Current status
The fiery clearwing is restricted to warm south-facing slopes where the larvae feed in the roots of curled dock Rumex crispus and common sorrel R. acetosa, probably preferring larger, older plants. The adults visit flowers by day and rest on bare soil.
This moth is at the northern edge of its range and currently breeds only on the coast between Folkestone and Dover in Kent. It was formerly found in Essex (until about 1860), Hampshire and Sussex, with occasional records elsewhere on the south coast. It is a central and southern species in Europe, occurring from the Mediterranean countries north to Belgium.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Endangered. It is given full protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Collecting, chiefly by uprooting the foodplant, is a major cause of decline of the remaining population.
Scrub invasion.
Spraying, cutting and clearance of stands of the foodplants.
Current action
The moth has been the subject of an NE Species Recovery Project since 1995.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Enhance the population size at all known sites by 2010.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Where appropriate, include the requirements of the species when preparing or revising prescriptions for environment schemes. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Address the requirements of the fiery clearwing in relevant Shoreline Management Plans. (ACTION: LAs, MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Increase the available habitat on the known sites and in adjacent sites, and attempt to link up existing fragments of habitat. (ACTION: NE)
Where possible, ensure that all occupied and potential nearby habitat is appropriately managed by 2001, for example through agri-environment scheme management agreements. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Ensure that the habitat requirements of the fiery clearwing are taken into account in relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: LAs)
Ensure that existing populations do not become fragmented by management practices or development. (ACTION: NE, LAs)
Establish new populations at secure sites where appropriate habitat exists or can be created.
Species management and protection
None proposed.
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of the species and the importance of beneficial management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Map the precise areas of occupancy of the fiery clearwing and monitor the populations annually. (ACTION: NE)
Investigate all new records of the species occurrence within the UK and all reports of potentially suitable habitat to locate any overlooked colonies of the moth. (ACTION: NE)
Regularly assess potential sites to monitor the effectiveness of management agreements. (ACTION: NE)
Conduct targeted autecological research to inform habitat management. (ACTION: NE)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to a central database for incorporation in national and international databases. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the ecology and conservation of this species on an international level, and use the experience gained towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: NE, JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of the species and the conservation issues associated with its habitat. The need to protect species such as the fiery clearwing from irresponsible collecting should be emphasised. This should be achieved through articles within appropriate journals, as well as by a publicity leaflet. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p299)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species