Newsletter 126
Insect Report
The lead story for insects this year has been, and is likely to remain, the large influx of Painted Ladies into the UK. There have always been good “Painted Lady years”, but 2009 is going to be really exceptional. The national press reported huge numbers of insects crossing the English Channel during May. I was in the Isle of Wight at the end of May and they were absolutely everywhere. Even crossing from Southampton, Painted Ladies were flying past the ferry several times a minute.
Painted Lady
In Chorley we have seen rather fewer than I would have hoped. They first appeared on 25th May and have been regular ever since. One observer counted 9 in his garden in a one hour period. I expect his count would have been repeated in any other local garden. They were frequent at White Coppice and at Cuerden Valley Park. I expected also to receive lots of Silver Y records, as these often have good influxes when Painted Ladies do. However, no more than usual have been reported so far. I hope and expect that both these species will be numerous in the later summer months, as these immigrants are here to reproduce. I have not seen Painted Lady larvae locally, but I did find one on the Isle of Lewis! Now, if they can breed up there, they can breed down here. All records will be appreciated.
After the disastrous season in 2008, the Small Tortoiseshell numbers seem to be back to normal. 3’s and 4’s were reported quite regularly since the first sighting on 5th April. Peacocks have also been seen everywhere, but there have been no records at all for Red Admiral and only 3 for the Comma. Both these species tend to do better later in the year, so I live in hope.
Four Spotted Chasers seem to be increasing locally. There was a time when only ones and twos were seen in a whole year, but they have become common at several local sites. The best place to see them so far this year has been the dragonfly breeding pond at Cuerden. Here numbers in excess of 30 were reported. You will also see the common damselflies, Broad Bodied Chasers and Emperor Dragonflies at the pond.
Moth trapping is an addiction! At least it seems to be so for a member in Adlington, who is adding lots of species - especially the micros - to the local list. Poplar and Elephant Hawks, Iron, Pebble, Coxcomb, Swallow and Lesser Swallow Prominents have been highlights. These are not necessarily the rare ones, but they are always exciting to find because of their size and colouration. I would recommend anyone to have a look on our members’ gallery pages where many of the captured moths are illustrated. Click this link to view some - Assorted moths trapped in Adlington
If any members would like to have a try at moth trapping, the society has equipment for loan.
Phil Kirk