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Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2018 10:32 pm
by Paul Harfield
Thanks all for your comments
NickMorgan wrote:Hear hear! The information yo9u give about White Letter Hairstreaks is really interesting and I have learned a lot. I am particularly interested since Iain Cowe has discovered them in South East Scotland, not far from our new house. I have been looking for the wrong sort of feeding damage on the leaves, so will have to start again!
It is fantastic news that the White-Letter Hairstreak has now appeared in Scotland, even better that you have them close to home. Lets hope that this delightful but elusive little butterfly continues to spread Northwards.
Nick do not be put off if your feeding damage does not look like the images I have posted because it does seem to vary. I have not yet looked into this very deeply but it would appear to differ according to a variety of factors ie type of Elm, whether the leaves are in sun or shade and also the relative stage of the leaves/larvae. When I posted those photos of feeding damage I was aware that they were considerably different to those posted by Jamie Burston who has also put a lot of time and effort into this species in Sussex.
![P1160686.JPG (611.32 KiB) Viewed 4846 times 27.5.2018 Recently posted image of larval feeding damage](./files/thumb_11661_ad147898e8fe0e6c37a68b1e101c1ca8)
- 27.5.2018 Recently posted image of larval feeding damage
![P1160396.JPG (567.83 KiB) Viewed 4846 times 6.5.2018 This image was taken in the same location 3 weeks earlier. It demonstrates that the leaves here were much more mature than those seen in the next image taken 11.5.2017](./files/thumb_11661_54914599496fa4e2be35cf8038b6d484)
- 6.5.2018 This image was taken in the same location 3 weeks earlier. It demonstrates that the leaves here were much more mature than those seen in the next image taken 11.5.2017
The pictures of feeding damage I posted recently are on Wych Elm. The particular branch shown is shaded for most of the day only getting sun for a very short period mid morning. Even on 6.5.2018 the leaves here were fully formed and already quite large and leathery when the larvae were present. By the 27.5.2018 most of the larvae had already dispersed for pupation.
![P1130218.JPG (1023.77 KiB) Viewed 4846 times 11.5.2017 This image taken last year shows feeding damage on a much younger leaf and leaving a distinctive 'diamond' of untouched leaf at the tip](./files/thumb_11661_b94e97cfd2c29323a01820c07c3467f7)
- 11.5.2017 This image taken last year shows feeding damage on a much younger leaf and leaving a distinctive 'diamond' of untouched leaf at the tip
The last image was taken 11.5.2017. It again shows Wych Elm but the leaf is much younger and not fully unfurled. It was also located in a much sunnier position and is from an entirely different site though the larva was at a similar stage. It shows another quite distinctive type of feeding damage where a 'diamond ' of untouched leaf is left at the tip. The flight period started at almost the same time in 2017 as it did in 2018 so there would seem to be several factors at work here. This is perhaps something that might make an interesting study next year.
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:51 pm
by Paul Harfield
White-Letter Hairstreak - 2018 - Part 2
15.6.2018 A32 Warnford Park to Chawton Park - Nearly all of my Elm/White-Letter Hairstreak finds are roadside sites. The A32 has been a very productive route for finding suitable sites, both single trees and long stretches of Elm. This busy A road follows the Meon Valley from Gosport to Alton via Fareham and several well known picturesque Hampshire villages. I have yet to complete a study of the entire length, but the 20 mile stretch between Warnford and Chawton has so far been particularly productive. I have found White-Letter Hairstreak at Warnford Park (SU61962218), West Meon (SU64202369), Privett (SU66952827), East Tisted (SU70403337)and Chawton Park (SU705363-4) and there is plenty of scope for further discoveries in that section and elsewhere along the remaining length of this road.
![P1130838.JPG (705.47 KiB) Viewed 4821 times Two images a year apart of the same isolated Wych Elm on the A32 at Privett. The first taken 18.6.2017 showing an apparently healthy tree...](./files/thumb_11661_3e94a87c9faa230223eab7ac7d754531)
- Two images a year apart of the same isolated Wych Elm on the A32 at Privett. The first taken 18.6.2017 showing an apparently healthy tree...
![P1160987.JPG (688.78 KiB) Viewed 4821 times ....and this taken 15.6.2018 showing the same tree transformed into a very sad state. The loss of its associated White-Letter Hairstreak colony is sadly inevitable!](./files/thumb_11661_e517d3f7eb5ffaf6411ebf86a12d9153)
- ....and this taken 15.6.2018 showing the same tree transformed into a very sad state. The loss of its associated White-Letter Hairstreak colony is sadly inevitable!
However, this area also provided bad news in 2018. The site at Privett near the junction of Fawley Lane and A32 (SU66952827) which I discovered last year appears to have succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. It is a single isolated roadside Wych Elm. Last year I recorded In my notebook that the tree appeared to have lost nearly all its leaves by 17th October, which was unusually early. This year my 29th April entry reads 'Hardly any flower/seed no leaf. Just 1 or 2 branches showing seed'. On 15th June 2018 it looked no different with just a couple of branches having very small leaves otherwise the tree apprearing completely dead. Most importantly no White-Letter Hairstreak were evident. Sadly this was not the only place where Dutch Elm Disease was evident, hopefully the consequences in other locations will not be as dire.
![P1170102.JPG (682.05 KiB) Viewed 4821 times Elm clump on Wide Lane Southampton from the road](./files/thumb_11661_82d87cc42bc61da3bbb98bf902f2c8c9)
- Elm clump on Wide Lane Southampton from the road
![P1170104.JPG (765.51 KiB) Viewed 4821 times ...and from the convenient viewpoint in the University Sports Ground car park.](./files/thumb_11661_fafde2c472ef4c6abf6794ae85790fad)
- ...and from the convenient viewpoint in the University Sports Ground car park.
22.6.2018 Wide Lane, Southampton (SU44991734) - This was perhaps the most surprising site I discovered this year. Although it has been on my list for a while, it was not one I had planned to visit this year. As I drove from one planned stop to another I realised I would be driving right past. Somehow it looked more promising today so I decided to pop in for a 'quick' look. This small clump of Elms is on the roadside of Wide Lane near Lakeside Country Park and opposite Southampton Parkway Railway Station. It is also directly alongside 'Southampton University Wide Lane Sports Ground' overflow carpark which provides a conveniently secluded observation point away from the main road. As this was just a 'quick' look I Stupidly decided to leave my kit in the car including my close up lens and just taking my camera and binoculars
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
.
![P1170121.JPG (570.63 KiB) Viewed 4821 times 22.6.2018 Not very good shots, but this was my first view of an egglaying female White-Letter Hairstreak during 2018. I would be better equipped next time....](./files/thumb_11661_ca735a2ca70a5935a0dd3e508410bcdf)
- 22.6.2018 Not very good shots, but this was my first view of an egglaying female White-Letter Hairstreak during 2018. I would be better equipped next time....
![P1170125.JPG (623.51 KiB) Viewed 4821 times P1170125.JPG](./files/thumb_11661_6cb882226a3657dbd6057295a35da63d)
I arrived around 11.30 am and instantly I could see a lot of butterfly activity around this small group of Elms, quickly confirmed as White-Letter Hairstreak. In fact this site was to provide me with one of my highest counts this year with a total of 11 recorded. This site was also to give me my first glimpse of a female egg laying behaviour. At about 11.40 a female fluttered down in front of me to a shaded branch (that would later be in full sun) at about head height. Whilst she meandered in and out of the leaves constantly twisting and turning she was very difficult to keep in view. She was doing a lot of 'oviposturing', but I believe she laid just egg having spent several minutes finding the right spot. Having left my close up lens in the car with the rest of my kit I was frustratingly ill-prepared to capture this moment, I hoped I would get another chance. I will certainly return to this site as it is easily accessible,close to home and there is also an expanse of Thistles and Brambles close by though I did not see any nectaring at this visit.
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 7:01 am
by Wurzel
More really great work Paul
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Is there a particular size/age of tree that makes it suitable for colonisation? I ask because the Master tree in Bentley this year was not looking good but there are a few smaller suckers close by?
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2018 8:53 pm
by David M
Fabulous observations again, Paul. This species seems to turn up wherever there are elms and it's important that we all keep it on our radar during the flight period.
Better still would be to get a few larval images, although that's probably beyond the remit of most (including myself).
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2018 6:28 am
by ernie f
I had no idea a Wych Elm could be so devastated in such a short time, Paul. Thanks for the before and after pictures. It saddened me more than I can explain.
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2018 12:22 pm
by NickMorgan
More brilliant information. Thank you Paul.
I have lost two elms this year to DED, sadly both in lovely sunny locations. I am wondering if I should start to coppice the remaining elms to try to ensure their survival. Of course the risk is that if there are any larvae they would be killed in the process!
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2018 9:57 am
by Paul Harfield
Thanks Wurzel
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
- The accepted view is that an Elm will not get colonised until it starts to flower (15yrs) assuming that there are already White-Letter Hairstreak close enough. However, this year I have had several instances when visiting new sites where the main Large tree has not been the centre of Hairstreak activity. Smaller, probably nonflowering trees have been the focus at least for the males. I think that the butterflies may use a non-flowering tree in desperation when the host tree becomes diseased and there are no other suitable trees close by. I have also come to realise this year that when I find Elms that are not quite 'ready' within a couple of years they may become ideal (as I suspect is the case with the Wide Lane site).
Thanks David
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
- This year I have found larvae in numbers without too much trouble. Although well camouflaged I have found the mature larvae (in May) easier to locate than eggs. My advice is don't give up.
Thanks Ernie & Nick
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
- Yes it is very sad when this happens. I am sure living where you are Ernie that you have driven past this tree many times. I am not sure of the best course of action where DED is concerned, perhaps this is something I should make myself expert in. I think that the recognised strategy in areas where it is managed well (Brighton & Hove for instance) is to remove the tree as soon as DED is apparent and burn it on site. Whilst this is ok where White-Letter Hairstreak is not an uncommon butterfly, I think that in most situations the priority is to plant disease resistant Elms as soon as possible to get them established so the butterflies have somewhere to go. I know the Sussex branch are active on this front. Just read Jamie Burstons informative pieces on the branch website and on his Personal Diary. I also know that Andrew Brookes from Hants & IOW branch is very active in this area.
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2018 6:26 pm
by David M
Paul Harfield wrote:Thanks David
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
- This year I have found larvae in numbers without too much trouble. Although well camouflaged I have found the mature larvae (in May) easier to locate than eggs. My advice is don't give up.
My problem, Paul, is that I don't really have any local populations to study. Last year I found one about 15 miles away but I'm always out of the country for the latter third of May when the larvae will be reaching full maturity.
WLH really isn't a common species round the Swansea area, more's the pity.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2018 4:36 pm
by Paul Harfield
I have been rather caught up in life for the last few weeks, I am sure we have all been there. Although I have managed to get out and see butterflies, the one thing that has had to give was keeping my diary going. Hence why it appears I had curtailed my account of WLH doings mid flow. I shall shortly continue where I left off with hopefully some of the more interesting posts.
I now have a bit of a backlog of things to post about. So just to ease myself back in gently here is some of my more recent doings:
Sunday 30.9.2018 & 7.10.2018 Barton Meadows Nature Reserve. Nr Winchester
This site is on the outskirts of Winchester close to the controversial Barton Farm Housing development. It is a new site for me this year discovered whilst out searching for (and finding) White Letter Hairstreak. Back in July, as well as the Hairstreaks, I found several Clouded Yellows flying here. So for the last 2 sundays I have returned to see if I could find any offspring of those Clouded Yellows.
![P1180345.JPG (728.46 KiB) Viewed 4585 times Part of the Barton Meadows Nature Reserve](./files/thumb_11661_0152518527a3dffe9c8ea880b315faef)
- Part of the Barton Meadows Nature Reserve
![P1180333.JPG (684.59 KiB) Viewed 4585 times 30.9.2018 Painted Lady. Shortly before both my batteries gave out](./files/thumb_11661_5f88e9c924b1c77f450db1c23555df77)
- 30.9.2018 Painted Lady. Shortly before both my batteries gave out
![WP_20180930_12_18_19_Pro.jpg (654.97 KiB) Viewed 4585 times 30.9.2018 Common Blue. I managed this on my phone, but it does not really convey the freshness of this individual.](./files/thumb_11661_8f0f6ad19db7f4cda3f0b5d3f002b042)
- 30.9.2018 Common Blue. I managed this on my phone, but it does not really convey the freshness of this individual.
On my first visit (
30.9.2018) I arrived just as the sun disappeared. Don't you just hate it when that happens
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
. It was still a worthwhile visit though. No Clouded Yellows, but a single Painted Lady and several freshly emerged 3rd brood male Common Blues. Unfortunately, after getting a couple of shots of the Painted Lady both my camera batteries were flat
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
.
![P1180341.JPG (971.87 KiB) Viewed 4585 times 7.10.2018 This was the only Clouded Yellow shot I got](./files/thumb_11661_90c8be79f431c48b2e3156fd6c380759)
- 7.10.2018 This was the only Clouded Yellow shot I got
![P1180373.JPG (914.29 KiB) Viewed 4585 times 7.10.18 Female Common Blues have been a constant delight all year. These two demonstrating that they continue to be so into October](./files/thumb_11661_dc303b9077bd0ef41c697240373345f5)
- 7.10.18 Female Common Blues have been a constant delight all year. These two demonstrating that they continue to be so into October
![P1180402.JPG (977.6 KiB) Viewed 4585 times I did not notice when I posted this there is something lurking close by!](./files/thumb_11661_9ea83db1c8e98075e207244461984653)
- I did not notice when I posted this there is something lurking close by!
Last Sunday (
7.10.2018) my timing was better, as were the weather conditions. At least 3 Clouded Yellows were seen which all seemed to be males. True to form they were in view on many occasions but with very limited opportunity for photos (or maybe I am too slow
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
). I managed just one shot which luckily was in focus. Also seen were 2 very fresh looking Peacocks, 2 Red Admirals, 2 Small Whites, several 3rd brood Common Blues and a single Brown Argus.
![P1180353.JPG (820.54 KiB) Viewed 4585 times 7.10.2018 Red Admiral](./files/thumb_11661_8d32107c26982e43acd7a98566e80fbd)
- 7.10.2018 Red Admiral
![P1180416.JPG (902.72 KiB) Viewed 4585 times 7.10.2018 This was the only Brown Argus I saw. Surprisingly fresh for October](./files/thumb_11661_5d736a47d09e4c3ddac23b8593244853)
- 7.10.2018 This was the only Brown Argus I saw. Surprisingly fresh for October
![P1180362.JPG (969.65 KiB) Viewed 4585 times 7.10.2018 One of 2 very fresh looking Peacocks seen](./files/thumb_11661_5b7efd57d3f0e32c243ee4cadb44b7cc)
- 7.10.2018 One of 2 very fresh looking Peacocks seen
I also popped in again earlier this afternoon, but conditions were not good for butterfly photography. It was very blustery but with some sun. The Clouded Yellows were still present as well as more fresh Peacocks and Common Blues.
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2018 7:45 pm
by trevor
Some beautiful fresh specimens there, Paul. Particularly the female Common Blues.
It is also good to see fresh Peacocks, Red Admirals etc. around at the moment after
an almost absence of that family during the Summer.
Looking forward to your WLH. report.
Great images,
Trevor.
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2018 5:28 pm
by Wurzel
That is a brilliantly fresh Brown Argus Paul, a 3rd brooder?
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
I know what you mean about Common Blue females - they've shown a brilliant range in variation this year, the last one you feature is a beaut
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 6:04 am
by David M
Those are remarkably fresh specimens for the time of year, Paul. I assumed at first you were catching up with posts from August and was stunned to find you had seen these on 7th October!!
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 11:31 pm
by Paul Harfield
Thanks Trevor, Wurzel & David
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
.
I will now continue from where I left off in August..
White-Letter Hairstreak - 2018 - Part 3
24.6.2018 Curdridge B3035 Botley Road (SU53931562) - This site is the one that perhaps gave me most satisfaction this year. This was one of the first Elms to go on my list when I started looking several years ago. Even then I was convinced it looked ideal for White-Letter Hairstreak. However, it is an extremely awkward location to get to. The nearest place to park is half a mile away, but the the road is fast, winding and narrow with no verge to speak of and the walk along it is not for the feint hearted. I had previously walked from Bishops Waltham along a footpath, but that was in winter, was difficult to follow, involved crossing a river and took me an hour. This year I decided to grit my teeth, put on my Hi-Vis, take my life into my own hands and walk along the road. It was not quite as bad as I was expecting. It was well worth the effort and there is conveniently room to stand and observe off the road.
![P1170381.JPG (812.59 KiB) Viewed 4476 times 24.6.2018 This Elm that overhangs the road at Curdridge, has taken me while to get to. The picture below shows the smaller trees just out of frame on the far right of the first photo. That is where most of the Hairstreak activity seemed to be focused.](./files/thumb_11661_73d102b92a2db7b5e6e2a858b477a090)
- 24.6.2018 This Elm that overhangs the road at Curdridge, has taken me while to get to. The picture below shows the smaller trees just out of frame on the far right of the first photo. That is where most of the Hairstreak activity seemed to be focused.
![P1170383.JPG (802.63 KiB) Viewed 4476 times .](./files/thumb_11661_ac58636af274e44f06c74ad61008b728)
- .
Once at the location I realised I was perhaps there a bit too early in the day, but eventually butterfly activity started to get going and my hunch had paid off. I spent 40 minutes here (11.10 -11.50) and recorded a total of 7 individuals including 1 egglaying female. As with several other sites this year, the primary large tree that had initially got my attention was curiously not the focus of the Hairstreak activity. There seemed to be more action going on around smaller trees which, at this site, I had not been aware of.
![P1170400.JPG (952.36 KiB) Viewed 4476 times 24.6.2018 Curdridge - Another brief glimpse of a female White-Letter Hairstreak at work](./files/thumb_11661_e1aa36f6e6d84f203e414d1e1ccb01d6)
- 24.6.2018 Curdridge - Another brief glimpse of a female White-Letter Hairstreak at work
22.6.2018 Stoneham Lane/Monks Brook playing fields (SU440167) - I have visited this site several times over the last few years and not seen White-Letter Hairstreak. To me it looked perfect for them which is why I have persisted in trying to find them here. Stoneham Lane is a winding, narrow road on the outskirts of Southampton close to Junction 6 of the M27. It is flanked with many small to medium sized Elms, but much of it is either shaded or inaccessible. However, at this particular location the sunny side of the trees is conveniently adjacent to some long since disused playing fields. This site took some effort, 2 visits in fact. The first on the 11.6.2018 was unproductive. I then returned on the 22.6.2018 (12.00 - 1.00) in fact I almost gave up on this occasion as well, but eventually a few brief flutterings were enough to confirm White Letter Hairstreak.
![P1160939.JPG (725.81 KiB) Viewed 4476 times 11.6.2018 Stoneham Lane - This photo was taken at a visit early in the season when I did not actually see any White-Letter Hairstreak. I was to have a successful visit 11 days later.](./files/thumb_11661_3dd74a4626247db34835a731c2c82a18)
- 11.6.2018 Stoneham Lane - This photo was taken at a visit early in the season when I did not actually see any White-Letter Hairstreak. I was to have a successful visit 11 days later.
![P1180439.JPG (964.52 KiB) Viewed 4476 times This is the depressing sight that greeted me when I drove past the same site a few days ago.](./files/thumb_11661_9d7fdda4ec1d1368fec9075f132c9b63)
- This is the depressing sight that greeted me when I drove past the same site a few days ago.
I have highlighted this site not because of what I saw in June, but because of what I spotted a couple of days ago as drove past. My heart sank when I saw the unmistakeable signs of 'development'. The site has sadly been completely cleared. It would appear that the Elms have been left, at least for the moment so hopefully the White-Letter Hairstreak will survive here. It does not look like I will be able to effectively monitor this site in the future. The most saddening aspect is all the other species that thrived here that will now be lost. There were good colonies of Small, Essex and Large Skipper, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper etc etc. I suppose this could loosely be described as a 'brownfield site' being previously used as playing fields which have been left to grow wild for some years though there has never been any buildings here as far as I know. Because I tend to prefer to find new locations which are often little oasis of wildness rather than nature reserves, I run into this scenario all too often and I find it quite heartbreaking and frustrating.
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2018 8:09 am
by David M
Good report, Paul, and those sites do look appetising. Such a shame about the last one though. More concrete, less green space...how much longer can it be sustained?
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 11:30 pm
by Paul Harfield
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 6:01 pm
by bugboy
Some excellent observations there Paul
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 4:15 pm
by Wurzel
Fantastic observations Paul
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I wonder if the wing roll was the equivalent of a quick spruce up once the hard work was done?
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2018 10:20 am
by Paul Harfield
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2018 5:34 pm
by Maximus
Very interesting observations of White-letter Hairstreaks and their habitat, Paul
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
you've obviously put in a lot of time and effort on this!
Some nice late season finds too
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
It's always sad when another site disappears under a housing estate - as per your previous post.
Mike
Re: jackz432r
Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 9:10 am
by Wurzel
"I always find it slightly amusing when the butterflies choose to avoid the nature reserve and occupy scrubby area next door. Butterflies having the last laugh maybe
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
....."It's all a secret ploy by the butterflies to get us humans to expand the nature reserves - and a bloody good idea
Great shots
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
and the Red Admiral is showing a positive use of plastic
Have a goodun
Wurzel