Lepidoptera Breeders Association

[Pete Eeles]

Just came across this website ...

http://www.lba.uk.com/

Not sure what to make of it yet

Cheers,

- Pete

[Gruditch]

I found this on there, sounds a bit strange asking for stock to release

Butterfly Livestock required
Under the Biodiversity Action Plan and in collaberation with Natural England the Essex Lepidoptera Group is working on the reintroduction of several butterfly species into Woodland on the Marks Hall Estate. The group requires access to large numbers of the following species; Purple Emperor (Apatura iris) - Silver Washed Fritillary (A.paphia) - Wood White (Lepidia sinapis) Pearl Bordered Fritillary (Clossiana euphrosyne). If you can help please e-mail L.B.A. reintroduction co-ordinator - projects@lba.uk.com


Gruditch

[Pete Eeles]

I wonder if this is an official reintroduction programme. But asking the public for stock seems strange! I always thought that "proper" reintroduction programmes were based on transferring stock from other sites, in a very controlled manner. 2 exceptions I know of ...

The Marsh Fritillary colony re-established in Cumbria, where the last larval web was saved, the critters reared through, mixed with butterflies from another (nearby) site in captivity (to strengthen the gene pool), reared through a couple of generations and then released.

The other is the population of Large Copper rescued from Woodwalton Fen, which is "doing the rounds" among various breeders. I suspect their stock would be used for any reintroduction attempt.

So I guess there are responsible breeders, and not-so-responsible breeders. No idea which is considered which, or who makes that assessment

Cheers,

- Pete

[roundwood123]

I live around 5 miles from the Marks Hall estate and i visit regularly, although that may change after a visit a couple of weeks ago when i discovered they have started charging people £3.00 to use their footpaths [ me and the wife sneaked around the back of the buillding and jumped the fence], but to get to the point i have heard rumours from good sources that they have been introducing at least one of the species mentioned in the above post for as long as 3 years.

[Piers]

Hmmmm.

They also have a significant quantity of set specimens for sale too. One assumes they're the results of their breeding programmes!

I noticed that they have Light and Dark Crimson underwing ova for sale too, the inference in the advert is that it's British stock.

Also:
The Swallowtail (P.m.brittanicus)
The Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio machaon brittanicus - Linnaeus) A rare and magnificent species, isolated to the Fens of Norfolk in the Uk although Widepsread and often common in Europe. We hope to have captive bred stock of the UK sub-species this season. LFP. Fennel, Milk Parsley, and carrott tops. Easy to rear in captivity. Available June-August.

I don't know quite what to make of these guys either.

Pete - perhaps a representative of the Lepidoptera Breeders Association could be invited to write a little piece about their efforts for this site? If they are legit then one would imagine that they wouldn't object in the least...

Felix.

[Pete Eeles]

Maybe. When I saw their adverts it really struck me how similar their stock was to Worldwide Butterflies (http://www.wwb.co.uk). In fact, I thought this might be a "front" for various breeders (WWB included) to sell stock. Even their set specimens are in line with WWB.

Anyone know who is behind this organisation?

Cheers,

- Pete

[George]

Hi Pete,

Have sent you an email with some information.

Cheers
George

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks for the information George.

Based on that - it seems that the LBA is being coordinated by a responsible individual and is, indeed, acting as a "portal" for various parties to conduct their business "out in the open", building on the precedents set by organisations such as Worldwide Butterflies and the Entomological Livestock Group. As such, I welcome it - not least because it's bringing butterfly breeding "out into the open" that includes a public forum that will allow anyone interested in this side of things to debate the principles, policies etc. of butterfly breeding. This has to be better than having such business conducted "behind closed doors". I've signed up to their forum to hear what's being said and, hopefully, contribute.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Piers]

I too have been doing a little investigation into these guys and it turns out that they are a thoroughly reputable bunch with some worthy aims, and some pretty high profile projects on the go.

Felix.

[Gruditch]

It always looks a bit dodgy, when you see a group operating outside of the frame work of the Butterfly Conservation. Or maybe they do work in conjunction with the BC, if they do it would help ease concern, if they stated so


Gruditch

[freeway]

I have had dealing with the person and i find him 100% .
I rate his service far above wwb any day of the week.

Happy Breeding....Freeway

[admiral halsey]

I've only recently joined this forum, having been bitten by the Butterfly bug about a year ago. I have to say that the idea of having some Pupae develop into butterflies in my own home has a great appeal. My teenage kids are interested too. Before I dip my toe into the water, so to speak, I thought I'd get some feedback from members. For a start I'd like to be responsible about it (having species native to my area). I wonder if anyone can recommend any sites other than the one at the beginning of this thread. Does anyone have any suppliers that offer competatively priced Puape? Just a quick look on the net revealed minimum purchase of ten + postage, bringing a minimun spend to around £20. I was, perhaps naievely, hoping to spend around a tenner as a trial, with a view to spending more if successful. Be glad of any advice on this subject.

Cheers

Rich

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Rich,

Very pleased to read of the responsible approach you're taking.

While frowned upon by some, the Entomological Livestock Group has some respected and knowledgable members within its ranks. And the prices don't require a mortgage

Cheers,

- Pete

[David M]

I'm a bit shocked by this. There's a Two-Tailed Pasha larva for sale for less than £3! What would people do with this once it had reached its adult stage?

[Pete Eeles]

Indeed. There are several basic questions I ask myself whenever I rear anything:

Do I have the ability to rear the species to adulthood?
What will I do with the adults?
What is the origin of the livestock?
Can the dealer be trusted?

This narrows things down significantly.

Cheers,

- Pete

[David M]

Indeed. There are several basic questions I ask myself whenever I rear anything:

What will I do with the adults?

With the Pasha, it could only be either killing it for a personal collection or releasing it irresponsibly into the British countryside.

Either of those scenarios is heartbreaking.