warmth to get it going, so becomes inactive before most other species under cloud cover, and similarly reappears after most other species when the sun reappears.
One female was observed egg laying. The bright green eggs are laid in strings attached to the underside of Nettle, mimicking the plant’s flowers. The observed batch consisted of five strings comprising 10, 11, 12, 13 and 13 eggs.
Egg strings
The Future
Male
A number of people have asked me whether the Map will manage to survive the winter and appear in its very different spring livery next year. On balance I would say it is unlikely, although we might see one or two individuals. The news of egg-laying was publicised very quickly, so it was no surprise to see known collectors working the site a couple of days later. Whatever you think of collectors, they are undoubtedly very knowledgeable and well connected people. Although their thorough searches of the local nettle beds for eggs might have been fruitless, the gregarious caterpillars will be easy meat – ‘the cat is out of the bag’, so I’m not concerned about the now redundant sensitivity of mentioning eggs in my account.
It is inevitably going to be a knife-edge situation when a new species first arrives on a landmass outside its current geographical range, so this is an example of when collecting can potentially play a critical role in determining the outcome. As a general rule the activity of collectors is small beer when compared with the crimes we commit against the countryside. The degradation of sensitive habitats has been the main issue for many decades. Sadly, from a commercial point of view, British Maps will be worth more if the event is short-lived.
Summary
Image Steve Smith
From a personal perspective I have enjoyed watching this species immensely. The Map has a chequered history in the UK and we should probably treat it with a little more respect. When it does arrive here we should welcome it with open arms. The English Channel presents a real challenge to new colonisers and a number of false starts are likely before a new species becomes established. That might mean that a level of secrecy and suppression is necessary while the species gets a foothold, meaning that everyone will be able to enjoy watching the new arrivals in time. I can fully understand that many have a burning desire to tick a new species, but one only has to look at the habitat damage caused at Stockbridge Down when Black-veined Whites were (almost certainly) released there to appreciate that compromises must sometimes be made. Butterflies are different to birds, so we should take their differing needs into account when these exciting events occur. Butterfly Conservation has just released some guidelines to Branches, to assist with the handling of tricky events such as this. Those guidelines put the needs of the butterflies first.
Not least, I’ve enjoyed meeting some very interesting and knowledgeable people as the Map story has unfolded. Steve Smith is primarily a birder, but after seeing (admittedly not finding) gorganus Swallowtails on his local cliff tops, and the rare and stunningly beautiful Painted Lady ab. rogeri, my advice to his local mates is to stand as close to him as possible next summer.
Male
When I first saw the tweet reporting a Map butterfly in Dorset, linked to finder Steve Smith’s excellent blog http://birdingpooleharbourandbeyond.blogspot.co.uk/, I immediately became interested in its origin, particularly given the high levels of vagrant activity observed over the last two years. When the next report indicated a sizeable population, interest gave way to excitement and I became optimistic that we might be seeing an attempt at natural colonisation of the UK, which is almost inevitable as the species continues to expand its range in northern Europe.
Steve was criticised in some quarters for first reporting the event, allowing a relatively small group of people (a couple of dozen) in on the secret, before changing tack and suppressing the news, to use a birding term. Steve has already explained this apparent U-turn, which was based on the advice he initially received about the species, ruling out the possibility of a natural arrival, followed by discussions suggesting that this was far from certain.
For the first two days Steve believed that this was most likely a release, having been told that the Map is a non-migratory species and hence a poor candidate for Channel hopping. This is one of the many myths repeated on social media which need to be challenged. Irrespective of the debatable origin of these particular butterflies, the Map will get here under its own steam in the not-too-distant future. If non-migratory species were incapable of making significant gains in terms of their geographic distribution, we would have far fewer species on the planet than we do. I’ve already commented in another thread about the historical records of some of our more sedentary species on e.g. lightships; even the most unlikely species are on the move when environmental stimuli trigger adventurous dispersal behaviour. In 2011 Chalk Hill Blues ventured nearly 30 Km across the Sussex Weald during a population explosion. The Purple Emperor invaded Sweden in the early 1980s and is now spreading north. In 2006 Silver-spotted Skippers skipped 18 Km across the Sussex Downs. These are not migratory species, and nor are those which have spread from the Midlands to Scotland in just a few years. Matthew Oates’ motto is “never underestimate a butterfly (or caterpillar)”, but we always do, every time.
By the evening of 8th August I was planning to investigate the Dorset Maps. At this point I didn’t know Steve and wasn’t privy to any more information about their whereabouts than anybody else (other than the local birders who had already been alerted). I immediately knew where the site was, given the original wording on Steve’s blog, so I set off the following morning. I hadn’t realised the traffic congestion problems in this neck of the woods, so it was early afternoon before I introduced myself to Steve and was getting up-to-speed with events. At this point Steve and co-finders Brian Arnold and Derek Haynes were still assuming this to be a release, based on the advice they had been given.
Although I won’t be reaching any firm conclusions, it is worth airing the reasons why I suggested to them that this might represent a natural colonisation, not least because the thought processes address some of the misconceptions held about butterflies in general, and particularly the Map.
Before I go on to discuss the evidence for natural colonisation versus captive bred release, I must clearly differentiate my own musings from the official views of Butterfly Conservation. On the evening of 9th August I contacted the scientific staff at BC HQ to report on what I’d seen and my interpretation of the data. A number of staff visited the site and for a while at least it seemed to us that a natural colonisation might have occurred.
However, as widely reported, an individual subsequently came forward to admit an accidental release. The view at BC is that this individual is indeed responsible for the presence of these butterflies, and I agree that this is the most likely explanation. Sadly, these days it is seldom possible to be 100% certain about what is going on with some of these events, and irresponsible releases continue to muddy the water and hamper studies of butterfly distribution and their movements in response to climate change. Please don’t do it, not least because the release of alien species is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Natural Colonisation?
Female
So what was the evidence, albeit circumstantial, that these Map butterflies might represent a natural colonisation, before the guilty party owned up?
After visiting the site on a number of occasions, and after looking at photographic records in detail with Steve Smith, we know that at least 20 individual Map butterflies were flying here. Examination of their condition and advancing signs of wear and tear indicate an age variation of probably 7 – 10 days between adults. Detailed analysis of individuals versus time and precise location suggest that the emergence was ongoing over several days. Despite some comments made on social media, the presence of more than 20 adults is highly unlikely to be attributable to the progeny of a single pairing. If butterflies habitually produced this many offspring, populations of most species would increase exponentially, and they don’t. Sadly, for many species the reverse is true. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as the aforementioned Sussex Chalk Hill Blue population explosion in 2011, does the number of offspring significantly exceed the well documented ratio which generally leads to an approximate status quo. Generally speaking, a pair of butterflies will give rise to a pair, with periodic fluctuations above and below the norm.
If this was a natural event it was therefore most unlikely that these butterflies were the progeny of a single vagrant female, arriving in the spring of 2014. The potential for a primary, current movement of Map across the Channel was a complete non-starter, given some of the above details. Also arguing strongly against the possibility of a spring vagrant is the different behaviour observed between broods in the Map. Scientific research demonstrates quite clearly that dispersal behaviour is very much a feature of the second brood (note: the species is trivoltine in some areas), aided by a heavier build in thorax and associated musculature, and larger wing area. So it would be necessary to look further back for a rational explanation of events and population structure.
The previous brood would have been on the wing in northern France during the first week of August 2013. When I recalled what was happening during the first week of August 2013 I became more confident that something very exciting might be happening here. It was that week when more than a million butterflies crossed the Channel, including large numbers of Long-tailed Blue and gorganus Swallowtail. Around that time other species such as Queen of Spain and Monarch were making cameo appearances, although most voyagers were the more run-of-the-mill Whites. This was one of the biggest such events since 1945 and to me it looked very much like a smoking gun. An August 2013 arrival would certainly account for the population we observed here. It would also mean that the species had already overwintered successfully.
Returning to the oft quoted claim that the Map is a sedentary, non-migratory species that couldn’t possibly have made the journey here, let’s look at some facts. The highly respected Dutch butterfly scientist Chris van Swaay recently provided figures for the colonisation of new territory by this species in Europe. In 15 years it over-ran the Netherlands at c. 20 Km per year. It is currently moving through Finland at c. 60 Km per year. This is a butterfly on the move, and fast. It will fly over water too, having colonised a number of islands off the mainland European coast, including Jersey. Don’t believe claims that this is a weak, puny species. I’ve watched it battering the living daylights out of Red Admiral and performing some remarkable feats of aerial competence (more in the section on behaviour).
So could the Map have made the journey to Dorset unassisted by Man? In my opinion, yes, without any doubt whatsoever. However, that doesn’t mean that it did so on this occasion.
Captive Bred Release?
Male
Someone has come forward and admitted to releasing these Map butterflies. That should be the end of the story, but it isn’t quite that simple. Assurances of confidentiality were given to this individual, so I can’t say too much about this confession, but I’m personally very confident that the details of the story as told are untrue. Others have speculated as to why this might be, and they may well be correct. The thing about this admission which bothers me is that all such events involving vagrant species in recent years have rapidly become surrounded by rumours, silly claims and unverifiable stories. So how reliable is a story admitting to a release when it is clearly not true? When the Queen of Spain set up home briefly at Minsmere we heard “I know the guy who’s admitted it, but I can’t tell you any more”. Well, I know the guy too, and he told me that he admitted it to you just to wind you up. And so things quickly descend into a childish “he said/she said”. When the Queen of Spain set up home briefly at Chichester we heard “they’ve been released deliberately to counter the planning application to develop the site for housing”. The problem here was that the planning application was submitted a year after the butterfly had disappeared, requiring that Earth go into a reverse spin cycle to be true. This species doesn’t exert any legal influence on a planning application anyway. This sort of nonsense tells us nothing about the ability of butterflies to make incredible journeys for the long-term good of the species. It merely confirms some of the darker sides of human nature. Butterflies will continue to migrate and they will continue to disperse, as they always have done.
My own view is that, yes, this is most likely the work of the individual who came forward, but after doing something irresponsible in the first place, he’s then gone on to preclude a definitive judgement by making a complete hash of his admission. At this point all Recording Officers will be pulling their hair out or heading to Beachy Head. To reiterate, the official BC position is that this is an accidental release. My own view is that the butterflies were probably released, but that there remains an element of doubt.
One thing that does come out of this episode very clearly is the damage that is potentially done by releasing non-native species. The perpetrator claims to have been studying the influence of climate change on the Map. Through his actions we are prevented from studying the effects of climate change on the Map. If you know someone who is considering releasing Meadow Fritillary, Marbled Fritillary or European Swallowtail in the UK, please try to dissuade them.
Behaviour
Male
On the three days I visited the site I personally saw 17 individual specimens of the Map. Their condition varied from scale-perfect to well worn and individuals of this species appear to lose their condition very rapidly, rather like Mountain Ringlet, Chequered Skipper and Marsh Fritillary.
The best way of differentiating the sexes is abdomen shape (short and plump in females, long and thin in males) and behaviour, with males being typically aggressive and pugnacious. There is only slight sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger and having more broadly rounded wings. The degree to which the orange stripes are developed across the rear wings is also helpful, but not foolproof. Generally females have two such stripes and males just one, or a very weakly developed second stripe. However, it is the overall bolder nature of these stripes which usually signifies a female.
Female
Both sexes seem to spend much of the morning and first hour of the afternoon nectaring, during which time they can be remarkably elusive. Fleabane, Marjoram, Thistle, Cow Parsley and Convolvulus were all used as nectar sources.
At around 1.30 pm the males started to congregate at leks, becoming very visible for the remainder of the afternoon. These leks seemed to move in response to factors such as wind direction and position of the sun. The males are very aggressive and behave in a similar manner to Duke of Burgundy. When two male Maps clash they spiral upwards vertically to heights in excess of 20 metres, before returning to their perches on the sunny side of bushes and small trees. Other species which they attacked vigorously included Red Admiral (which they particularly dislike!), Comma, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, and Green-veined White. One male took risks by chasing a Southern Hawker.
Male
Activity stopped quite early on most days, usually around 4.30 pm, although males were observed as late as 5.45 pm on occasions. Butterflies were seen going to roost in Blackthorn at a height of 3 metres, and in Sycamore at a height of 8 metres. This species requires real warmth to get it going, so becomes inactive before most other species under cloud cover, and similarly reappears after most other species when the sun reappears.
One female was observed egg laying. The bright green eggs are laid in strings attached to the underside of Nettle, mimicking the plant’s flowers. The observed batch consisted of five strings comprising 10, 11, 12, 13 and 13 eggs.
Egg strings
The Future
Male
A number of people have asked me whether the Map will manage to survive the winter and appear in its very different spring livery next year. On balance I would say it is unlikely, although we might see one or two individuals. The news of egg-laying was publicised very quickly, so it was no surprise to see known collectors working the site a couple of days later. Whatever you think of collectors, they are undoubtedly very knowledgeable and well connected people. Although their thorough searches of the local nettle beds for eggs might have been fruitless, the gregarious caterpillars will be easy meat – ‘the cat is out of the bag’, so I’m not concerned about the now redundant sensitivity of mentioning eggs in my account.
It is inevitably going to be a knife-edge situation when a new species first arrives on a landmass outside its current geographical range, so this is an example of when collecting can potentially play a critical role in determining the outcome. As a general rule the activity of collectors is small beer when compared with the crimes we commit against the countryside. The degradation of sensitive habitats has been the main issue for many decades. Sadly, from a commercial point of view, British Maps will be worth more if the event is short-lived.
Summary
Image Steve Smith
From a personal perspective I have enjoyed watching this species immensely. The Map has a chequered history in the UK and we should probably treat it with a little more respect. When it does arrive here we should welcome it with open arms. The English Channel presents a real challenge to new colonisers and a number of false starts are likely before a new species becomes established. That might mean that a level of secrecy and suppression is necessary while the species gets a foothold, meaning that everyone will be able to enjoy watching the new arrivals in time. I can fully understand that many have a burning desire to tick a new species, but one only has to look at the habitat damage caused at Stockbridge Down when Black-veined Whites were (almost certainly) released there to appreciate that compromises must sometimes be made. Butterflies are different to birds, so we should take their differing needs into account when these exciting events occur. Butterfly Conservation has just released some guidelines to Branches, to assist with the handling of tricky events such as this. Those guidelines put the needs of the butterflies first.
Not least, I’ve enjoyed meeting some very interesting and knowledgeable people as the Map story has unfolded. Steve Smith is primarily a birder, but after seeing (admittedly not finding) gorganus Swallowtails on his local cliff tops, and the rare and stunningly beautiful Painted Lady ab. rogeri, my advice to his local mates is to stand as close to him as possible next summer.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Neil Hulme
Neil. Great informative post, I thoroughly enjoyed it and superb Map butterfly images. Did it really help keeping this site secret to those that genuinely wanted to go there to photograph the Maps. The collectors found out anyway where they were. You really can't use possible habitat damage as an excuse, because people are permitted at nearly all the other rare butterfly sites. Perhaps if people want to photograph native Maps, a trip to France is in order
Regards Peter.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Regards Peter.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
-
- Posts: 854
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2011 9:48 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Neil Hulme
Hi Neil
We can always rely on you for a proper appraisal. It is such a shame that the actions of a single individual can hinder the efforts of genuine researchers in studying any subject. If this colony does become established we will never know what would have happened in a totally natural event. Social media is great for passing on information but it also increases the speed with which innacurate rumours spread to the point where inaccuracies almost become considered fact. It takes the likes of people like yourself to weed out the rubbish and provide the truths. Thankyou
Great pictures
and hopefully the colony will survive.
We can always rely on you for a proper appraisal. It is such a shame that the actions of a single individual can hinder the efforts of genuine researchers in studying any subject. If this colony does become established we will never know what would have happened in a totally natural event. Social media is great for passing on information but it also increases the speed with which innacurate rumours spread to the point where inaccuracies almost become considered fact. It takes the likes of people like yourself to weed out the rubbish and provide the truths. Thankyou
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Great pictures
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- Neil Hulme
- Posts: 3598
- Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:27 pm
Re: Neil Hulme
Thanks guys.
Peter, I'm just about to leave for a week in Cornwall, so I'll reply to your point about habitat damage (and any other issues I might choose to address) when I return. However, on a more general level please note that this account appears in my Personal Diary, rather than in the more open discussion forum sections of UKB, so I won't necessarily always have time to answer questions, which might be more numerous when contentious issues are covered.
BWs, Neil
Peter, I'm just about to leave for a week in Cornwall, so I'll reply to your point about habitat damage (and any other issues I might choose to address) when I return. However, on a more general level please note that this account appears in my Personal Diary, rather than in the more open discussion forum sections of UKB, so I won't necessarily always have time to answer questions, which might be more numerous when contentious issues are covered.
BWs, Neil
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Neil Hulme
Great report Neil - nice to see it 'put to bed' for those of us who aren't in the loop
(and some cracking photos to boot!)
BWs
William
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
BWs
William
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
-
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sun Aug 10, 2014 1:05 pm
Re: Neil Hulme
Hi Neil
I don't think I got to meet you on-site, but I may be mistaken (in that Brian A and myself had left Steve Smith to do some rather sterling and vital co-ordinating Map-related work at the time!).
Yes, yours is a most useful and comprehensive response to the story of the Dorset Maps, a story which started of course (with the best of intentions) on the hard-working Steve Smith's birder blog. On behalf of the Maps, and the rest of us, huge thanks to you both.
Like many others, no doubt, I have very mixed emotions about the event: extreme annoyance at one individual's selfish actions (assuming them to be valid), yet delighted to have witnessed first-hand a most fascinating species of butterfly, on home soil. But, of course, we would all have much preferred the event to have been a natural occurrence. But what really gripes is: what deterrent has the unnamed individual got from repeating his irresponsible actions in the future, given that he (or she?) appears only to have gotten himself a slap on the wrist? ... and appears to have no understanding...
Anyway, looking forwards, I shall be interested to learn what the 'official' stance might be on the validity of the Map assuming naturalised status, if this colony does make it (perhaps against the odds?) in the longer term.
Derek H (co-finder)
I don't think I got to meet you on-site, but I may be mistaken (in that Brian A and myself had left Steve Smith to do some rather sterling and vital co-ordinating Map-related work at the time!).
Yes, yours is a most useful and comprehensive response to the story of the Dorset Maps, a story which started of course (with the best of intentions) on the hard-working Steve Smith's birder blog. On behalf of the Maps, and the rest of us, huge thanks to you both.
Like many others, no doubt, I have very mixed emotions about the event: extreme annoyance at one individual's selfish actions (assuming them to be valid), yet delighted to have witnessed first-hand a most fascinating species of butterfly, on home soil. But, of course, we would all have much preferred the event to have been a natural occurrence. But what really gripes is: what deterrent has the unnamed individual got from repeating his irresponsible actions in the future, given that he (or she?) appears only to have gotten himself a slap on the wrist? ... and appears to have no understanding...
Anyway, looking forwards, I shall be interested to learn what the 'official' stance might be on the validity of the Map assuming naturalised status, if this colony does make it (perhaps against the odds?) in the longer term.
Derek H (co-finder)
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Re: Neil Hulme
Hi Neil. Sorry to ask questions on your diary - have a great holiday.
Regards Peter.
Regards Peter.
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Re: Neil Hulme
Absolutely comprehensive account, Neil. Thanks for posting it and giving many of us a better understanding of this event.
Good luck during you holiday in Cornwall (by that, I mean your search for Monarchs).![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Good luck during you holiday in Cornwall (by that, I mean your search for Monarchs).
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
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Re: Neil Hulme
Very interesting and detailed account Neil with some gorgeous photos
- it's just a shame that someone has to go and spoil it all with a less than definitive confession
Have a goodun
Wurzel
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Mad :x](./images/smilies/icon_mad.gif)
Have a goodun
Wurzel
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Re: Neil Hulme
Such an interesting post about the Maps. You have answered all of the questions that were whirring around my mind after I first heard about them being found in the UK. I really hope that they are able to make it through the winter.
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Re: Neil Hulme
Thanks Neil, a brilliant and comprehensive update as usual.
Like you, I'm never surprised by the feats of nature, so absolutely will not be surprised when Map's do eventually turn up under their own steam. I look forward to that day!
Like you, I'm never surprised by the feats of nature, so absolutely will not be surprised when Map's do eventually turn up under their own steam. I look forward to that day!
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Re: Neil Hulme
Such a good summary, that Neil's allowed me to make it a 1st-class citizen
I've seen several other diary entries that warrant an article - so please let me know if you'd like to consider "publishing" in this manner also!
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/reports_hulme_levana.php
Cheers,
- Pete
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/reports_hulme_levana.php
Cheers,
- Pete
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Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
- Neil Hulme
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Re: Neil Hulme
Thanks William, Derek, David, Wurzel, Nick, Paul and Pete. Fingers crossed for a reappearance – it would be great to see Map on the British list at some point.
Peter (nomad) – apologies for the delay in replying, but I’ve only just returned from sunny Cornwall (more of which soon). I think it would be worthwhile to say a few words about habitat damage and how this can be reconciled with our desire to get out into the countryside to watch butterflies on sometimes fragile sites. It’s quite a complex issue and I’ve spent thousands of hours liaising with landowners, farmers, other NGOs, the South Downs National Park Authority (and their SD Joint Committee forerunner), County and local councils over habitat management for butterflies and moths, and sometimes precisely over such issues as this. This occasionally involves adjusting seasonal cutting regimes in response to varying visitor pressure, which almost always means increased footfall. The meadow at Springhead (aka Kithurst) will not get its usual cut & collect this winter, in direct response to the network of paths being cut into the sward as visitor numbers continue to increase.
However, one probably doesn’t need to be closely involved with such matters to recognise that there must be a gradation between end members where no footfall results in no habitat damage, and where a large crowd visiting simultaneously has a very negative impact. At some point between these extremes an ‘ordinary’ level of wear & tear on any given site must become ‘extraordinary’. However, that point will vary between sites and between the species of primary conservation concern (and their particular autecology). To look at an example of a popular site with rare butterflies and a lot of visitors (as raised in your comment), we can do no better than look at Noar Hill.
Noar Hill is particularly well known for its Duke of Burgundy colony, and much has been done here in the past with this species in mind. Noar Hill is subjected to a huge amount of visitor pressure, and over the years this steady procession of regular visitors has created a situation where the habitat has become ‘tolerant’. People have found their place, keeping very much to the (extensive) well-worn paths, and the Dukes have found theirs, breeding on the individual plants in suitable areas of microhabitat which don’t get habitually stomped on. A status quo has therefore been reached, and if we accept that current butterfly population levels are the norm here, then we probably don’t think we’re doing much damage, or at least only an acceptable amount.
However, if I was managing the site (don’t worry, I won’t be!), and wished to take the risk of being hung, drawn and quartered (don’t worry, I don’t!), I would close it to visitors for a few years. If this happened, the areas of suitable microhabitat required to support cowslips in the preferred growth-form for oviposition would soon increase in extent. The Duke population would probably double quite quickly. However, if the site was being managed for Adonis Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper, the impact of such a change would become negative after relatively few years. Horses for courses.
Looking at the Map site – although there is a PROW close by, the area (c. 60 m x 30 m) where most butterflies were concentrated over the initial days is actually privately owned, and has historically been subjected to very minimal footfall. It has therefore developed no ‘tolerance’ to visitor pressure. Bearing in mind that many of the Maps were perched on nettle, which is the food-plant, or beds of fleabane, a large influx of visitors (as there could have been) would have totally trashed their breeding habitat. By the time I arrived on the afternoon of the 9th August there had already been significant trampling of both nettle and fleabane, despite very modest visitor numbers.
It is therefore too simplistic to say that a comparison can be drawn between an established, managed site for rare butterflies, and a small, rather unassuming piece of land where a highly desirable species has unexpectedly appeared.
As an aside, the private nature of some land (as is the initially occupied ground in this case) can also have a bearing on how visitation is handled. On more than one occasion in the past an owner has simply mown an area in response to a large number of visitors to his land. All such cases have to be treated on an individual basis.
I reckon that Steve took the right decisions based on the changing situation, although I admit that it might have looked odd to anyone who was not in possession of all the facts. In this respect I also believe that the finder has prerogative in deciding how his ‘baby’ is handled. Steve is primarily a birder and his natural instinct is to get news out quickly. However, if a birder was to find a Honey Buzzard’s nest he probably wouldn’t think it wise to invite a troupe of Morris Dancers to perform around the base of the tree! Again, horses for courses.
These situations are always going to be difficult and we should probably be more forgiving of decisions which don’t help us out as individuals. I really hope that the butterfly gets a foot through the door and that everyone can enjoy watching Maps beat up Red Admirals in the future.
BWs, Neil
P.S. Time to get back to my diary now, so watch this space for a Small Copper explosion.
Peter (nomad) – apologies for the delay in replying, but I’ve only just returned from sunny Cornwall (more of which soon). I think it would be worthwhile to say a few words about habitat damage and how this can be reconciled with our desire to get out into the countryside to watch butterflies on sometimes fragile sites. It’s quite a complex issue and I’ve spent thousands of hours liaising with landowners, farmers, other NGOs, the South Downs National Park Authority (and their SD Joint Committee forerunner), County and local councils over habitat management for butterflies and moths, and sometimes precisely over such issues as this. This occasionally involves adjusting seasonal cutting regimes in response to varying visitor pressure, which almost always means increased footfall. The meadow at Springhead (aka Kithurst) will not get its usual cut & collect this winter, in direct response to the network of paths being cut into the sward as visitor numbers continue to increase.
However, one probably doesn’t need to be closely involved with such matters to recognise that there must be a gradation between end members where no footfall results in no habitat damage, and where a large crowd visiting simultaneously has a very negative impact. At some point between these extremes an ‘ordinary’ level of wear & tear on any given site must become ‘extraordinary’. However, that point will vary between sites and between the species of primary conservation concern (and their particular autecology). To look at an example of a popular site with rare butterflies and a lot of visitors (as raised in your comment), we can do no better than look at Noar Hill.
Noar Hill is particularly well known for its Duke of Burgundy colony, and much has been done here in the past with this species in mind. Noar Hill is subjected to a huge amount of visitor pressure, and over the years this steady procession of regular visitors has created a situation where the habitat has become ‘tolerant’. People have found their place, keeping very much to the (extensive) well-worn paths, and the Dukes have found theirs, breeding on the individual plants in suitable areas of microhabitat which don’t get habitually stomped on. A status quo has therefore been reached, and if we accept that current butterfly population levels are the norm here, then we probably don’t think we’re doing much damage, or at least only an acceptable amount.
However, if I was managing the site (don’t worry, I won’t be!), and wished to take the risk of being hung, drawn and quartered (don’t worry, I don’t!), I would close it to visitors for a few years. If this happened, the areas of suitable microhabitat required to support cowslips in the preferred growth-form for oviposition would soon increase in extent. The Duke population would probably double quite quickly. However, if the site was being managed for Adonis Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper, the impact of such a change would become negative after relatively few years. Horses for courses.
Looking at the Map site – although there is a PROW close by, the area (c. 60 m x 30 m) where most butterflies were concentrated over the initial days is actually privately owned, and has historically been subjected to very minimal footfall. It has therefore developed no ‘tolerance’ to visitor pressure. Bearing in mind that many of the Maps were perched on nettle, which is the food-plant, or beds of fleabane, a large influx of visitors (as there could have been) would have totally trashed their breeding habitat. By the time I arrived on the afternoon of the 9th August there had already been significant trampling of both nettle and fleabane, despite very modest visitor numbers.
It is therefore too simplistic to say that a comparison can be drawn between an established, managed site for rare butterflies, and a small, rather unassuming piece of land where a highly desirable species has unexpectedly appeared.
As an aside, the private nature of some land (as is the initially occupied ground in this case) can also have a bearing on how visitation is handled. On more than one occasion in the past an owner has simply mown an area in response to a large number of visitors to his land. All such cases have to be treated on an individual basis.
I reckon that Steve took the right decisions based on the changing situation, although I admit that it might have looked odd to anyone who was not in possession of all the facts. In this respect I also believe that the finder has prerogative in deciding how his ‘baby’ is handled. Steve is primarily a birder and his natural instinct is to get news out quickly. However, if a birder was to find a Honey Buzzard’s nest he probably wouldn’t think it wise to invite a troupe of Morris Dancers to perform around the base of the tree! Again, horses for courses.
These situations are always going to be difficult and we should probably be more forgiving of decisions which don’t help us out as individuals. I really hope that the butterfly gets a foot through the door and that everyone can enjoy watching Maps beat up Red Admirals in the future.
BWs, Neil
P.S. Time to get back to my diary now, so watch this space for a Small Copper explosion.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- Neil Hulme
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Re: Neil Hulme
More Steyning Brownies
When I first found a good number of Brown Hairstreak eggs at Steyning Rifle Range in the winter of 2008 I had high hopes that this might prove to be a good site to see the elusive adults. In those days the Downs Link disused railway track was probably considered the best site for this species in Sussex.
Since 2008 I’ve worked closely with the Wiston Estate and volunteers at the Steyning Downland Scheme (http://www.steyningdownland.org/), to ensure that habitat management on the Rifle Range remains sympathetic to the needs of Britain’s most elusive butterfly. We should never forget that Brown Hairstreak adults are very difficult to see on the vast majority of sites.
However, I didn’t realise then that this beautiful area at the base of the Downs could become quite as good as it has. The SDS rangers and volunteers do a fantastic job in maintaining the Blackthorn and Bullace in tip-top condition each winter and the site continues to go from strength to strength, attracting a large and increasing number of visitors each season from all over the country.
The four year rotational cutting of the Prunus back to ground level may seem quite drastic immediately post-cut, but by ensuring that all plants around the dedicated reserve area and the northern flank remain firmly within the Brown Hairstreak ‘system’, the number of female butterflies spotted at low level now outstrips any other site I know of.
Most of the visitors have had their fill by late August and the site becomes much quieter as summer gives way to autumn. However, the Brown Hairstreak is very much an autumn butterfly and even now the females are putting on a good show. My last visits before heading to Cornwall for a family holiday produced 6 different females on 30th August and 14 on the last day of summer, some of which were still in remarkably good condition. I visited the Rifle Range again today (7th September) and although it was after midday before the sun burnt through the mist, I saw another 14 different females before 2.10 pm. A total of 34 females seen in three short visits marks this out as a very special site. Today’s tally took my number of Brown Hairstreak sightings here to over the 300 mark.
I’m now involved in a Heritage Lottery Fund project to improve habitat for other species (including Duke of Burgundy) over the wider SDS area, which extends up and over Pepperscombe Bank to the Round Hill. Working alongside partners including the Steyning Downland Scheme, Wiston Estate and South Downs National Park Authority we hope to build on this success and improve the fortunes of a wide variety of flora and fauna. As the ‘Steyning Dukes and Downland Project’ gets underway I’m optimistic that there will be more good news to report over the next few years.
When I first found a good number of Brown Hairstreak eggs at Steyning Rifle Range in the winter of 2008 I had high hopes that this might prove to be a good site to see the elusive adults. In those days the Downs Link disused railway track was probably considered the best site for this species in Sussex.
Since 2008 I’ve worked closely with the Wiston Estate and volunteers at the Steyning Downland Scheme (http://www.steyningdownland.org/), to ensure that habitat management on the Rifle Range remains sympathetic to the needs of Britain’s most elusive butterfly. We should never forget that Brown Hairstreak adults are very difficult to see on the vast majority of sites.
However, I didn’t realise then that this beautiful area at the base of the Downs could become quite as good as it has. The SDS rangers and volunteers do a fantastic job in maintaining the Blackthorn and Bullace in tip-top condition each winter and the site continues to go from strength to strength, attracting a large and increasing number of visitors each season from all over the country.
The four year rotational cutting of the Prunus back to ground level may seem quite drastic immediately post-cut, but by ensuring that all plants around the dedicated reserve area and the northern flank remain firmly within the Brown Hairstreak ‘system’, the number of female butterflies spotted at low level now outstrips any other site I know of.
Most of the visitors have had their fill by late August and the site becomes much quieter as summer gives way to autumn. However, the Brown Hairstreak is very much an autumn butterfly and even now the females are putting on a good show. My last visits before heading to Cornwall for a family holiday produced 6 different females on 30th August and 14 on the last day of summer, some of which were still in remarkably good condition. I visited the Rifle Range again today (7th September) and although it was after midday before the sun burnt through the mist, I saw another 14 different females before 2.10 pm. A total of 34 females seen in three short visits marks this out as a very special site. Today’s tally took my number of Brown Hairstreak sightings here to over the 300 mark.
I’m now involved in a Heritage Lottery Fund project to improve habitat for other species (including Duke of Burgundy) over the wider SDS area, which extends up and over Pepperscombe Bank to the Round Hill. Working alongside partners including the Steyning Downland Scheme, Wiston Estate and South Downs National Park Authority we hope to build on this success and improve the fortunes of a wide variety of flora and fauna. As the ‘Steyning Dukes and Downland Project’ gets underway I’m optimistic that there will be more good news to report over the next few years.
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Re: Neil Hulme
Some fascinating reports Neil and stunning photography as usual. Cheers, Leigh
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- Neil Hulme
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Re: Neil Hulme
Thanks Leigh. Plenty to come on my Cornwall trip.
BWs, Neil
BWs, Neil
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Re: Neil Hulme
Cornish Copper (Part 1)
I recently returned from a fabulous week in Cornwall, based on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula. The weather, the coastal scenery and vivid turquoise waters, the flower-rich valleys splashed with yellow, orange and lilac, the Cornish Chough and Ann’s Pasties all exceeded my expectations. However, I hadn’t envisaged such a spectacular show of late season butterflies. The Cornish Small Copper has provided the most spectacular grand finale to a season that I can remember.
One of the venues to which I repeatedly returned was the much-visited stretch of cliff-tops between Lizard Point and Kynance Cove. I headed here on the first evening (1st September), arriving just as the last visitors of the day were departing. It was far too late for butterflies, but I did locate a Chough almost immediately, and a very obliging Kestrel.
Kynance Cove, 1.9.14
Kestrel, Kynance Cove, 1.9.14
I was to return here at some point during the day on the 3rd, 4th and 5th September, being constantly drawn back by the magical atmosphere, and not least the butterflies. I made a count on 3rd August and logged Clouded Yellow (9), Wall (1), Red Admiral (7), Small Tortoiseshell (8), Painted Lady (1), Peacock (1), Common Blue (6), Speckled Wood (22), Small Heath (3), Meadow Brown (2), Small White (10), Green-veined White (4), Large White (1) and Hummingbird Hawkmoth (3). However, the stars of the show were the Cornish Coppers.
Small Copper male, 5.9.14
The best venues for Small Copper that I am aware of in West Sussex, namely Cissbury Ring and Kingley Vale, support populations which can exceed 50 in the late summer brood during favourable years. A thorough survey of the cliff-top paths and valleys running down to the coast between Lizard Point and Kynance Cove gave me a count of 200 in less than 2 hours, at which point I stopped! A high proportion of these were associated with the dry stone walls which run both parallel and perpendicular to the coast. Sorrel plants grow abundantly from the cracks and the stones retain the heat much beloved by this species. These walls support the best population of Small Copper I have ever come across, although I wouldn't know whether this is the case in most years. Chases of 6 and 7 butterflies were common over the beds of fleabane, which provided fuel for their high speed antics. My timing was perfect and I probably encountered the butterflies on the peak day of hatch, with >80% being in perfect or near-perfect condition. Small Coppers were also widely distributed over the flower-rich swards on both seaward and (occasionally) landward sides of the walls, and all the way up the steep-sided valleys.
Dry stone wall habitat, Lizard/Kynance, 3.9.14
Two features of the population struck me immediately. The females in particular are very large, probably being 2-5 mm wider than specimens in most areas of the UK I've visited. This made an always-beautiful species really spectacular, especially when crowned with a set of sapphire blue spots. Although some sites in Sussex support a significant percentage of blue-spotted caeruleopunctata specimens, I have never encountered anything like the number I saw in Cornwall. At this particular site these made up well in excess of 60% of the population, being easily the dominant form. I saw literally hundreds of blue-spotted Coppers during my stay.
Small Copper caeruleopunctata male, 3.9.14
Small Copper caeruleopunctata male at roost, 3.9.14
I could have photographed a great many more Small Coppers than I did, but a large proportion were sitting on the pale coloured stones, making exposure compensation very difficult. For long periods I put the camera away and just enjoyed watching these fascinating butterflies going about their business.
Of course there is far more to appreciate here than the butterflies, and I enjoyed superb views of Chough, Peregrine .... and that breathtaking landscape.
Kynance Cove sunset, 4.9.14
I recently returned from a fabulous week in Cornwall, based on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula. The weather, the coastal scenery and vivid turquoise waters, the flower-rich valleys splashed with yellow, orange and lilac, the Cornish Chough and Ann’s Pasties all exceeded my expectations. However, I hadn’t envisaged such a spectacular show of late season butterflies. The Cornish Small Copper has provided the most spectacular grand finale to a season that I can remember.
One of the venues to which I repeatedly returned was the much-visited stretch of cliff-tops between Lizard Point and Kynance Cove. I headed here on the first evening (1st September), arriving just as the last visitors of the day were departing. It was far too late for butterflies, but I did locate a Chough almost immediately, and a very obliging Kestrel.
Kynance Cove, 1.9.14
Kestrel, Kynance Cove, 1.9.14
I was to return here at some point during the day on the 3rd, 4th and 5th September, being constantly drawn back by the magical atmosphere, and not least the butterflies. I made a count on 3rd August and logged Clouded Yellow (9), Wall (1), Red Admiral (7), Small Tortoiseshell (8), Painted Lady (1), Peacock (1), Common Blue (6), Speckled Wood (22), Small Heath (3), Meadow Brown (2), Small White (10), Green-veined White (4), Large White (1) and Hummingbird Hawkmoth (3). However, the stars of the show were the Cornish Coppers.
Small Copper male, 5.9.14
The best venues for Small Copper that I am aware of in West Sussex, namely Cissbury Ring and Kingley Vale, support populations which can exceed 50 in the late summer brood during favourable years. A thorough survey of the cliff-top paths and valleys running down to the coast between Lizard Point and Kynance Cove gave me a count of 200 in less than 2 hours, at which point I stopped! A high proportion of these were associated with the dry stone walls which run both parallel and perpendicular to the coast. Sorrel plants grow abundantly from the cracks and the stones retain the heat much beloved by this species. These walls support the best population of Small Copper I have ever come across, although I wouldn't know whether this is the case in most years. Chases of 6 and 7 butterflies were common over the beds of fleabane, which provided fuel for their high speed antics. My timing was perfect and I probably encountered the butterflies on the peak day of hatch, with >80% being in perfect or near-perfect condition. Small Coppers were also widely distributed over the flower-rich swards on both seaward and (occasionally) landward sides of the walls, and all the way up the steep-sided valleys.
Dry stone wall habitat, Lizard/Kynance, 3.9.14
Two features of the population struck me immediately. The females in particular are very large, probably being 2-5 mm wider than specimens in most areas of the UK I've visited. This made an always-beautiful species really spectacular, especially when crowned with a set of sapphire blue spots. Although some sites in Sussex support a significant percentage of blue-spotted caeruleopunctata specimens, I have never encountered anything like the number I saw in Cornwall. At this particular site these made up well in excess of 60% of the population, being easily the dominant form. I saw literally hundreds of blue-spotted Coppers during my stay.
Small Copper caeruleopunctata male, 3.9.14
Small Copper caeruleopunctata male at roost, 3.9.14
I could have photographed a great many more Small Coppers than I did, but a large proportion were sitting on the pale coloured stones, making exposure compensation very difficult. For long periods I put the camera away and just enjoyed watching these fascinating butterflies going about their business.
Of course there is far more to appreciate here than the butterflies, and I enjoyed superb views of Chough, Peregrine .... and that breathtaking landscape.
Kynance Cove sunset, 4.9.14
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- Neil Hulme
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Re: Neil Hulme
Cornish Copper (Part 2)
Rivalling the Lizard Point/Kynance Cove area for beauty is the coastline I walked on 2nd September, from Mullion Bay, through Predannack Head and onwards east to Ogo-dour Cove. This stretch of cliff-top was also rich in butterflies, perhaps even more so. My tally included my latest ever Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1), numerous Clouded Yellow (18) and Red Admiral (17), Small Tortoiseshell (10), Painted Lady (1), Peacock (1), Common Blue (8), Small White (25), Green-veined White (2), Large White (3), Brimstone (1), Small Heath (30), Speckled Wood (12), Meadow Brown (5), Gatekeeper (1) and Hummingbird Hawkmoth (2).
Mullion Cove, 2.9.14
Predannack Head, 2.9.14
However, it was the Small Copper which again stole the limelight and I made another count of 200 within 2.5 hours. They were similarly very large specimens and the majority were associated with the extensive dry stone wall habitat which stretches out along this coastline.
Dry stone wall habitat, Predannack Head, 2.9.14
Blue-spotted caeruleopunctata specimens were again very common, but at this location they made up less than 50% of the population. I would dearly love to revisit the Predannack Head meadow in early August, when I imagine it to be home to a good number of fresh Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.
Small Copper caeruleopunctata female, 3.9.14
Small Copper caeruleopunctata male, 3.9.14
Rivalling the Lizard Point/Kynance Cove area for beauty is the coastline I walked on 2nd September, from Mullion Bay, through Predannack Head and onwards east to Ogo-dour Cove. This stretch of cliff-top was also rich in butterflies, perhaps even more so. My tally included my latest ever Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1), numerous Clouded Yellow (18) and Red Admiral (17), Small Tortoiseshell (10), Painted Lady (1), Peacock (1), Common Blue (8), Small White (25), Green-veined White (2), Large White (3), Brimstone (1), Small Heath (30), Speckled Wood (12), Meadow Brown (5), Gatekeeper (1) and Hummingbird Hawkmoth (2).
Mullion Cove, 2.9.14
Predannack Head, 2.9.14
However, it was the Small Copper which again stole the limelight and I made another count of 200 within 2.5 hours. They were similarly very large specimens and the majority were associated with the extensive dry stone wall habitat which stretches out along this coastline.
Dry stone wall habitat, Predannack Head, 2.9.14
Blue-spotted caeruleopunctata specimens were again very common, but at this location they made up less than 50% of the population. I would dearly love to revisit the Predannack Head meadow in early August, when I imagine it to be home to a good number of fresh Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.
Small Copper caeruleopunctata female, 3.9.14
Small Copper caeruleopunctata male, 3.9.14
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Re: Neil Hulme
Congrats,Neil,on finding one of my very favorite areas of the country-now you can see why i always visit this area when i am in Cornwall. I can confirm that the coast path between Kynance and Lizard Point in particular,is excellent for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries,both in the first generation in late May to June,and in the second brood which emerges in early August in most years. The Brimstone sighting is also notable-i know Cornwall,and have never seen one so far west.
And further congrats on sampling the delights of Ann's Pasties!
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
And further congrats on sampling the delights of Ann's Pasties!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
- Neil Hulme
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Re: Neil Hulme
Thanks Mark. I've been to both Lizard Point and Kynance before, but had never walked between them. Predannack was a new site for me, as was the next one (Part 3).
BWs, Neil
BWs, Neil
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.