May 2002

Small Skippers and Essex Skippers

Marja Bosveld

The Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) and the Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) are two butterfly species which are difficult to distinguish. Only close examination shows a difference in colour of the antennal clubs. Much is still unclear on how the habitats of the two species differ. Although both species are common and occur in more or less similar habitats, the Essex Skipper is more widespread than the Small Skipper in The Netherlands. An appeal is made to gather more information on these skippers.

13.000 caterpillars

Anton Baaijens

Butterfly working groups in the province of Zeeland have been collecting data of butterflies and moths. Two notable observations were the extraordinary large numbers of The Lackey (Malacosoma neustria) in 1999, and the Garden Tiger (Arctia caja) in 2000. The thousands of caterpillars indicated that the species had reached pest proportions. In 2001 the numbers had dropped as a result of parasite infection.

The Garden Tiger

Jan Matheeuwsen

One of the most colourful species of the moth family Actiidae is the Garden Tiger (Arctia caja). In spite of their striking appearance the moths are rarely seen in the daytime because of their sheltered way of living. The male flies at night attracted by the sex pheromones from the female who remains in her hiding-place. The adult Garden Tiger has a short lifespan of only a few days. Caterpillars live longer and are therefore seen more often. The author gives a personal account of rearing a Garden Tiger from caterpillar to adult moth.

The many views of the Lötschental

Jouke Attenburg

An overview of alpine butterflies of the Lötschental in Switzerland. The Lötschental is a small subsiduary valley of the Rhone valley with three distinct landscapes. These are the open spaces in mountaineous pine forests, wet and dry sub-alpine grassland, and the Walliser steppes. Each landscape has its own flora and fauna including butterflies typical for this habitat. A detailed description of these landscapes with the species of butterfly found here is given.

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Laatste wijziging: 27 oktober 2009

	English version Future of Butterflies III Internships and MSc Projects Butterflies in Europe II Magazine summaries May 2011 February 2011 November 2010 August 2010 May 2010 February 2010 November 2009 August 2009 May 2009 February 2009 November 2008 August 2008 May 2008 February 2008 November 2007 August 2007 May 2007 February 2007 November 2006 August 2006 May 2006 February 2006 November 2005 August 2005 May 2005 February 2005 November 2004 August 2004 May 2004 February 2004 November 2003 August 2003 May 2003 February 2003 November 2002 August 2002 May 2002 International projects	May 2002 Small Skippers and Essex Skippers Marja Bosveld The Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) and the Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) are two butterfly species which are difficult to distinguish. Only close examination shows a difference in colour of the antennal clubs. Much is still unclear on how the habitats of the two species differ. Although both species are common and occur in more or less similar habitats, the Essex Skipper is more widespread than the Small Skipper in The Netherlands. An appeal is made to gather more information on these skippers. 13.000 caterpillars Anton Baaijens Butterfly working groups in the province of Zeeland have been collecting data of butterflies and moths. Two notable observations were the extraordinary large numbers of The Lackey (Malacosoma neustria) in 1999, and the Garden Tiger (Arctia caja) in 2000. The thousands of caterpillars indicated that the species had reached pest proportions. In 2001 the numbers had dropped as a result of parasite infection. The Garden Tiger Jan Matheeuwsen One of the most colourful species of the moth family Actiidae is the Garden Tiger (Arctia caja). In spite of their striking appearance the moths are rarely seen in the daytime because of their sheltered way of living. The male flies at night attracted by the sex pheromones from the female who remains in her hiding-place. The adult Garden Tiger has a short lifespan of only a few days. Caterpillars live longer and are therefore seen more often. The author gives a personal account of rearing a Garden Tiger from caterpillar to adult moth. The many views of the Lötschental Jouke Attenburg An overview of alpine butterflies of the Lötschental in Switzerland. The Lötschental is a small subsiduary valley of the Rhone valley with three distinct landscapes. These are the open spaces in mountaineous pine forests, wet and dry sub-alpine grassland, and the Walliser steppes. Each landscape has its own flora and fauna including butterflies typical for this habitat. A detailed description of these landscapes with the species of butterfly found here is given. \| \| Laatste wijziging: 27 oktober 2009