Current status
This large, metallic-bronze hoverfly is apparently rare in Western Europe and is believed to be on the verge of extinction in the UK. Historically it has been found at seven sites, all in East Anglia, but is now thought to survive at only one of these, a parkland in Cambridgeshire, where it is reduced to breeding in rot holes in two beech trees. The species is recognised as a quality indicator species for dead wood (saproxylic) habitats in Europe.
The hoverfly is listed as endangered on the GB Red List.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of old parkland trees through old age, windblow or felling.
Current action
The species is being monitored at its remaining known site. One of the two trees it uses fell in a gale in early 1995 but the main trunk has now been pushed upright.
A project to provide artificial breeding sites has begun.
Action plan objectives and targets
Ensure the continued survival of the known population.
Maintain any new populations that are found.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
No action proposed.
Site safeguard and management
Seek to ensure the long-term continuity of suitable habitat, including appropriate management at the current site, in particular maintenance of the two known breeding trees and the ivy on which the adults feed. (ACTION: NE)
Prepare and implement long term management plans for all current and identified sites. (ACTION: NE)
Review the need to notify the site as an SSSI pending the completion of surveys designed to discover whether this species still occurs at other sites. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Provide artificial breeding habitat at current and recent sites, if sufficient natural habitat is lacking. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Ensure land managers and owners at sites are aware of the presence and importance of conserving this species, and appropriate methods of management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Survey historic and other potential East Anglian sites, particularly parklands, to ascertain the true distribution of the species. (ACTION: NE)
Monitor the remaining populations and promote research into the feasibility and use of artificial breeding sites. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the ecology and distribution of this species in Europe, particularly the reasons for its decline, and use the information and expertise gained towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: NE, JNCC)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE)
Provide information annually to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre on the UK status of the species to contribute to maintenance of an up-to-date global red lists. (ACTION: JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Use this hoverfly to promote interest in the conservation of insects relying on dead wood. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p128)