Branch Newsletter

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NEWSLETTER No. 13 - Summer 1985

WEST MIDLANDS BRANCH, BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

After reading Madge Payne's good account of her visit to the Lake District in 1984 thought that readers may like to hear of my visit to the same area later the same year. Madge tells of seeing Pearl Bordered Fritillary amongst others and, from my own observations, it seems that this is a good site for various species of Fritillary. On rolling up the long drive, I was amazed to see Fritillaries everywhere, and I almost ran off the road in my astonishment. The main aim of my visit was to see the High Brown Fritillary and Scotch Argus which are said to reside there, and I was delighted soon after my leaving the car to see my first Scotch Argus. It was very hot on this first visit to the hillside and, although the butterflies were extremely active, I could clearly see that the Scotch Argus was freshly emerged, probably that day. I only saw one more specimen that day and it became obvious to me that the species was only just emerging, and I decided that a return visit was necessary. Other species of interest seen on that first visit were a couple of Graylings, Brimstone, Dark Green Fritillary and two Northern Brown Argus.

During the next few days I visited part of the mountains in the Kirkstone Pass area, some 642 metres high above sea level. I climbed this long and steep slope with my six year old son, who left me standing, and on nearing the top I saw something even better than the great view, my first, and only, to date, Small Mountain Ringlet. Three days later I revisited Arnside and my theory that the Scotch Argus were only just emerging was confirmed by the presence of quite a large amount of freshly emerged butterflies of this species. The temperature was well up on this day, even hotter than on my first visit, and every butterfly on the hillside seemed to be out enjoying the heatwave. Graylings were numerous on the scree'ish parts of the hillside and on the stone walls, Dark Green and High Brown Fritillaries were everywhere in good numbers. After this trip I think that I can just about tell the two Fritillaries apart. Altogether I noted some fifteen species of butterflies including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, High Brown and Dark Green Fritillaries, Red Admiral, Large and Small Skippers, Brimstone, Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, Northern Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Wall Brown, Gatekeeper and approximately thirty sightings of the Scotch Argus. For anyone planning on visiting this part of the country, this area is well worth a visit.

Tuesday 17th, on leaving Balsieges, we made the first of two stops shortly after reaching the village of Sanveterre. In a field which ran alongside the road we encountered for the first time Niobe's Fritillary; Heath, Spotted, Meadow, Knapweed, Silver washed, and High Brown Fritillaries were also found in abundance. A possible Eastern Wood White and Black Veined-White were discovered , along with our first Southern Small White, distinguishable by its heavier markings, the linking of its post-discal spots, and as David remarked, its distinctive flight pattern. Clouded and Pale Clouded Yellow were numerous as were both Cleopatra and Brimstone. A variety of Skippers were also present, one of which was the large Safflower Skipper, another being the Mallow Skipper. Here, too, were Woodland and Tree Grayling, Adonis, Silver-studded and Escher's Blues. Occasionally upon the larger flowers, both Swallowtails were to be seen, while upon a blackthorn bush both Sloe and Blue-spot Hairstreaks were photographed. Amongst the more interesting Satyridae here were both Pearly and Dusky Heath, the Spanish Gatekeeper and a most attractive Large Wall Brown.

A second site visited that afternoon at le Ropier in the Causse Mejeau region produced similar species. We camped that evening one mile outside Florac at a camp site which offered wild cherries to anyone who wished them, however, the site's rudimentary facilities ensured that it would not receive our recommendation, being a camp site suitable only for the real enthusiasts

The following morning we travelled east crossing the Rhone at Pont St Esprit and by mid-afternoon we had reached Mululaucere beginning the long ascent of Mt Ventoux. Mt Ventoux is some 2,300 metres above sea level, so we were not surprised when we discovered the Apollo flying amongst the roadside flora. Apollos and both Swallowtails were found in the sub-alpine range a little over half-way up Mt Ventoux at about 1,250 metres. Also amongst the varied roadside flora, David was indeed fortunate in gaining an all too brief sighting of the Southern Swallowtail (P. alexanor). Other new species encountered here were the Rock Grayling, Black Satyr, the Scarce Copper and Ilex Hairstreak. Having parked the car, we walked along one of the many wooded rides, where in a small open space stood the remains of a long abandoned church. Here were to be found Brown Argus and what at first appeared to be the Provence Chalk Hill Blue (Lysandra hispana) but on closer inspection I believe it to have been (Lysandra albicans) the Spanish Chalk Hill Blue also found in this region. Later that evening, we made the ascent of Mt Ventoux, carefully manoeuvering round several hairpin bends to its summit. Cyclists were making the arduous ascent (any of whom I felt could have confidently competed in the real Tour de France). From the top of Mt Ventoux one has a commanding view of the surrounding region but cycling here is a momentous task, a test of endurance even for the professional cyclist!

Both the evenings of the 18th and 19th were spent at a camp site 7 kilometres outside Vaison-la-Romaine. The weather was now much improved and with cloudless evenings it was possible to watch the space satellites in the night sky. Thursday was extremely warm ensuring several successful ventures into the pass du Ventoux. At several points along the pass, two sites near the river's edge and in several lavender fields, fifty-one species were seen in this one day. New species seen were the Bath White and Southern White Admiral, while, of the larger Satyridae, the Dryad and Woodland Grayling were both present. While walking among the richly scented lavender, Provencal Fritillary, Furry's and Amanda's Blue were photographed. Feeding on rosebay willowherb at the water's edge were Pearly and Chestnut Heath, and here, too, we gained a first sighting of the Purple Shot Copper, while the lavender fields produced several specimens of the tiny Provencal Short-tailed Blue.

The following morning, with understandable reluctance, we left Mulaucene stopping a little later at Col de Murrs a region where Ilex and False Ilex Hairstreaks were innumerable along the road, while in the surrounding fields several of these Hairstreaks rose up with our every footstep. In one such field, a bramble bush provided David with a momentary glimpse of the Nettle Tree Butterfly, my arrival being just too late! At a second site near Bonnieux. the Hermit was added to the number of Satyridae which we had already seen.

On Saturday 21st leaving our camp site at Mezel, we travelled to Boreon near St Martin Vesubie, the first of several sites we were to visit in the Maritime Alps. Walking some one thousand metres into the mountain valley we found both Apollos, while, amongst the flora, a rare ground creeping clematis was uncovered and photographed by David. Climbing to about l,800 ft the silken black Geranium Argus was photographed resting upon the exquisite pure white Paradisea liliastrum. At 2,000 ft we were to find the magnificent Titania's Fritillary and a butterfly which may have been either Balkan, Mountain or Shepherd's Fritillary, all local to this region, (this indecision is partially a testimony to my photographic ability and the inherent difficulties involved in identification).

During the morning of the 22nd we visited several sites within 20 kilometres of Nice. A brief stop at Col de Turine and a gorge south of 1'Escarene produced little of interest, although a third, less sun scorched, site produced 41 species including the sub-species of Baton Blue (B.P. Schiffermuelleri). Here, too, we were to find, at last, the (russiae) form of Marbled White, lesser Marbled White. Until this point, we had seen several interesting possibles, a number of regions producing a Marbled White which has a pure white underside. These Marbled Whites devoid of underside markings were on occasion as plentiful as M. galathea. Our evening finished at a camp site near Du Touron, its hard ground made pitching our tents difficult, both tents finally standing at 15 degrees to the perpendicular. The camp site's many disabilities were, however, adequately compensated for by a fascinating evening's display filled with the lights of fireflies.

Monday 23rd and we were finally turning towards home. Our plan for the morning was to visit the valley Madone de Fenestre, then to begin the long journey home in earnest. The site at de Fenestre was to offer several new species in the most attractive surroundings, consequently delaying our scheduled departure time by over an hour. Walking along the valley we were able to discover Chestnut Heath and, on a steep slope covered in flora the attractively marked Cynthia's Fritillary. Photography on this steep slope was difficult, both the Mountain Clouded Yellow and Large Grizzled Skipper providing a severe test of our ingenuity in bodily contortion. It was interesting to note that even at this height, just below the snowline, the large Blue was still in flight. Lower down in this mountain valley, David drew my attention to a rather ragged Green Hairstreak; also to be seen here were several fresh specimens of the Orange Tip which together with those we had sighted further north last year suggests a second generation of Anthocharis cardamines in France. Our evening ended when we pitched our tents at a camp site a little west of Gap.

The early part of the following morning Tuesday, 24th was occupied travelling towards home. Shortly after midday, however, we made a stop at a site near Die, a region well known for its wide range of Lepidoptera. Investigating one of the many valley roads near Die we were to find a lavender field offering a veritable array of species, including both Tufted and Marbled Skipper, False Heath Fritillary and a solitary specimen of Glandon Blue. Here, too, amongst the lavender was a Striped Grayling, or was it merely just another Hermit, its underside markedly different from the earlier specimens seen? Further along the track, the Arran Brown was added to our now lengthy list of Lepidoptera. As at Ventoux, this valley was to present over 50 different species, a testimony to its ecological excellence. By late evening we had arrived at Chambon-sur-lac, camping at the same site as on our previous visit.

The following morning under clouded skies we travelled up the Valley de Chaudefour towards the majestic snow-covered Mont Dore. Here we were to find large Grizzled and Safflower Skippers and, yes, on 25th July a fresh Orange Tip. We had reached Mont Dore some sixteen days later then on our previous visit and many of the species we had enjoyed seeing in lest year's exceptional weather were not uncovered on this occasion. On the thyme covered slopes, there were few Large Blues to be seen, while the Mazarine Blues, a butterfly in good numbers on our previous visit, were nowhere to be found. Mt Dore did however provide a wide range of Erebias (Ringlets) and the Mountain Ringlet was to be found along a small pathway within view of the imposing summit. The presence of Almond-eyed, Woodland and the dark form of the Bright-eyed Ringlet made identification problematic. Added to these E. manto constans, a form of Yellow Spotted
Ringlet, and the Sudeten Ringlet (Erebia sudetica), and both David and I were suffering 'spots before the eyes'. As we walked towards the car, David was able to photograph the Arran Brown, a species which until this point had eluded him. Our all too brief visit to Mont Dore concluded, we travelled towards Levroux and a camp site. Camping at Levroux was cheap, a minuscule 8 francs (65p, showers optional), there was even a swimming pool. 'There must be a catch' you would think, well, the camp site was situated near to a stream used for the discharge of sewage, but even so, provided one camped near the entrance to the camp this site gave excellent value.

On 26th, we travelled towards our final Camp site near Cherbourg. During the late evening we stopped at a woodland near St Severs. On this, a poor day for butterflies, we were to see White Admiral, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Purple Emperor, the latter two species also being sighted amongst the oaks at our camp site 'Les Pinns'.