The Purple Empire

Doings ...

2012-01-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

Two of my three hibernating larvae in / around Savernake today (the third is 4m up a tree, out of range!). Rather wondrously, none has been lost to predation since mid November (NB during the 2009-10 winter predation was highest in late winter...).

Prospects for the 2012 Purple Emperor Season

2012-01-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

Gentlemen, Lady. The prospects for the 2012 iris season in England are bleak. Certainly, adult numbers are likely to be low, perhaps very low. This cannot be the year to take a long expensive holiday in pursuit of Purple Emperors in the UK.

Evidence: Eggs, late summer and autumn larvae have been systematically monitored on the same trees in and around Savernake Forest for three years (habitat conditions appear to have remained stable). Data: 2009 = 141 found, 2010 = 56, 2011 = 24 (corrected figures, 31/1/12). A similar trend has been noted in other districts where systematic searches have taken place, including Alice Holt Forest (Hants), north Bernwood Forest area (NW Bucks), Fermyn Woods (Northants) & Southwater Forest (W Sussex).

Also, I seem to have recorded higher autumn larval mortality in 2012, but there is considerable difference between the three sample sizes and I'm not sure what constitutes a valid sample here. It appears that larval losses (to assumed predation) are higher in dry autumns, such as that of 2011, as hiding in the rain drop that gathers at the leaf tip seems to be a sound strategy for survival. Predation may be lower in wet autumns.

All shall be revealed... But first we have to get through this pointless winter...

The weather forecasters are predicting a cold first half of February. That makes sense to me as Marsh Fritillary larvae have, surprisingly, yet to come out of hibernation here in S Glos. I've recorded their emergence from hibernation for the last 17 years quite accurately. The running mean for the first appearance date is 23rd Jan. Even in Jan 2011, after the coldest December on record, they were first noted on the 19th. The present winter has so far been the mildest in my 18 year study (and one of the driest). Now, do aurinia larvae know something we don't?????

2012-01-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Disney has a brilliant explanation for Apatura asymetrical aberrations... fairies!

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216515/

Twist of faith

2012-01-16T07:04:00.001-08:00

This little leaf was moving awkwardly in the wind. I only saw the lazy caterpillar after 20 seconds or so!

Steve Pash

2012-01-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Day, I heard the very sad news that Steve Pash had died suddenly on 31st December.

Steve was 100% Purple and his 'patch' was Ruislip Woods - his love and fascination of Purple Emperors was apparent every summer having discovered one of the territories at Ruislip. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him, as will his regular contributions throughout the year to the Herts & Middx BC Branch website.

He was a really nice guy!
Liz

Spirit of Savernake

2012-01-05T00:41:00.000-08:00

Two Mid November photos by Miss Euphrosyne 'Rosy' Oates,

capturing Spirit of Place (which is all & everything in an Emperor site)

31st December

2011-12-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

I still have three iris larvae in hibernation in / around Savernake Forest - so no losses during December (but from a very small sample, and after heavy losses / disappearances during November - it may be that some crawled considerable distances to find hibernation places during the very mild November, though others were almost certainly predated).

And a huge flock of Brambling & Chaffinch along lower Three Oak Hill Drive ('Column Ride'), probably 400-600 birds in all, feeding amongst beech litter over about 1 ha of ground beneath tall beech trees. That easily doubles my life tally of Brambling...

Seasoned Greetings to all followers of The One True Butterfly...

Winter twilight

2011-12-30T02:17:00.000-08:00

-1°C and still moving!

Christmas Day, somewhere in the Purple Empire

2011-12-27T07:27:00.000-08:00

How To Look After Your Emperors at Christmas...

2011-12-22T01:56:00.001-08:00

Seasoned greetings to all our followers, from HIM and Herself...

How not to look after your Emperors part 2

2011-12-13T00:33:00.000-08:00

Another day, another wood! The signage says the work will help safeguard the rare butterflies such as Purple Emperor. We think not nor White Admiral as all the honeysuckle has been ripped out! The felled sallow is just one, it had been a massive beast but they left the spindly ones exposed so the first gale (which was probably last night) will probably snap the tops off!

We also particularly liked the image on the new signage!!! White Admiral not! A simple case of going into google, and typing White Admiral so the an american wiki page comes up with a picture of a White Admiral but it is Limenitus arthemis or similar. Words fail us! Photos taken by Andrew M

Fermyn Woods Wind Farm

2011-12-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Interesting piece in today's Daily Telegraph about the battle over the proposed wind farm in between the two main blocks of Fermyn Woods, East Northants - the heartland of the Purple Empire. Mentions Purple Emperor, as has other media coverage to date. See -http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/windpower/8946617/Duke-of-Gloucester-criticised-over-wind-farm-plan.html

Incidentally, the evidence I presented to the public inquiry openly admitted that the wind farm will not significantly threaten the Fermyn iris population, but argued that it will devalue the Purple Experience - visitor experience - and will devalue or desecrate the intense feeling of Spirit of Place that we can experience there. In addition, I pointed out that the area is also an important literary landscape - for those of us who love BB's writings (and Dryden!).

Continental empire

2011-12-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

First snow and first sightings of hibernating larvae in Switzerland (Jorat forest, north of Lausanne). We're launching a small research project in collaboration with local woodland managers. No Apatura ilia so far (but last sighting was 30 years ago...)

Xmas Present Ideas

2011-12-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

In At Last

2011-11-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Today (Sun Nov 27th) my last two captive iris larvae went into hibernation. This is the latest I've recorded them go into hibernation in some 25 years of intermittent breeding - though I've seldom bred more than 3-4 at a time and the sample size is probably <100. They seem to wait for their seat leaves to be completely dry before they move (though I've seen them crawling around quite happily in wet conditions in the wild). Wish I could conk out for four months too... .

Wont Go To Bed!

2011-11-20T12:25:00.000-08:00

Iris larvae remain loath to go into hibernation in this mild autumn, though they are actually going in now.

In Savernake, six out of nine had gone into hibernation by Fri Nov 18th. The first went in between the 5th and 12th.

However, in 2009, one was hibernating by Oct 23rd and the last by Nov 15th. In 2010 one went in between 17th and 23rd Oct, and all were in by Nov 13th. And those were fairly mild autumns.

In captivity this autumn, on a 'late' tree, four out of seven are now in hibernation but two are still on green leaves, as below.

'I refuse to hibernate!' Culkerton, Glos, 20/11/11

'Done it!' Savernake, Wilts, 18/11/11

How not to look after your Emperors

2011-11-17T14:14:00.001-08:00

This is what we saw as we walked through a wood in central Herts yesterday. Woodland grant in place and rideside sallows removed as was rideside honeysuckle. And for info its not without continually telling this particular government body to manage the sallows in the Hertfordshire woods for Emperors. Purple Emperor is a Hertfordshire SAP species to which this particular government body is signed up as a partner. Our taxes paid for this! Copy and paPhotos by Andrew M

And the last one standing - its was so tall it wouldn't fit in the view finder

And yes we have told them how important sallows are!

Hubris

2011-11-08T00:36:00.000-08:00

Delighted to find an iris egg case base in Marlpost Wood, West Sussex, on Sat Nov 5th. The same leaf also held a 1st & 2nd instar seat pad, with the silk still fully visible, and distinctive feeding marks either side of the leaf tip. Sadly, no sign of the larva.

Egg case bases can persist into the autumn - if your eyesight is up to spotting them - but I don't think I've found one later than late Sept before. This may then be some sort of record, of which I'm proud - so nemesis will duly follow. The drama took place in the very spot where I saw (and caught) my first Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, in 1968.

Earlier that day, two out of nine wild larvae in / around Savernake were in hibernation, with a third thinking about it (i.e. it was watched spinning a silk pad on a twig, before returning to its seat pad). All bar two were fully coloured up. As in previous autumns, these larvae are on a mix of 'early', 'middle' and 'late' trees in terms of timing of leaf fall.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, two out of seven larvae are in hibernation and the remainder fully coloured up. They are somewhat ahead of their wild cousins - or rather, their wild cousins are behind their wild fathers and grandfathers.

My long-haired cat, Flea, seems to have grown a relatively short and thin winter coat this autumn, perhaps suggesting a mild winter....

Larval Diapause

2011-11-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

Probably the most thorough, although not entirely scientifically accurate article relating to Iris diapause was published in “The Entomologist's record and journal of variation” back in 1954, by F.V.L. Jarvis. The article was quite comprehensive and can be read via the “Biodiversity Heritage Library” website at the following URL:

http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/30077952#page/296/mode/1up

Pages 212-217 and 234-240.

Similar articles associated with the subject matter (amongst many others, I am sure) were also published by, C.J. Luckens (1976) and H.G.Short (1977) also in “The Entomologist's record and journal of variation” and can also be read at the following ULR’s respectively:

http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/93925#page/44/mode/1up

http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/30001812

In spite of the findings reported in these articles however, more accurate research has shown that larval diapause is actually controlled by photoperiod and temperature in an absence of the normal ‘moulting’ hormone ecdysone.
Larval pigmentation/camouflage in response to diapause is a subject matter which is still under debate, although it is again thought to be under hormonal control. Consistent with the findings reported by Jarvis (and also Dennis, below), however there is still some evidence (Chippendale, 1972) which supports the idea that pigmentation is influenced by hydration levels and ingested host/food plant material(s). Chippendale 1972, abstract URL link as follows:

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/esa/aesa/1972/00000065/00000004/art00021

In contrast to the statement by Dennis however regarding the irreversibility of larval pigmentation, his statement (unless I have misunderstood it?) is unfortunately not correct (otherwise the larvae would never rouse from their diapausal states) and has been documented by many researchers (such as Bell 1983 and Rock 1983). Again the factors controlling arousal from diapause, are known to be temperature and photoperiod influencing hormonal balances. Bell 1983 and Rock 1983 abstract links can also be read at the following ULR’s respectively:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0022474X83900024

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/esa/envent/1983/00000012/00000001/art00013

I hope the information above is of interest to some of you?

Mark

autumn larvae November 2nd

2011-11-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

Matthew's blog on the factors influencing survival is interesting. They certainly seem to like sitting in a water globule at the leaf apex. In these photos [November 2nd], you see two captive larvae on the same Sallow, just a few cms apart; one is still in green summer livery, while the other has coloured up, even though its leaf is still green. Two others have also coloured up, one on a green leaf, whereas the other is in its hibernation position on a branch near a bud. Past experience indicated that larvae remain green until the leaf changes colour; apparently not the case here. However, the two brown larvae on green leaves had been transferred, one week ago, from a branch [same Sallow] where the leaves had turned yellow [and the larvae had started to assume their hibernation livery] onto this branch where the leaves are still fresh and green. I think this shows that the colour change is determined by the leaf background, and that it is not reversible!

Autumnal Larvae

2011-10-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

In the space of seven days most wild larvae have coloured up, with only two out of nine still looking green. This is unusually rapid progress. They have now suddenly caught up with their domesticated cousins.

Autumn larvae spend much time hiding in the rain drop that gathers on the downward-facing leaf tip. Today one suddenly crawled out from his rain drop, in steady drizzle, preceded to add a bit more silk to strengthen his seat leaf on to the twig, before returning back to his drip! Temperature at the time was 13C. I don't care what mistakes people make in life only please don't underestimate a caterpillar. Below are two wild larvae having a great time in rain drops.

My data suggests that autumn larval survival (on the leaf) may actually be higher in wet autumns and lower in dry autumns such as 2011.... This needs proper and careful analysis, not least because other factors may well be at play - notably annual tit breeding success and resultant predator population size. Whatever, late summer - autumn survival on leaves has been lower this year.... which doesn't auger well for 2012 adult numbers.

Savernake Forest

2011-10-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had a fantastic day at Savernake Forest with Matthew Oates and Phil Corley last Sunday. Having searched for iris larvae at Oversley Wood in Warwickshire in Jan/Feb this year without success, i was very excited to see them for the first time and have the opportunity to learn as much as possible. The 5 larvae we saw were still lovely and green. The sallow leaves at Oversley are really starting to drop now and one tree i noticed on Thursday was almost completely bare. By comparison, the sallows at Savernake are still very full looking. Perhaps this is why none of the caterpillars have fully coloured up/in hibernation yet? One of the 'pillars we saw decided to go for walkies when we arrived and promptly shuffled along 3 or 4 branches before finding a new leaf a little higher up. I couldn't believe how fast it moved! I wasn't previously aware of how they spin their silk pads so seeing this little guys head waving around above us was really a sight to see. We also visited a couple of the congregation areas where the males' favourite trees/perches were easy to spot.

The photography side of the trip was challenging to say the least. The wind would not let up and the leaves were waving around like mad. Still, Phil and I managed to get some decent shots with his Canon MP-E 65mm lens. I thought a side on shot would be interesting (see below) as it shows the prominent black hairs and also the raised yellow area on the back. Does anyone know what this is called and its purpose?

A big thank you to Matthew for taking the time to show us these incredible little creatures. I think i now have the bug! Although the larvae appear to be very hard to find this year, im really hoping to put my new knowledge to use and have a proper iris search at Oversley Wood this winter. I may even take a pair of ladders with me like the professionals :)

Fab Photos

2011-10-28T12:50:00.001-07:00

Fantastic photos of wild larvae taken on Sun Oct 23rd in Wilts by Phil Corley (2nd two) & Gill Thompson (top). Note the black hairs. Eat your heart out Neil Hulme....

Larval Progress

2011-10-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

Great day yesterday in Savernake with Gillian Thompson and Phil Corley. I expected to see wild iris larvae in various colours, and perhaps find one hibernating, but five of the eight seen were still in full Lincoln green and the other three were only just starting to colour up. Odd.

Conversely, on 24/10/10 three out of 13 were fully coloured up and one was in hibernation, and on 23/10/09 five out of 14 were fully coloured, six were >50% coloured and one was in hibernation.

Maybe they are later this year because of the mild autumn? However, the seven captive larvae I have are far more advanced: one went into hibernation a week ago, five more are fully coloured up and the other is about 50% coloured up. This is the first time my captive larvae have not been fully synchronised with their wild Wiltshire cousins, and my breeding tree stays green till late.

Meanwhile, on Sat 22nd I saw my latest ever Green-veined White, at Magdalen Hill Down, Winchester. My previous record was one in Jane Austen's cottage garden at Chawton, Hants, during the incredibly mild and dry autumn of 1975, when Small and Large White, Small Copper and Wall Brown lingered into early November. Sorry Jane....

Fermyn Wind Farm

2011-10-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

Here's the protest group's link http://www.stopbarnwellmanorwindfarm.org.uk/

This precious landscape needs our help, and the protest group needs funds. Anyone wishing to donate to the fighting fund should contact Peter Stephens on chair@stopbarnwellmanorwindfarm.org.uk .

Many thanks...

Peace Breaks Out!

2011-10-17T00:48:00.001-07:00

Remarkable photo of two iris larvae actually tolerating each other's presence. Make no mistake, these guys really hate each other. Larvae are normally as territorial as adult males, if not more so. The one on the right is colouring up for hibernation.

Next week: peace between Israel and Palestine... .

Fermyn Wind Farm

2011-10-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

Just to say that I will be presenting evidence to a public inquiry into the Barnwell Manor Wind Farm proposal in mid November, on behalf of the National Trust which is part of a consortium objecting to the proposal.

Fermyn Wind Farm

2011-10-05T02:26:00.000-07:00

Images of protest balloon above Lady Wood Head, flying at the maximum height of the turbine blade - 415', indicating the extent of visual intrusion. The proposal is for at least 4 of these turbines in the arable field between Fermyn Wood and Lady Wood Head.

Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission has cut back overhanging sallows along Cherry Lap, the main (eastern) ride through Fermyn Wood, by flail-cutter. Also, I can report that Purple Emperor larvae are seriously hard to find in these woods this autumn, indicating a poor egg lay year here too...

Fermyn Wind Farm

2011-09-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

Rest assured that a strong argument on behalf of the friends of the Purple Emperor, and their allies, will be put to any public inquiry into the proposed wind farm at Fermyn Woods. I cannot give too much away at this stage, but an inquiry would need to know that a large number of folk visit these woods from late June to late July to engage with this most wondrous insect in a most wondrous landscape - and that giant wind turbines would detract horrifically from that experience for most if not all of them. I have kept records of the number of Purple enthusiasts seen in the woods and have been able to extrapolate an annual total - and it's massive. There are positive implications for the local economy.

I appreciate that many of us, including me, strongly support moves towards greener energy, including wind farms; it's just that nearly all, or perhaps all, the People of Purple Persuasion regard the Fermyn Woods complex as being an immensely special landscape, well worthy of vigorous protection, and a grossly inappropriate site for giant wind turbines.

In addition, Fermyn Woods is 'BB's heartland. 'BB', a.k.a Denis Watkins-Pitchford, was a eminent servant of His Imperial Majesty who lived, painted and wrote at nearby Sudborough. He lived and breathed Rockingham Forest. His book Brendon Chase fired up my enthusiam for the Purple Emperor, and changed my life. He would fiercely resent giant wind turbines in the middle of his heartland. I and many others owe him a lot, and our views will be made known to an inquiry. His writing, his history and his values are part of that landscape, and will be defended.

I would welcome cogent arguments and facts for possible inclusion in proof of evidence - via email to matthew.oates@nationaltrust.org.uk (I am working on this in National Trust time).

There is also the issue of the backdrop to the National Trust's Lyveden New Bield property, shown here without wind turbines ....

'What we have loved others will love; and we may teach them how'

William Wordsworth, Prelude XIII 444-5.

Emperors and Windfarms Don't Mix

2011-09-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Some nutter has proposed to build a windfarm close to the end of Fermyn Woods where the best numbers of Purple Emperors are. I have only just found this out in the nick of time.

Unfortunately, there is only until midnight tonight to place objections. Can I suggest that everybody does so asap?

I have just objected. Click here to read it: http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/fscdav/READONLY?OBJ=COO.2036.300.12.3511288&NAME=/Mr%208%205STDavid%20Phillips%2020/09/2011.pdf

If anybody wishes to object -- on grounds of disturbance to Purple Emperors, Red Kites, etc??!! -- click here: http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/ViewCase.asp?caseid=2156757&coid=32833

and scroll down to "Comment on this Case".

I'd appreciate it if you passed this on to as many people, as possible, as time is running out!!

Dave Phillips

New Northants Location

2011-09-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

I am the Butterfly Conservation transect walker for Bearshank Wood, which is approx one mile east of Fermyn Wood. I am pleased to report multiple sightings of Purple Emperor males this summer. I believe this is a new venue for the species?

Although I only recorded four on my weekly "official" Transect walks (two each in weeks 14 and 15, ie on July 4th and 12th), I spotted several more (up to six in a hour) on other visits during that brief "window" of fine weather in early July. I did not see any after the middle of July.

A retired friend of mine who is a keen ornitholigist also told me he had seen several Purple Emperors (again all males) during his early morning (approx 9am - 10am) daily wlaks around Bearshank Wood. This was the first year he had seen them, in 30 years of visiting the place on a daily basis.

Bearshank Wood was mainly coniferous until about 12 years ago, when they were cut down and replace dby indigenous trees (mainly birth and oak saplings). However, sallow has become very prolific in many areas, particularly (and convemniently!) close to the nearest vehicular access point. This is also where I enjoyed most sightings, on the track (flattened hardcore/gravel) that runs into the wood.

I believe it is a Forestry Commission wood. It is controlle dby a shooting syndicate, but I know the gamekeeper quite well and he appears to be conservation-friendly. I mentione dto him the importance of not cutting back the sallows!

It is close to Lyveden New Bield, a National Trust property, where I have photographed some lovely SW Fritillaries this summer and which I'm sure Matthew must know well. (Lyveden is situated midway between Fermyn and Bearshanks)

I hope the above information is useful. If you require any more, please don't hesitate to ask

David Phillips
Caroline Cottage, Church Street,
Wadenhoe
Nr Oundle, Northants PE8 5ST

Skin Changing

2011-09-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

Larva skin changing from 2nd to 3rd instar, note yellow neck.

3rd Instar

2011-09-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

Larvae in captivity and in the wild are now almost all in the 3rd instar. This stage lasts some 8 months, including ca 5 months in hibernation. After skin changing into the 3rd instar larvae move to a new leaf, and usually to a new spray. In the wild this may involve a journey of >1m, sometimes as far as 2.5m, usually upwards within the tree. These movements can be mistaken for instances of mortality / predation.

The number of larvae I'm finding in Wilts remains horribly low - currently averaging out at one larvae per 80 mins of actual searching time at present, though the task isn't finished yet and this figure will change. In the annus mirabilis of 2009 I was finding one every 20 mins in these woods...

I'm going to spend a weekend searching for 3rd instar larvae in the Northants woods soon. I strongly suspect that the egg lay will have been considerably better there, for the population's significantly bigger and females were laying well there several days before the weather fell apart on July 6th.

eggs and larvae

2011-09-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

In Bucks and Oxon too it has been very difficult to find larvae. It started well enough, sensationally in fact, with Steve Croxford finding 14 eggs in a mid-Bucks wood in mid July in a very short time [see his blog for the details]. Normally, I never start looking until the beginning of August but, for this early season, this was obviously already too late. It seems that predators have had a field day this year and snapped up most of the larvae in July. Matthew and I, together and separately, have found many leaves that had 'iris was here' written all over them.

More on 2011 Egg Lay

2011-08-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

The situation is even more tricksy than I suggested in my previous posting, for there appears to be less suitable foliage around this late summer / early autumn than during the previous two years, at least from ground level.

I've searched and graded (subjectively but hopefully consistently) a large number of sallow trees three years running, and have so far found that few that were deemed suitable in 09 and / or 10 are looking suitable this year. This may be due to the early spring, or the poor summer. Certainly, foliage growth varies a lot from year to year. I've even had some sallow trees change from being broad-leaved types in 09 to looking distinctly narrow-leaved in 11, and vice versa! Shape shifting... .

I need to ascend some sallows. It may be that more eggs than usual were laid this year on the sub-canopy isolated sprays that the insect generally favours.

Any excuse to climb trees... .

2011 Egg Lay

2011-08-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

I'm now able to issue a provisional estimate of the 2011 iris egg lay in and around Savernake Forest, Wilts - and it's bad news: unless I discover a couple of serious hotspots it looks as though the 2011 egg lay is around half that of 2011, itself a poor lay.

Having sampled much of the forest, it looks as though I'll find about 30 eggs & larvae this year, compared t0 60 in 2010 and 141 in 2009 (an exceptionally good year). Today, I searched 10 good trees that produced nine ova / larvae in 2010 and 16 in 2011, and found four.

The situation may be better in Bucks, Herts, Northants and Oxon where for reasons unknown the butterfly seemed to be in better numbers this year, and should consequently have laid more eggs. But the egg lay may be even worse in Sussex.

At this range it seems highly unlikely that 2012 will be a good iris year, but I'm more than happy to be proved wrong...

Emperor in August

2011-08-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

On the subject of the Emperor in August I have one sighting in Hampshire on the 05 August in Benyons Inclosure which is near Pamber Forest. Also I have seen a photo of a female Emperor on the ground in Alice Holt Forest on the 29 July and she looks almost in perfect condition. How she managed to stay like that through the wet and windy July heaven knows, unless she was a very late specimen, and managed to avoid the terrible July. I bet she was never mated either, which would seem such a waste. I'm sending you the picture so you can see the lovely 'girl' in all her glory!

Ashley Whitlock

In my beginning is my end...

2011-08-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

On 13th June Rob Hill saw the first iris of the year, at Bookham Common. This was His Imperial Majesty's earliest (known) appearance since 1893.

Today, at 3pm, Rob and another gent saw what must be the year's last, a pale worn female seemingly engaged in egg laying, again at Bookham Common.

This is only the second August sighting reported (so far), after one at Loxwood, W Sussex, on Fri 12th. It may well be the year's final sighting.

In my end is my beginning...

Larval Doings

2011-08-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

A day searching for iris larvae in the N Wilts woods whilst listening to Test Match Special was rather downheartening: larvae were horribly scarce, until I struck a mild Purple Patch late on, finding 3 larvae and 2 about-to-hatch ova. Test Match Special, I hasten to add, was far from downheartening - especially as the results of recent matches must have upset the Australians considerably... . One larvae was in the early second instar (+ horns), and 2 were skin changing from the 1st instar. It's too early to tell yet but my fear is that this year's egg lay is even poorer than last year's, at least in this district.

Today, Brother Dennis and I met to discuss the more obtuse passages of the Book of Ezekiel whilst searching in a superb privately owned wood in NW Bucks. This wood is managed by an enlightened owner who bears His Imperial Majesty firmly in mind (ever since he was attacked by a posse of 4 males whilst mowing the rides a number of years back). We struggled to find three second instar larvae, and three leaves bearing seat pads + feeding damage +/- egg case bases but no signs of larvae. It looks as those those three had already succumbed. Although this is needle-in-haystack country, as all the rides are gloriously lined with sallows, we should have done better than that.

Watch this space... And enjoy the 4th test.

Matthew's Latest!

2011-08-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

I notice that Matthew's name has turned up on p35 of last weeks (August 7th) Sunday Express. Just a pity that young Stella Woodbridge was pictured with a Morpho instead of his Highness! For those interested the associated text reads:

"Nature lovers join the butterfly beauty hunt" There has never been a better time to be a butterfly spotter. This summer has produced a bumper insect crop with warm temperatures and sunny spells bringing many of Britain's 46 species out in force. Unlike the VIctorians who netted the creatures, killed them and mounted them on boards, today's butterfly hunters are content tp photograph or simply admire them. The pastime is now so popular the National Trust is running a "love butterflies" weekend and encouraging the public to use internet site Twitter to post the names of species they see and where they are spotted. Trust conservation adviser Matthew Oates said "If all goes well, you're left with beautiful pictures and treasured memories".

Emperor Photo Competition

2011-08-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

All over by the look of it, so let's wrap it up.

As always, some magnificent photography from bloggers. I'm constantly amazed that we can rustle up a good few dozen images, any one of which would have been an exceptional picture twenty years ago. It was only the cost of running through 35mm film that was holding us back!

So, my own personal and highly biased view. Out of an exceptional field, the following I rate primi inter pares:

Nick Butt's great twosome in depth:

Ashley Whitlock's iris with attitude - real personality in this one.

Matthew's great females - difficult to find, and rich fulvous colour. Great technique.

Neil's Miss Iris - how could you go past this one?

Rob Hill's duelling ires
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Mike Coleman's lovely underside - a classic, almost cliched, but great technique and out of focus background. And a similar shot from Neil, both really getting value out of those macro lenses.

And then we still have Neil's ab afflicta series - just reward for the many many hours that Neil puts in for protection and promotion of this and other species.

Quite frankly, I can't and won't separate these. Great pictures all, so different and yet every one illustrating a different aspect of his, and her, majesty. Well done everyone, and bring on 2012.

Your Help is URGENTLY Needed...

2011-08-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

One small flutter for his highness, one giant leap for his highnesses kind...

On going research work being conducted behind closed doors on his highness (and his closest Apaturinae associates) has taken a leap forward today with the confirmation that I will have access to a powerful GC-MS (Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometer) machine with which I intend to analyze the chemical composition of specific areas of male iris wings. The chemical(s) I hope to identify on the portions of the male iris wings, are however relatively unstable and unfortunately rapidly oxidise in atmospheric air. As a consequence of this chemical degradation, the analysis must therefore unfortunately be performed on fresh (less than 1 month old) samples if any hope of the expected chemical(s) are to be detected. Considering that the UK iris flight season is now almost over, I write in absolute desperation of finding a lone wild male specimen with which this critical analysis might please be able to be performed. Although the ideal specimen for this analysis would still have wings which are in a reasonable condition, my desperation means that I will accept almost any male, just as long as it has been obtained from the wild. Although I do also need a captive reared specimen for use as an essential control, the most critical male specimen must unfortunately be obtained from the wild. Already dead male specimens would however also be ideal for this analysis as their natural lives would thankfully have already served their purpose. I therefore write in order to please appeal to all of your over riding scientific minds, whilst re-iterating the significance with which a lone male specimen, which is undoubtedly already at the end of it's natural life might please help us to re-write the natural history books, regarding what is currently known about this most remarkable butterfly species.

I would not write this message unless my request was of the most sincere nature and due to the severity of my desperation, I urgently hope that one of you might please be able to help locate a single lone (ideally already dead) male which can be used to further our understanding of this most magnificent butterfly species.

Next years generation coming along nicely

2011-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

One of next years generation that appears to be doing well. Several of the larvae that I have sleeved have now shed their first skins, all appear to be doing well. Some simple maths indicates that the earliest of these were laid as early as the 1st July, give or take a day or two.

Fat Lady Thwarted

2011-07-31T12:56:00.000-07:00

She didn't sing today, infact she had a Nordik walking pole firmly stuffed down her throat. I toured the main Savernake male territories. All were blank bar the best one (the Dead Beech Glade) which produced no less than 3 males. They produced one glorious clash and chase involving all three, and several chases of pairs. The dominant male saw off a red kite (already on the PE hit list). All three were worn and a little frayed about the edges. Looks like there should be one left next weekend, though the following might be the last photo of the (lousy) 2011 iris season (top left) -

That's the good news. The worrying news is that the 2011 egg lay may be even worse than its predecessor...

The Humble Ringlet

2011-07-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

During the duller periods of lesser Purple seasons, such as this, the People of Purple Pursuasion may wish to work the plebecite for aberrations. The humble Ringlet, hyperanthus, may be rewarding. Hyperanthus was, of course, one of the 50 sons of Aegyptus, who did bugger all other than begat 50 sons - all of whom were slaughtered on their wedding night by their brides. Here is ab arete, or is it ab caeca, I can't remember, photographed somewhere in the nether regions of the Empire this July.

Red Admiral Confusion

2011-07-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

Many of us encountered numerous Red Ads in Purple Places this season. E.g., there was one every 50-75m along the rides in Fermyn Woods in early July. Red Ads also visited a lot of baits, natural and otherwise, this season. It seems there was a sizeable influx of Red Ads to the SE on the back of thunderstorms there on Tues June 28th.

Red Ads commonly set up territories in iris territories, though well below Emperor level. Indeed, one way of finding new Emperor territories is to look for Red Ad territories, and then look upwards.

Battling territorial Red Ads also chase each other about at speed, though usually not at irisian level - but we can at a distance mistake atalanta for iris because of this behaviour. Atalanta doesn't, however, engage in the classic circling squabble of iris males. Brothers c-album and cardui also chase each other about, sometimes high up - out of sight & out of mind, like iris. So we can confuse these lesser mortals for the Monarch of all the Butterflies at a distance. Beware of false prophets, for many will come in His name... A male Emperor will, of course, see off any of this riff-raff.

Here is a couple of pix of a male Red Ad that adopted Brother Neil as a perching point below the Marlpost Wood North Gate iris territory this season. Red Ad males are almost ubiquitous here during the Purple season -

Note the use of Grecian 2011 in the above pic... It proved, though, useless as a bait for iris.

Digression

2011-07-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today, 26th July, as a minor digression, I watched a fresh male Duke of Burgundy Fritillary beating up a male Dingy Skipper - before they both took on a couple of Small Skippers, one of which later proved to be an Essex Skipper. I think this is the first time His Grace has tangled with his arch rival during the Purple Emperor season.

His Grace needs his own website, but in the meantime is welcome on this website where he will forever be known as The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary (once a king and queen in Narnia, always a king and queen in Narnia - Aslan said that). Here he is, on a late summer flower no less -

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

2011-07-25T13:03:00.001-07:00

Greetings from the 2012 Purple Emperor season... on its way. Skin changing to 2nd instar.

Some Purple Bits

2011-07-24T18:23:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend just gone we had a trip to Fermyn, hoping for some late season action; alas it was not to be!

We did have a very brief fly-by male in the wood during the very cold northerly wind on Friday, but torrential rain overnight to the Saturday will probably have finished them off!

Roll on next year, and hoping for a better sequence of rest days.

FROM RICHARD DUNN

bucksbucksoxon

2011-07-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

It's winding down here, too: just 3 females seen in two different woods today.
The attached photos, taken by Malcolm Brownsword during our field trip to Bernwood earlier this month, shows HIM allowing one of his Admirals first bite at the cherry [synonym for dog poo].

Season Ending

2011-07-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ashley's right, this (rotten) season is ending fast. Today I struggled to see three lone males in a search of the main territories in Savernake, one of whom was so battered he had no right to be flying at all. Also, I failed to see Herself during two long vigils in the best breeding area. Savernake is a 'late' site, where males usually last until about 7th August. I doubt they'll be any left there by next weekend.

What do you do when the party's over? Find another party! It's egg-hunting time again, followed by 10 wonderful months of fascinating caterpillars. Emperor season without end...

End of the Purple Season

2011-07-24T02:17:00.001-07:00

Date: 23 July 2011
Weather: Very Cloudy, Breezy with short interludes of sunshine
Temperature: 60f
Recorder: Ashley Whitlock
Location: Alice Holt Forest (1)
The sun was out when I arrived on site at 1230 but there was a lot of cloud about, and it could disappear at any time. It was probably too early to see anything, and I was right. There was nothing to be seen until 1305 as the weather had turned and was quite breezy and the cloud cover was almost 100%. A male did turn up at 1305 which was very lucky as I was going to go at 1300! He did the usual ‘s’ flight pattern and disappeared into the thick foliage of the Beech Tree. There was a Buzzard flying over the tops of this tree, and not sure whether it had seen this male, but he seemed to be hanging around. The male got off of his perch again and was patrolling quite merrily around his vista. He did this several times, whether he was hoping to find another male or was searching for any spot out of the eyeshot of the Buzzard! After all they do eat insects and a Purple Emperor would make quite a decent snack I suspect! I did not think there were any others around as there weren’t any chases, to be seen. It was very windy in the canopy but the sun had come out again at 1310.
The male was quite content to sit in the tree top facing the sun with its wings open, you can always tell a male when it’s quite battered and bruised as they have a sort of brownish tinge to their colouration. He didn’t move again as the weather closed in again so I moved on hoping to find some more.
Buckshot Hole
Arrived with a sort vague excuse for some sunshine at 1330, and stayed here for about 20 minutes but there wasn’t anything on station.
Goose Green Inclosure
Arrived at 1340 and the weather was really just black clouds and breezy, with some sultry sunshine for a few minutes, but there wasn’t anything here. I stayed for up to forty-five minutes, but all is lost now for this season. It’s really been bad, a small purple patch during the Wimbledon fortnight, but the rest well I’ll just put it down to experience….it can’t get any worse can it?

Winding Down

2011-07-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

The season appears to be winding down rapidly, especially in the south east which experienced a sequence of Vile days this week (until yesterday). I failed to see any males in the main territories in Southwater Woods, W Sussex, yesterday afternoon, and felt that they were all but over. Ageing females will certainly make the most of the good weather that has rather belatedly arrived.

Looking at the info that's come in from last year and this, and at my own diaries, it seems that one of the reasons why last year's egg lay was so poor was that the females appeared unusually late then (e.g. 8th July in W Sussex), only to suffer at the hands of the mid July gale - the St Swithun's Day Massacre. Yet, this year it seems that the females appeared much earlier, in numbers, and that the entire emergence was far more concertinaed (which is the correct spelling). Last year in Savernake, the species emerged over a 3 week period. This year, perhaps over some 10-12 days. Presumably this is because of the difference in time spent in the pupal stage between the two years.

Other snippets: it seems that the Emperor has had a good year at / around the introduced site in Suffolk. I'll post a fuller account later. He has also been recorded again in Dorset, at the site just inside the county border discovered last year. Still no news from Kent (which doesn't seem to have heard of thepurpleempire... ).

Meanwhile, here's a male high on territory in Alice Holt last weekend...

Mother knows best

2011-07-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Her Imperial Highness selected this rather pathetic leaf stub for her offspring. This was despite the presence of plenty of lush, whole leaves to choose from in the immediate vicinity. In fact she must have struggled past some good leaves to reach this egg laying site. This behaviour reminds me a little of camilla's preference for laying on the worst looking Honeysuckle in the thicket.

Picture from Nick Butt

2011-07-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

A photo I took in a southern counties wood on July 5th 2011, quite a few females found on path ways this year but very few males which makes this picture unusual for me.

Purple Doings in Hampshire - Ashley Whitlock

2011-07-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the worst years on record, with the weather going from bad to worse. In all my years I've never encountered such a wet summer in the the middle of the Emperor season, but I've no doubt several recorders can better this?

However the doings of the Emperor in Hampshire have actually not been that bad. There was a lot of activity in the first and last week of Wimbledon which is actually its saving grace, as the males were out in the first week and females followed on rapidly behind and mated very quickly. They were seen egg laying in many woods, some of those noted were Alice Holt of course, Botley Wood and Whiteley Pastures, Creech Wood, West Wood and Crab Woods.

The species has been seen in reasonable numbers up and down the county, and its hoped that the wet and windy weather over the last fortnight has not had too much of a detrimental effect on their numbers. Only time will tell, and with the promise of some steady high pressure in the next couple of days who knows...there may well still be some of the males at the assembly points?

On a personal note I've encountered it on the ground more times in 2011 than any other time in my career as a butterfly recorder, certainly since I've been Co-ordinator of Hampshire. Perhaps this has something to do with the very dry period leading up to the wet season we are now encountering. Here are a few pictures of my recording in several of the woods mentioned in the text.

Ashley Whitlock

A brighter future

2011-07-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

A combination of low numbers and poor weather has made sightings of adult iris as rare as hens teeth here in North Bucks. The dull weather this morning ruled out the chances of any further sightings so I switched to egg hunting. In a little under two hours I found a spectacular 14 eggs. This suggests the females may not be very visible but they are getting on with business well. It also compares well with last year when I found no eggs.

All the eggs were laid on broad leaved, dark green, Sallow. Typically they were laid on the shady side towards the interior of the bush. Interestingly the leaves selected tended to be small and rather scruffy. I even found one where the leaf had been nearly completely eaten by something and the egg was laid upon the remaining fragment of stalk.

Over a week ago I found five other eggs in the same general area. All but one of these has now hatched and successfully taken up the typical position on a Sallow leaf. The other egg has coloured up and should hatch in the next couple of days.

Forestry Commission News

2011-07-18T13:28:00.001-07:00

Can anyone explain the stained tea strainer that's recently been attached to the FC high seat tower in the middle of Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest? It is nothing whatsoever to do with me.

Also, I have been informed of the following incident that apparently took place in Ampfield Wood, Hampshire, a little while back. Apparently, an FC van skidded on a massive banana bait placed on a corner along one of the made-up rides there and ended up in the ditch! The driver was heard explaining the situation to his boss on the mobile phone, by the person responsible for the bait. Why this glorious story has taken so long to make it on to this website beggars belief. What do people think this website is actually for?

If there are any more stories like this out there please bung them on, whilst the sukebind is still in bloom...

Happy Snapping

2011-07-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

OK - it hasn't been the century's greatest emperor season, that's clear, although a couple of magic days in Fermyn by all accounts. I'm sitting in this expat enclave in a balmy 22 degrees (and yes, it's winter!) while my gorgeous wife is holed up just outside London emailing me daily with horror stories of gales and rain - as I said, what do you expect - it's England in July!!

That aside - are we really going to have to give the Purple Emperor Photographic Award to Matthew? Come on, he doesn't even claim to be a decent photographer - he just seems to have that knack of being in the right place at the right time. Or perhaps it's like Greg Norman's philosphy - the harder I work, the luckier I get?

Neil gets a special award for Miss Iris, our heartiest congratulations - that's worth at least a couple of ab iole's any day (pace Matthew - no idea of fourth declension plurals, I was probably having a haircut that day).

But seriously - get those pictures up on the blog - I promise only fame, not fortune, but let's see your best iris pix if 2011 - and yes, Matthew and Neil, I'll be there for 2012, that's a promise.

Bentley Wood doing well.

2011-07-18T02:42:00.000-07:00

Just to give an overview of the season so far;

Good numbers of males & females have emerged this year with my own early morning counts of up to 11 males from a small area of the site.

In the same limited area I also made daily counts of up to 6 egg - laying females.

It is also important to remember that the wood is part of a large complex of woods here that are important to the species.

Since egg - laying was observed from early July [ as in 2010 ] & will no doubt continue for up to ten days now, this bodes well for 2012 provided of course that overwinter survival & emergence etc. is reasonable.

I suspect that last year's gale in mid - July had little effect despite the ferocity of the weather here as the same pattern of early egg - laying was observed & females were plentiful & busy egg - laying following the gale.

My final observation of egg - laying in 2010 was 27th July.

Given the huge area of woodland used by the males & females I hope to get a better idea of the size of the population by surveying more widely in future.

I will also hopefully find time to complete a couple more days survey on site this year when the inevitable weather window arrives.

Mike.

Latest Doings

2011-07-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I've had to go back to work, though that is somewhat eased by the fact that the weather has collapsed...

However, this week is crucial for egg laying, and the females desperately need some decent weather to get on with the all-important task of egg laying, to ensure a better iris season next year. At present, a low number of eggs has been laid at most sites, and one of the reasons why this season has been so poor (in terms of adult numbers) is because too few eggs were laid last July. (It is probable that this poor June was actually more damaging, but it's still a little premature to decide on that).

Females are still going strong at most localities, or should be ... Much depends on how well they can sit out the current poor weather, and make the most of narrow and sudden windows of opportunity for laying eggs.

Males will now be in decline, though they were still going quite nicely in Alice Holt Forest last Friday (15th). They may go over rapidly in this weather... .

Here's a nice male seen in Fermyn Woods at the start of the month -

"They aren't here for our entertainment"

2011-07-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

As the late Nick Sampford once said and he is probably quoting someone else
‘They aren’t here for our entertainment’.

As long as the females are doing their stuff, we shouldn't have to worry?

Here in Herts, the range is expanding and/or we are just finding them where we didn't know they existed! Our summer has been exceptional even though I am stuck at work tomorrow when the forecast is sunny. Our target is that we should find them in every 10km square within a few years!
Liz

Savernake Subsides...

2011-07-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire, has now added its illustrious name to the lengthening list of places experiencing a dire iris season (in terms of adult numbers). The butterfly seems to have emerged in desperately low numbers in most (but not all) districts.

Today I conducted my annual standardised count of males in ten territories along Three Oak Hills Drive in southern Savernake, in near-perfect weather and with the males at peak (Sav is a 'late' site). I struggled to record six males, compared to 14 in 2010 and 17 in 2009. The previous lowest tally from a comparable count was ten (in 2007). Today's count fully backed up impressions gained in previous visits to Sav this season - that males are decidedly scarce there.

The good news is that I witnessed a wonderful egg-laying performance from a huge and pristine Empress in a distant part of the forest, and learnt of another stunning female being seen laying eggs near The Column (a piece of 18th century bollox) and yet another fine lady being photographed down on a grassy ride nearby.

This is proving an exceptional year for Herself coming down to the ride surfaces (usually to grassy rides or the grassy edges of surfaced rides). Perhaps there's a shortage of honey dew (or whatever the females feed on) in the trees?

I'm now giving up trying to work male territories, and will concentrate on the females for the rest of the season. Males become lethargic when they are sole occupants of territories, and most territories are at best holding single males only. Also, one of the main causes of male activity is small flies landing on their basking wings, but there's a paucity of small flies high in the canopy at present (due to pulses of foul weather).

The females need to lay every egg they can this month, to restore numbers for next year. It's vital that they don't get knocked out by a gale, as happened this time last year - and guess what's forecast for this weekend...

Nigrizina or Bust!

2011-07-13T13:23:00.001-07:00

His Imperial Majesty was not in the giving vein today at Bookham Common, probably due to persistent cloud, but Paphia was, as below. This follows an extreme ab ocellata photographed in Chiddingfold Forest on Monday by Brother Ken. Enjoy. Piers is charged with naming her -

Alice Holt Forest

2011-07-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

As the weather was not particularly good last Saturday I thought I would pay a visit to AHF specifically to look for egg laying females through the middle of the day. Although the sky was overcast it was warm and fairly still. After spending 2 hrs scouring likely looking sallows I was somewhat reassured by spotting five - possibly six - different females that all appeared to be egg laying. I did spot two or three males so hopefully things are looking a bit brighter for next year.
Mark T

Double Drop

2011-07-13T10:24:00.001-07:00

Today at Madgeland Wood (Southwater) I watched an Empress busy around the crown of a tall sallow near the Trout Lane assembly trees. She strayed too close, immediately catching the attention of the single male on station here. A classic avoidance tumble ('the Willmott drop') failed to shake Him off, so she rose again and repeated the process. This time it worked.

Sussex Blues

2011-07-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Further to Brother Neil's post yesterday. I Emperored intensively in Southwater Woods during the 1970s and have returned annually since 1998, with intermittent visits in between. Not since the odious summer of 1972 (vile May & June, then a lovely July) have I struggled so badly to see iris at this stage in its season there. The mean is about 11-12 per day for this stage. Camilla was also very poor there this year (and was going over rapidly yesterday).

Brother Ken indicates unusually low occupancy of the male territories at Bookham in Surrey, though a pleasing number of males on the ground during good weather there. I haven't received any news from Kent (please!).

It looks as though numbers are particularly low in the SE this year, and in some other districts (e.g. Warwicks). I also suspect that the butterfly is right down in Savernake, Wilts, but everytime I go there it promptly clouds up ...

It's difficult to explain this patchy picture, though the situation will become clearer in time.

Certainly, the two day gale that commenced last St Swithun's Day knocked out adults in a big way, just as the females were getting into the swing of egg laying. At Savernake, they only had 2-3 days of laying before being clobbered, though in theory ladies in the SE, where the season was more advanced by 15:7:10 would have commenced laying a few days earlier. So, the 2010 egg lay should have been better in the SE.

We know precious little about the pupal stage of iris in the wild. It may well be that, as with camilla, adult emergence is best after a good June + short pupal period and worst after a poor June + long pupal period. Maybe larvae in the SE pupated there incredibly early this year (mid-late May) and the insect then got trapped for horribly long in the vulnerable pupal period, even longer than elsewhere?

Recording of males in Sussex yesterday was difficult because only one territory held more than one male, and we know that solitary males are quiet, especially during the second half of the season (now beginning). Males are far more active if they've got someone to squabble with! Also, there's a paucity of small flies in the canopy at present (following last Wednesday's mild gale): one thing I've learnt from nine days in a cherry picker is that the commonest reason for territorial males flying is small flies landing on them whilst they're basking!

But Neil and I also failed to see Herself in Sussex yesterday, and I particularly went for her...

Meanwhile, here's Brother Neil at work beside an artificially-created puddle in another Sussex wood earlier in the season. This behaviour is quite normal of course.

Sussex All But Empty

2011-07-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I searched hard for iris across the entire Southwater Woods complex yesterday, from early to late in perfect conditions. We found only 5 males between us. I have personally seen just 10 Emperors in Sussex this year, with the most frenetic activity being a single chase of 2. On 9th July 2010 we covered the same ground and saw at least 21 different males. Elsewhere in Sussex other observers are seeing the same .... little, or in most cases nothing! Matthew came to the conclusion that this is the worst showing in Sussex since 1972. Other counties seem to be faring much better, but here all but the very best sites have fallen below Heslop's observation threshold.

News from Herts & Middx

2011-07-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lack of news, but lack of news doesn't mean lack of happenings.

It is happening big time in Hertfordshire with two new confirmed woodlands (one historic area) and two reports from new areas of individuals. One of the woods and one of the individual sightings are considerable distances from our known colonies.

We have to give credit to Laurence Drummond who has worked really hard these last two weeks and is responsible for finding one of the new woods.

Liz

berks/bucks/oxon interim report II

2011-07-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've divided these reports into 8 day periods: 20th June [1st seen in our region on that day in W. Berks] to 27th June. After that 1st emergence, nothing much happened, and we had a total of only 18 individuals during these first 8 days. We were worried that we were in for a poor season. I'm delighted that we were absolutely wrong, because, from the 29th June [was the weather poor on the 28th? I've no records from anybody for that day]it really took off; 29.6 is the 'normal' 1st appearance time for us northerners. The next 8 day period: 29.6 to 5.7 yielded 117 individuals in 21 different woods.
The female ovipositing in a 'NW Bucks' wood, photographed by Matthew,was on 30th June. The first time I've seen a June female, and, it follows, the first time I've seen ovipositing in June. That day, on the same small Sallow, we found another egg which was several days old! A female was even seen 23rd June in Bernwood Forest.
Note: 21 woods; we have a lot of keen observers scouring these counties for new habitats. Because of these efforts we have been able to build up a useful landscape picture of iris habitats across this region.

Herself

2011-07-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

The disappointment of such a poor iris season in Sussex was temporarily relieved this afternoon when I had two good sightings of different females striking sallows. These were my first Sussex femmes of the year. Both were observed on high ground in a newly investigated wood near Billingshurst. These girls must do their duty - I need to see more Emperors next year.

Delicious Bird

2011-07-08T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the delicious bird I pulled the other night in Sussex... White hot she was, white hot...

And here's Brother Neil in customary poise. Note the artificially-induced puddle of Shrimp Tea (it works...) -

Herself

2011-07-08T03:24:00.000-07:00

We seem to have been seeing an unusual amount of Herself this season. For a start, there are a good number of records of Her coming down to the rides during the hot weather of 1st - 5th July, usually to grassy rides or grass edges of surfaced rides. And she's even posed amongst the sallows -

And she's even laid some eggs. Here's a freshly laid egg -

Whether she can ride out this stormy weather remains to be seen...

Distant sighting of himself (note lower case "h") at Fermyn?

2011-07-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

Forever Fermyn

2011-07-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

Taken at Fermyn last Friday when the only sounds were the cooing of pigeons, the drumming of woodpeckers and the trumpeting of a group of Northerners who'd "just had a Whie-letter Hairstreak". This shot was about the best ( like Matthew I can see some warm work ahead in the editing suite); Himself enjoying a long draught of Chateau Jack Russell.

Miss Iris

2011-07-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

And here's another picture of Miss Mia Iris, sporting The Emperor Hat from the 'House of Mrs Hulme' summer knitwear collection.

Developing Purple

2011-07-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

I have also noticed the phenomenon recorded by both Steve Croxford and Garry Chambers, regarding the relatively dull and 'blotchy' appearance of newly-emerged male Emperors. I'm sure Alexander Henderson is correct in his analysis of when the purple iridescence is best observed (see replies to SC), relating to the play of light on the scales; it is often easier to 'get purple' under the suffused light conditions resulting from thin cloud cover. However, I think there is an additional factor at play when it comes to these particular individuals, which I'm sure are both in the early hours of adulthood. I have also observed a very similar if not identical situation with the iridescent purple 'flash' in female Purple Hairstreak; when they are still in the earlier stages of 'drying off' it isn't possible to view a particularly rich, strong colour. I suspect that molecules of fluid still adhering to the wings are interfering with the potential effects of refraction and reflection, as light strikes the microstructured surface of the scales. As the wings dry off we see the gradual development of the purple brilliance we know and love. Here's one of my own.

Iris Returns to Salcey Forest

2011-07-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Two sightings were made of male iris grounded in separate parts of Salcey Forest, some distance apart, on Sunday, July 2nd, with a further one at one of these on the following day. These are the first records for over half a century in one of its traditional strongholds of the past, a favourite hunting ground of "BB".

Doug Goddard

Howling Gale

2011-07-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

The weather seems to be brewing a gale tonight. That could put the mockers on the 2011 iris season. Last year, the butterfly was decimated (in the modern sense, the opposite of the original Roman sense) by a 48 hour gale on July 15th & 16th, as the females were getting into the swing of egg laying. Consequently, the egg lay was poor. That, coupled with this poor June, lead to a low emergence this summer. I've got the horrible feeling that history is about to repeat itself... Are we allowed to use the F word on this website?

Meanwhile, here's a Comma ab suffusa photographed in Fermyn Woods last weekend - in the same riding where one was seen in 2010. He's missing half an antenna, necessitating a winter evening photoshop session.

Purple is as Purple does

2011-07-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

A series of images below from Garry Chambers. He asks

"I took these pics at Fermyn on 29th June. I have never seen one quite like it and was wondering if it is an aberration or whether its colour was still developing."

Any feedback for Garry?

Doings in Fermyn

2011-07-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just back from five wonderful days in Fermyn Woods, Rockingham Forest, staying at an artists' retreat cottage in the old meadows on the edge of the woods and bumbling round the ridings (Northants word for rides) on a mountain bike, with the butterfly at peak season... Linnets, both whitethroats, yellowhammers and a reeling grasshopper warbler in the cottage garden jungle. Pimms served from 5pm. No TV.

Fermyn doesn't deal in poor Emperor seasons, other woods do. Here the season is either Excellent, Superb or Utterly Brilliant. This one fits into the Excessively Good category...

Straight in on the male ab afflicta, which has already been featured on this website. That was on Fri 1st. I don't think he was subsequently seen, but please comment if otherwise. So, he was seen along a half mile stretch of riding by several observers on both Wed 29th and again on Fri 1st. I think at least half a dozen people managed to photograph him (out of the 1500-2000 that visit Fermyn for iris). It may sound boastful but I have now photographed iris aberrations three years running.

Good numbers of males visiting the rides, including four together on genetically modified horse dung this morning. I think the male emergence there is now complete, with just the odd late female to come. In Fermyn, the insect emerges over a relatively short time (ca 12 days), compared to around 20 days in other woods (e.g. Savernake).

Saw quite a lot of Herself too, not least because I was targetting the minx. Witnessed several egg-laying runs in the sallow jungles and along north and east-facing ride edges. Saw several females down on the ridings, something I personally haven't witnessed since 1976 - though they do come down in hot dry weather, usually to grassy rides. Here's a lovely lady who arrived at the genetically modified pile of horse dung this morning.

Finally, congratulations to Brother Neil who now supersedes me as Britain's Worst Father, and a warm welcome to Miss Iris Hulme, Born on Mon July 4th, in purpuratum. Here she is -

Emperor Photo Competition

2011-07-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

I see his (and her) excellency have been extremely co-operative, especially in Fermyn where they've done the media course and know all about sitting on the rides with wings wide open. Some great photographs of professional quality, and from a much larger number of photographers, which is very pleasing.

We'll try not to be over-impressed by females and varieties, but gosh - I'm impressed.

2011-07-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Monday July 4th 2011.

Bentley wood.

3 mile circuit produced much activity from 09.00 with 11 males & 4 egg - laying females

Some males already in poor condition, others pristine as shown here.

Female shown was laying between 2 & 5 metres up in canopy.

Savernake 2nd 3rd July

2011-07-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday 2nd July

As I drove up Three Oak Drive towards the column I passed a couple with binoculars. They were at the spot were several PE's were seen last year. I suspected they were looking for iris so wound down the window and asked them if they had seen anything. They hadn't, they were new to the forest and had never seen iris before and not quite sure where to look. I informed them, they were seen here last year and should have a look before trying at the column. After 20 minutes or so a brief view of a male flying at the top of a tall Beech was obtained. We waited for more activity, I got the scope from the car and scanned the area where it was last seen, to no avail.

By the time I got to the column, the early sun had mostly been replaced by cloud a hour or so passed and no more butterflies were seen. The couple I met earlier left, and as they drove away his highness glided across the column. Another hour passed without and Emperor action and I decided to walk down a ride. On my return an hour later, now 3pm, I had my final sighting of the day.

Sunday 3rd July

I arrived at the column around 11am. The couple I met yesterday updated me with the sightings they had prior to my arrival (several sightings on the ground of a male) During the next two hours a dozen or so sightings, including two males (one on the column and one on the ground) one male alighting low enough to get a half decent photo.

Fermyn (Part 2)

2011-07-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

I'm very grateful to Nick Ballard and Phil Bromley for pointing out the Purple Emperor aberrant (later identified as ab. afflicta by Piers Vigus) which they had already photographed that morning (29th June) in Lady Wood at Fermyn. I had already clocked up 26 grounded males on an adjacent ride, but the day was just getting better by the moment! The butterfly had retired to a low hazel during a dull, cooler period, but was tantalisingly just out of reach of the camera. As we chewed the cud I remained quietly optimistic that it would return to ground ....... and after 10 minutes it did so, thereafter allowing me ample opportunity to photograph this rare and beautiful insect. On Friday (1st July) I received a text from Matthew, who had just arrived at Fermyn and quickly located the specimen. Apparently it was also giving much pleasure to other lucky butterflyers. Two days in Fermyn is never enough.

Lodge Pond

2011-07-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

Out fishing with my son today on the outskirts of Alice Holt at Lodge Pond which is just across the road from Birdworld. Much to my surprise spotted a pristine male on the ground at the edge of the pond taking salts etc (this is not an area where I've encountered males before). He allowed me to touch and his wings were still very soft. Seems like males are still hatching down here in Hampshire.

Brazen Lady

2011-07-02T01:41:00.000-07:00

I spent Thursday at Bentley wood for scant return - three individuals with one on the ground. I was in a quandary as to what to do on Friday. I considered making the long journey to Fermyn Woods but decided against it. Obviously a mistake in hindsight! So I decided to return to Old Haunts at Alice Holt Forest. I arrived at 7.45am and walked the ride for an hour or so and saw nothing. It was already very warm and I returned to the car for a drink. At about 9.45am, I spotted a male quartering the ride in front of me. It settled and I gave it time to get comfortable before firing off some shots. The day was looking better! Whilst looking through the viewfinder at this first male, I sensed movement in my peripheral vision. Glancing down, I spotted another Emperor at my feet. It was huge and obviously female. Having read about the skittishness of females on the ground, and knowing it was quite a rare event, I moved gingerly to reposition my camera and quickly fired off a number of shots. At this point, the male was still only two feet away, and I was unsure whether they were aware of one another. As I watched, she walked towards a small clump of grass and appeared to be taking moisture. She was a very brash lady and paraded for 15 minutes while I watched intently.. The male flew off up the ride after about 5 minutes and unfortunately they never acknowledged each other. Her back wings were a bit worn and she’d obviously been out for a few days. By the end of the day I had seen one other pristine female and seven different males. An improvement but not quite as successful as Neil’s trip!

2011-07-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Friday July 1st 2011
Bentley Wood - A 2 mile circuit today yielded 9 males & 2 females egg-laying.
Increasing cloud cover quietened everything from 2.00 pm onwards.
Several White Admiral egg - laying.

Fermyn (Part 1)

2011-07-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

With a disappointing start to The Season down South the lure of Fermyn was too strong to resist. On Wednesday 29th June I drove North early in the morning, arriving before He had stirred. It turned out to be one of those sublime days which come but once a year. He came down in wave after wave throughout the morning, in numbers I have not experienced before. Having my Japanese folding commuter bicycle always gives me the edge when clocking up numbers and I travelled some distance through the ride system; nevertheless, 35 grounded males is a LOT! At times I could see 5 or 6 quartering a short section of the track. One of my baits played host to 3 Emperors, 4 Red Admirals and a Comma. They landed on my forehead, hand, boots, trousers, rucksack and bicycle - they swarmed. I even managed the open wing, purple shot on foliage as a male cleaned his proboscis. It was a memorable morning, but just around the corner there was an even greater prize awaiting.

Herself...

2011-06-30T13:53:00.001-07:00

Here is Herself, egg laying today in a privately-owned wood in NW Bucks. The photo needs some photoshop work but in the original you can make out the egg coming out of the abdomen. She was laying remarkably low down, on both narrow-leaved and broad-leaved bushes, including on 2m tall sucker growth growing out of a ditch.

Here's the freshly laid egg. The egg changes colour after a couple of days -

And here is Herself, a veritable minx at the best of times -

On Wednesday 29th I visited Savernake but struggled to see lone males in three of the seven top territories I searched, suggesting that the butterfly was only just starting there - it is a 'late' site. Did anyone see it any earlier????

Tomorrow, at dawn without breakfast, I head for Fermyn Woods for a long weekend, staying in the cottage in the woodland meadows. I wont be able to blog direct but will send verbal reports via a Kindred Spirit... I seek Iole, nothing less...

Perplexed, or should that be purplexed

2011-06-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

I bumped into Chris Dennis at Finemere Wood today when shortly after this male iris made an appearance. Chris had already seen three males all at the same time on the main track. Maybe the season is sparking to life.

We followed him for at least half an hour in which time he moved over a dozen times but never going far. He always returned to the path to continue taking up salts. Something very strange appeared to happen during this time. When he first arrived it was quite difficult to see the purple sheen, care had to be taken to get the correct angle to the sun for it to show at all. Even then the purple colour was quite subdued. However as time passed the purple colour appeared to become more and more intense. After half an hour the purple sheen was not only intense but could be seen from nearly any angle. During the sighting the sky filled in from broken clouds to overcast and rather grey. I also took a lot of photos during the sighting which when reviewed in sequence appear to confirm the colouring up phenomenon. I have no explanation for this apparent behaviour and wondered if anyone else had witnessed anything like it.

Doings

2011-06-29T00:52:00.001-07:00

Brother Neil in (rather than on) ecstasy - near Billingshurst, W Sussex, Tues 28th June, just before the thunderstorms... The storms were utterly amazing. At their zenith - with rolling thunder and horizontal lightening all around - a male iris was batting about in a W Sussex wood? Nb in 1975 I watched a 3am flight of iris during the best sheet lightening storm I've ever seen...

Concerned Of Sussex

2011-06-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

Today I was joined by Matthew Oates in a raid on Botany Bay. But rather than a shed-full of grounded Emperors, ideal conditions brought only 3 males out to play, despite much looking. We are both getting rather concerned that we have a poor iris season to contend with. Although Matthew has seen good numbers of White Admiral and Silver-washed at AHF, a similar malaise seems to have affected all of these summer woodland species in Sussex and the Surrey borderlands. Hutchinsoni Comma numbers are down here too. Perhaps all of these species, which operate to a similar calendar, have been adversely affected by the abrupt change from excellent to rubbish weather at a critical time? At least those magnificent beasts that did show up performed well, with repeated returns to the forest floor, finger-sitting and prolonged periods of tongue-wiping (on the leaves of low foliage) to remove silt particles from the proboscis after 'salting'.

Oakley Wood car park

2011-06-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Sightings of iris around the Buck/Oxon border have been hard to come by so far this year. One site that has provided several sightings is the car park at Oakley Wood, Bernwood Forest. At least a couple of males have been regularly coming down to the track leading into the wood from the car park. This male was imbibing something unpleasant there this morning.

Alice again

2011-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Popped back to Straits at about 9.30 this morning with a friend and we were only 100yds into the ride when a pristine male landed at my feet for aquick photo - perfect. He diddn't hang around long and made two or three tentative landings before ascending into the oaks.
After walking right down the main ride there was another high up on the way back but I think it was the one seen earlier.
No more sightings here so went over to Abbots wood at about 11am where there was one oak edging in the ride up to the car park and one on territory in the pines.
At Goose Green two were present in the chesnut adjacent the wayleave and both decided that a passing swallow was fair game and set off in hot pursuit.
Stopped off at Straits on the way back and walked the whole ride and found one oak edging betweenthe two deer towers.
In all I think there were six individuals across the three woods.
Mark T

Oversley Wood, Warwickshire

2011-06-27T04:30:00.000-07:00

I had a successful trip to my local Emperor wood yesterday (26th June). Immediately upon arrival at the congregation area at 1:30pm, i was greeted by the sight of 2 males in combat flight at the top of the pines. Plenty more sightings over the next 45 minutes, especially from one male who seemed to enjoy swooping from perch to perch over a small area he had clearly claimed as his own. At one point, a poor bird stupidly flew a bit too close to his Majesty's perch and was chased away at top speed. I left the congregation area not long after and had a walk around the wood, hoping to see a few Emperor's flying over the Oaks at known hotspots but no luck. Returning to the congregation area at 4:30pm, there was more activity in the same area so its likely that these individuals were the same ones as seen previously. Another sighting of the 2 males chasing each other was rather entertaining to watch, as was the one male that decided to land so close to the edge of a pine stem, he got blown off his perch by the wind.

2 more Emperors were seen late morning on the ground by John Carter, one only fleetingly but the debate is on as to whether they were male or female. These sightings are the first in Warwickshire so far. On my best count last year, i had 19 sightings and an estimated 12 individuals. Lets hope Oversley Wood has an equally successful Emperor season this year!

berks/bucks/oxon 26th June

2011-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Four of us went to eight of our best woods and managed to see just 4 in 11 hours hard searching. No 'mass emergence' here, for sure, and judging by the modest numbers reported from Alice Holt and woods in that region, we have reason to believe this will be a poor to average season. As Matthew has pointed out, the gales last July at a critical egg laying time, followed by the small number of larvae found, all point to a not very purple July.
Let's hope it's just not happened properly yet.

2011-06-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

Sussex Speeds To Snail's Pace

On a BC guided walk at Southwater Woods on Sunday (26th June) we did manage to scrape together 3 Emperors; a battling pair over the Marlpost parking area and the previously observed singleton at Madgeland MTs. Summer woodland species continue to under-perform spectacularly here, with disappointing numbers of camilla and paphia at present. I'm hoping this mini heatwave will stir things up a bit, but the rides seem strangely lacking in butterflies.

The Odiham One

2011-06-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Spent a few hours in the local area this afternoon (Phew...What A Scorcha).

At 3.30pm one very large and fresh male evident in the Odiham village territory that was very good last year. Continued on around the Dogmersfield area but no sign of anything else all afternoon. We usually have a late start in this part of Hampshire so won't panic yet but certainly numbers are rather low at the moment (or maybe it was siesta time).

Tony B

Alice Holt

2011-06-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Promised Sarah that I would get her first sighting on the ground today - what a mistake!
Got an early start this morning as the forecast was so good to be greeted by mist and fog!
Was at Botany Bay for the first four hours and walked right through to Tugley Wood and Oaken wood and back again - nothing! Spoke to number of likeminded folk who also reported nothing so set off for Alice about noon.
Got to Alice at about 1.30pm and parked at the South end of Abbots wood and walked right through to tht car park in VERY warm sunshine - nothing on route.
I pointed out the territory at the car park to Sarah and said 'that's where I saw some' and immediately a male set out from one of the pines - we watched for about twenty minutes and saw several sorties and eventually a tussle between two - so at least the day was part saved.
Drove over to Goose Green Old car park at about 3pm and saw one on the chesnut within two minutes.
We watched the territory for about 45mins and there was one pursuit of three males across the road which was quite spectacular. There was one male in a gap in the oaks and I estimate that in total probably five were present - so hopefully things are looking a bit brighter.
Finished off a HOT day with a walk up the main track at Straits but nothing again!
Didn't get the promised viewing on the ground but got plenty of purple flash fixes from the pursuits at Goose Green so all was not lost.
MarkT