Butterflies of Hungary

Transcription

1 Naturetrek June 2007 Hungarian Glider Large Copper Report compiled by Vic Tucker Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) E: W:

2 Butterflies of Hungary Tour Leaders: Vic Tucker Naturetrek leader & naturalist Andras Schmidt Local Guide Participants: Irene Bose Christopher and Tina Lucas Malcolm, Joyce and Dudley Hull Geoff Naylor Jan Brooke Jill Bale John Brookes Tim Sindell Day 1 Saturday 16th June Our excellent Hungarian co-leader, Andras and myself met the group at Budapest Ferihegy Airport problemfree. Once we were assembled, our driver, Steve, soon had our luggage stowed on the vehicle. In addition to driving was also responsible for handing out copious cold drinks and setting up the picnic lunches each day. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Seated in the spacious minibus, our first stop occurred on the airport exit road to watch some particularly easy to see Susliks on a patch of waste ground. These charming little ground squirrels are typical of lowland plains in Hungary but this was a good opportunity to observe them using the vehicle as a hide; they can be difficult to locate elsewhere. Our only other stop was for refreshments etc. overlooking the Matra Hills. Providing some interest here were several very confiding Crested Larks, Common Buzzard, Red-backed Shrike and a White Stork, also two impressive Imperial Eagles. We continued our journey to the far northeastern corner of Hungary. Our early arrival at our hotel in Aggtelek allowed time to freshen up and relax following our early morning flight and onward travel, prior to our most welcome evening meal. Hungary boasts some 170 species of butterfly as its national total. At the time of year and region we are visiting, over 100 species could conceivably be recorded, though a more realistic figure to aim at considering our length of stay (amongst other considerations) would hopefully be into higher double figures. Myself, aided by others, had undertaken much detailed advance planning for Naturetrek s butterfly trip to this less well known country in respect of its butterflies. Now it was all down to the all important good weather and good group participation, together with a dash of good luck. Hungary experienced an exceptionally mild winter this year, barely any snow, a warm early spring and hot early summer, in direct contrast to last year s long cold, wet winter, cool, wet spring and much of the summer. Hence, many early-flying species emerged at least two or three weeks early this year and were now over, either for the year, or between spring and autumn broods. Therefore, several expected species were not seen, but other laterflying unexpected species were to be encountered Naturetrek August 07 1

3 Day 2 Sunday 17th June Weather: 26C. Mainly sunny. We spent the day within 1km of our hotel, partly to compensate for yesterday s travelling much of the time within the immediate environs of the hotel (only some 500m from the Slovak border) in a flower-filled meadow and warm south-facing Karst limestone banks, bursting with a wide range of colourful calcareous plants and butterflies! We also spent time in a narrow tree-lined valley, known to Hungarian lepidopterists as Hairstreak Valley. This venue proved very popular and productive - and not only for hairstreaks. Today our group enjoyed the company of Andras s charming wife Ilona; a very keen and knowledgeable butterfly enthusiast in her own right, accompanied by her young son, Richard, also keen to follow in the family footsteps! We were to benefit from their presence on other occasions during the week. Our enthusiastic and enlarged group successfully identified many notable species during our first full day in the field including many Wood Whites, a localized rarity in the UK, Large, Scarce and Purple-shot Coppers, seven species of blue and nine species of fritillary along with many White Admirals and several of one of our target species, the similarly-marked Hungarian Glider, which allowed excellent close and prolonged photographic opportunities as it nectared on Spirea shrubs in the hotel garden. Hairstreak Valley provided four species of hairstreak and one Woodland Brown, one of Europe s rarer butterflies an exciting bonus. Other notable species were: Nickerl s and Assmann s Fritillaries, and Meleager s and Eastern Baton Blue. Our butterfly total for the day attained 54 species, almost Britain s national total! Day 3 Monday 18th June Weather: 28C. Mostly sunny, but by late pm heavy dark cloud and stiflingly high humidity halted play for the day. Much of the day was spent in varied habitats within Aggtelek National Park, a mixture of higher hilly flower meadows and wooded stream valleys with open glades such as at Josvafo and in the beautiful Menes Valley near Szogliget. Josvafo village, set at the entrance to a wonderfully scenic valley, evidenced the exceptional numbers of butterflies present. Here, beside the placid stream, a very wide range of mud-puddling butterflies were just at our feet, especially comprising several large, exotic Swallowtails and Scarce Swallowtails, many whites and blues, such as tiny Short-tailed, Small and Silver-studded with larger Meleagers. Less gaudy were many white speckled Safflower Skippers and a similarly marked Oberthur s Grizzled Skipper a probable migrant. An exciting spectacle was at least 12 Lesser Purple Emperors and 2 Purple Emperors settling on just one stretch of muddy track! Favouring more the cow-pats were heaps of small fritillaries: Heath, Nickerl s and Assman s. A high, open flower meadow produced in particular several Idas Blues requiring careful separation from Silverstudded, also a Mountain Argus. At least 15 Alcon Blues were noted; a complex taxon. 2 Naturetrek August 07

4 This population is held by some to be Mountain Alcon Blue, though the Hungarian authority advises it is but a distinct form of Alcon Blue. Our final destination, the stream valley located near Szogliget yielded an array of desirable species, including Adonis Blues, White Admirals, many Maps and more familiar Marbled Whites, as well as a range of fritillaries: Silver-washed, High Brown, Dark Green, Lesser Marbled and Marbled among them. In fact our packed day ended with a rather impressive tally of 66 species! Day 4 Tuesday 19th June Weather: 28C. Mainly sunny periods. A lucky early morning sighting of an immature Golden Eagle was very special, being rare in Hungary. Today was a changeover day to our new destination. An early start ensued after our full breakfast in order to reach our second base in unhurried fashion via a detour from the most direct route. At the village of Sajomercse, on a hill above it, which once grew walnuts and fruit trees, but long since abandoned, we were hoping for several localized species, notably Chapman s and Osiris Blues. Several of the former and none of the latter were found. Our next venue was reached by taking an ever upward narrow winding minor road leading to the Central Plateau of the Bukk Hills; incidentally affording chances to observe varying and attractive countryside and very rural villages. The Bukk s more wooded hills encompass an area of some 37,000 hectares of National Park. In fact, Bukk translates as Beech an apt name indeed. Reaching Nagy-Mezo, translated as large meadow, which is exactly that, was located amid the otherwise enclosed mostly broadleaf forest. We spent several productive hours marveling at, among many other species, a plethora of colourful ariel flowers such as brilliant orange Scarce Coppers amid an equal riot of colourful meadow plants. Particularly noteworthy were the comparisons drawn between very similar large fritillary species, Dark Green, High Brown and Niobe. The latter is a very scarce and potentially easily-overlooked butterfly, which requires careful examination to separate it from High Brown, delicate black pencil-lined venations of the underwings being one important distinction. Added value was gained by the attractive meandering walk out of the meadow along woodland paths until once again meeting up with our bus at a different pick-up point. Our reluctant departure was tempered by the very warm welcome affoded us upon our arrival at the homely Nomad Hotel at Nosvaj, extended by Barbara and family, later followed by a quite stupendous dinner. Day 5 Wednesday 20th June Weather: Much as yesterday. We spent the entire day in the always interesting Hor Valley, a narrow, wooded steep-sided gorge interspersed with small meadows and rocky outcrops, providing varied habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna. Our woodland walk brought cooling shade. Naturetrek August 07 3

5 The few birders among our number were treated to fine views of a singing Rock Bunting, showing well its badger-striped head pattern, a displaying Honey Buzzard, several singing River Warblers in addition to the ubiquitous Red-backed Shrikes and many other more often seen birds. The butterflies didn t disappoint, either. Among clouds of more commonly occurring species were: a charming group of mud-puddling whites containing Wood, Large, Small and Green-veined. Meanwhile a huge Woodland Grayling obliged by drinking sweat from Andras s brown (camouflage) t-shirt. Different fritillaries were Spotted, Twin-spot and Violet. Also familiar, as they occur in the UK, were huge numbers of Silver-washed, Pearlbordered and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries. Equally familiar UK species were Essex, Small and Large Skippers, present in thousands. Day 6 Thursday 21st June Weather: 32C. Mainly fine, some patchy cloud with a refreshing breeze. Due to a planned longer day and much longer drive than is usual, several of the group opted for a day off. Dropped off in nearby Eger, they departed to investigate the town. Our destination was, in general, the low Upponyia Hills (pronounced Oopoiney ) a little-visited Landscape Protection Area. Our actual venue was the Izra Valley, which we approached via the village of Jardanhaza. We followed a minor single-track road throughout its length, halting whenever likely spots appeared until finally this rough road terminated at Csernely (pronounced Chernly ), where a small Bee-eater colony was found right beside the road. The Izra Valley is a relatively recently-discovered hot-spot for various sought-after quality butterflies. Again, we were not to be disappointed. Among those sought-after species were Anomalous Blue in number (the anomaly being that neither sex is blue), among male Meleager s Blues were several quite stunning females, a total departure from the norm as regards female blues, distinctly marked Geranium Argus, aptly-named Sooty Copper and impressive pied Common Gliders. Yet another very important target species was Pallas s Fritillary. Hairstreaks comprised Sloe, Ilex, Blue-spot, White-letter and Green. Added to this starry array was a host of other brilliant butterflies. A truly memorable day eventually drew towards its close. During later evening, relaxing in the garden recovering from another sumptuous dinner, we recalled the differing day s events as enjoyed by various group members accompanied by fledgling Black Restarts around our tables. We were also entertained by a flight of luminous green fireflies and stationary glow-worms, tree-frogs and the like. The finale was to be a massive thunderstorm, prior to the strong winds and torrential rain, a prolonged light-show flashed par excellence! Day 7 Friday 22nd June Weather: 28C. Mainly sunny with a cooling breeze. The birders dawn patrol was particularly rewarded by sightings of various woodpeckers, Syrian, Great and Middle Spotted included Lesser Whitethroat and, uncommon in Hungary, a resplendent male Common Redstart as well as bright male Serins and stunning male Collared Flycatchers. Following breakfast we travelled the short distance to Cserepfalu (Pronounced Cherryfaloo ), a large hay meadow enclosed by wooded hills a very protected area. 4 Naturetrek August 07

6 Several Berger s Clouded Yellows were looked at. Preferring flower meadow habitats, they are not much found in intensively cropped areas. A fresh emergence of eye-catching Great Banded Graylings flicked around us, and a surprise here an Alcon Blue. New species were an early emerging Purple Hairstreak, and several Small Coppers along with several more Purple-shot Coppers and several Grizzled and well-named Dingy Skippers. Amid several High Brown Fritillaries was one of the form Cleodoxa lacking silver underwing spots. Many other previously seen species were also represented here. The colony of exotic Bee-eaters allowed good views, adding a further splash of bright colour. Our final visit of the day was to a flower meadow at Tard where several interesting species were noted, especially two new ones: Lesser Fiery Copper and Eastern Pale Clouded Yellow. However, the wind had by now increased, so it was decided to call it a day, but not before we gained good views of a Lesser Spotted Eagle overhead, carrying prey in its bill, heading back to its nest. Day 8 Saturday 23rd June Weather: 26C. Much as yesterday. Our last day in the field. Where does the time go?! Actually a bonus day, as due to the unusual evening flight departure, were able to extend our excursions. A very early bird pre-breakfast sortie produced in particular a pair of breeding Red-breasted Flycatchers. Breakfast over and replete, it was time to bid a reluctant farewell to our excellent hosts, Barbara and family. We then moved down to the northernmost outliers of the Great Hungarian Plain. Flat, and for a large part, intensively agricultural, a very different landscape from which we had become accustomed. Here, several species occur which are not usually found in the hills, including Pale Clouded Yellow and more Eastern Pale Clouded Yellows; also the first Clouded Yellow migrants of the year. Eastern Bath Whites were also new. The birds were different as well: views of a vivid Roller and a pair of delightful Red-footed Falcons. Another falcon special to Hungary Saker, had nested on a platform nest box high on an electricity pylon. It contained three newly-fledged young, while Lesser Grey Shrikes complemented their ever-present Red-backed cousins. Here village-nesting White Storks with well-grown young were in plenty, as were Great White Egrets and Marsh Harriers. As we journeyed back over the M3, our last picnic/comfort stop produced a female Montague s Harrier just a field away and two Imperial Eagles hunting jointly, providing superb views as they chased (and caught) a pheasant! On our final leg of the trip we began to contemplate our highly successful, most enjoyable holiday. Our joint trip list tallied an amazing 92 species! These included 16 species of fritillary and 21 of blues, as well as 6 hairstreak, 6 copper and 8 skipper species! The vast majority were either seen or photographed by the group. Certainly contributing toward this successful outcome was the way in which the group quickly gelled into a friendly cooperative team effort. Well done everyone. Naturetrek August 07 5

7 Species Lists Butterflies June Common name Scientific name Swallowtail Papilio machaon Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Large White Pieris brassicae u 4 Small White Artogeia rapae u 5 Green-veined White Artogeia napi u Eastern Bath White Pontia edusa Orange Tip Anthrocharis cardamines Pale Clouded Yellow Colias hyale Clouded Yellow Colias crocea 2 10 Berger's Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis Eastern Pale Cl. Yellow Colias erate Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Wood White Leptidea sinapis 6 14 Purple Hairstreak Quercusia quercus 1 15 Sloe Hairstreak Satyrium acasiae Ilex Hairstreak Satyrium ilicis Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini White-letter Hairstreak Strymonidia w-album 1 19 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Large Copper Lycaena dispar Scarce Copper Lycaena vigaureae Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus 1 24 Purple-shot Copper Lycaena alciphron Lesser Fiery Copper Lycaena thersamon Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Short-tailed Blue Everes argiades Eastern Short-tailed Blue Everes decoloratus Small Blue Cupido minimus Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis Alcon Blue Maculinea alcon Large Blue Maculinea arion Eastern Baton Blue Pseudophilotes vicaria Chequered Blue Scolitantides orion Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus 36 Idas Blue Plebejus idas 2 37 Reverdin's Blue Plebejus argyrognomon Chapman's Blue Agrodiaetus thersites 3 39 Anomalous Blue Agrodiaetus admetus Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus Meleager's Blue Meleageria daphnis Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus Common Blue Polyommatus icarus 44 Geranium Argus Eumedonia eumedon 7 45 Brown Argus Aricia agestic Mountain Argus Aricia artaxerxes 1 47 Purple Emperor Apatura iris Naturetrek August 07

8 June Common name Scientific name Lesser Purple Emperor Apatura ilia White Admiral Limenitis camilla 3 50 Common Glider Neptis sappho 5 51 Hungarian Glider Neptis rivularis Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloras 1 53 Small Tortoiseshell Aglias urticae 2 54 Peacock Inachis io Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Comma Polygonum c-album Map Araschina levana Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia 10 u 60 Pallas's Fritillary Argynnis laodice 8 61 High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Niobe Fritillary Fabriciana niobe 1 63 Dark Green Fritillary Mesoacidalia aglaja Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia Twin-spot Fritillary Brenthis hecate Marbled Fritillary Brenthis daphne Lesser Marbled Fritillary Brenthis ino Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana euphrosyne 1 69 Small Pearl-bord Fritillary Clossiana selene 1 70 Weaver's (Violet) Fritillary Clossiana dia Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia 10 u 73 Nickerl's Fritillary Mellicta aurelia Assmann's Fritillary Mellicta britomartis Marbled White Melanargia galathea u u u u 76 Woodland Grayling Hipparchia fagi Great Banded Grayling Kanetisa circe Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina u u 79 Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus 1 2 u u 80 Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus u u 81 Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania Chestnut Heath Coenonympha glycerion Speckled Wood Pararge aegeri Woodland Brown Lopinga achine Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus armoricanus 1 87 Safflower Skipper Pyrgus carthami 88 Mallow Skipper Carcharodus alceae Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola 2 u 91 Small Skipper Thymelicus flavus u u u 92 Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus Naturetrek August 07 7

9 Birds June Common name Scientific name Great White Egret Egretta alba 5 2 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 3 3 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1 4 White Stork Ciconia ciconia Black Stork Ciconia nigra 1 6 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 4 8 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 9 Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 14 Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina 1 15 Saker Falcon Falco cherrug 4 16 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Red-footed Falcon Falco verspertinus 2 18 Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Common Quail Coturnix coturnix 1h 1h 2h 1 21 Coot Fulica atra 1 22 Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus 4 23 Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Stock Dove Columba oenas Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 27 Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Little Owl Athene noctua 1 30 Swift Apus apus Hoopoe Upupa epops Bee-eater Merops apiaster Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius 1 34 Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Middle-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor 1h 2 1h 1 39 Wryneck Jynx torquilla 2 40 Wood Lark Lullula arborea 1 41 Sky Lark Alauda arvensis h Crested Lark Galerida cristata House Martin Delichon urbica 44 Swallow Hirundo rustica 45 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis White Wagtail Motacilla alba Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava 49 Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Naturetrek August 07

10 June Common name Scientific name Robin Erithacus rubecula Stonechat Saxicola torquata Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 1 53 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 3 54 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Blackbird Turdus merula 56 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 57 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 4 58 River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris 1h 60 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 65 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 3 66 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Goldcrest Regulus regulus Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 2 71 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Marsh Tit Parus palustris Coal Tit Parus ater Great Tit Parus major 75 Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Nuthatch Sitta europaea Dipper Cinclus cinclus 1h 78 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 81 Jay Garrulus glandarius Magpie Pica pica 1 83 Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix Raven Corvus corax Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus 88 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 89 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1 90 Serin Serinus serinus Linnet Acanthis cannabina Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 2 2 Naturetrek August 07 9

11 Dragonflies Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombei Small Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma viridulum Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum Migrant Hawker Aeshna mixta Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum White-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum albistylum Mammals Red Fox European Suslik Roe Deer Brown Hare Amphibians and Reptiles Edible Frog Marsh Frog Green Tree Frog Agile Frog Fire-bellied Toad Green Toad Grass Snake Sand Lizard Green Lizard European Pond Turtle Other fauna Freshwater Clam Great Diving Beetle Receive our e-newsletter Join the Naturetrek ing list and be the first to hear about new tours, additional departures and new dates, tour reports and special offers. Visit to sign up. 10 Naturetrek August 07