Current status
The heath bee-fly is a species of open heathland where it is a parasitoid of solitary bees of the genus Colletes, especially C. daviesianus. It uses burrows where the bees nest in vertical sand-banks and possibly also on flat ground. The bee-fly has a strong association with nectar sources on flower-rich path edges (verge heath) and other such situations, but the degree of dependency is uncertain since it also visits bell heather flowers.
In the UK this species is mainly confined to southern heathland, where it has suffered a contraction in range; it is currently known from only a few sites in Dorset. Here it is highly localised and in most cases at very low population levels. The species stronghold is the Godlingstone and Studland NNR complex, with other populations on Arne NNR and Wool Heath. The bee-fly is still present on the Isle of Man. It was recorded from the New Forest in 1893 and from the extreme western fringe of the Forest in 1946 and 1959. It is assumed to have become extinct in the Bournemouth - Poole area, and to the north where it was recorded at Holt Heath in 1941. There are single, old records from Devon and Wales. This bee-fly is widely distributed in temperate and southern Europe but its status is uncertain. The taxonomy of the genus is in need of revision.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Vulnerable.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss and fragmentation of
heathland habitat, including verge heath, owing to development and scrub encroachment.
Inappropriate heathland management.
Loss or shading of vertical sand banks, with consequent decline in numbers of the host bees.
Current action
All known populations are on NNRs and SSSIs included within the Dorset Heaths candidate SAC.
NE commissioned a survey of the East Dorset Heaths in 1995.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Extend current range, by appropriate management of five sites adjacent to existing 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 agri-environment schemes. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Where possible, ensure that occupied sites are appropriately managed, including the maintenance and creation of vertical sandy banks, by 2005. Appropriate management could be achieved through SSSI or agri-environment scheme management agreements. (ACTION: NE, MAFF).
Where possible, increase the available habitat at known sites and in adjacent areas, and attempt to link up existing fragments of habitat. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Ensure that the habitat requirements of the heath bee-fly are taken into account in any relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: NE, LAs)
Ensure that the heath bee-fly is listed in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs. (ACTION: NE)
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, MAFF)
As far as possible, ensure that all relevant agri-environment project officers, and members of regional agri-environment consultation groups, are advised of locations of this species, its importance, and the management needed for its conservation. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake further surveys to determine the status of this species. (ACTION: NE)
Conduct targeted autecological research to inform habitat management. (ACTION: NE)
Establish a regular monitoring programme for the heath bee-fly and its hosts. (ACTION: NE)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to a central database so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the ecology and status of this species in Europe and use this information gained towards its conservation in the UK.
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of this species and the conservation issues associated with its habitat. (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, p153)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species