Current status
This large colourful beetle is known to be in decline in Europe and is considered threatened in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Denmark. Its status elsewhere is uncertain. It has always been rare in the UK, with records from only 12 sites in Devon and Cornwall. In 1994, a survey found the beetle at just two of these sites, both small woodlands on the edge of Dartmoor within a few kilometres of each other. It may, however, still occur at five other sites where the habitat remains suitable.
The blue ground beetle is found only in mature beech and oak woodland with little ground vegetation and high humidity. It is considered to be an indicator species for deadwood in Europe. It cannot fly, so its dispersal abilities are limited.
This beetle is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red Data list and Endangered in the GB Red List.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Development of dense ground vegetation due to lack of grazing or canopy break up.
Loss of suitable deciduous woodland, including coniferisation and removal of deadwood.
Current action
A survey of known sites was carried out in 1994 under NE`s Species Recovery Programme, and management recommendations made. Further surveying and captive breeding is being carried out by a volunteer.
Part of one site where the beetle still occurs is a NNR which is being managed by NE for the beetle. Two former sites are SSSIs, and another is a Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain viable populations at all known sites
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
No action proposed.
Site safeguard and management
Following further survey and research to identify the precise requirements for this species, encourage favourable management within occupied woodlands. (ACTION: NE, FA)
Species management and protection
Ensure that self-sustaining populations are established at a minimum of 5 sites by 2005, through habitat management, and re-introduction if necessary. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Ensure landowners and managers of former and current sites are aware of the presence of the species, or potential of their land to support it, and appropriate methods of management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Ensure that the relevant groups and societies are aware of the ecological implications of collecting this species. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Complete surveys of all previous sites by 1998 to establish the range and population size. (ACTION: NE)
Promote ecological research on the species and identify habitat its requirements by 2000. (ACTION: NE)
Identify suitable re-introduction sites and promote research to determine appropriate re-introduction techniques. Consider captive breeding if necessary. (ACTION: NE)
Encourage research on the ecology and distribution of this species on a European level and use the information and expertise gained towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: 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 the blue ground beetle to raise awareness of the implications of the importance of woodland management. (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, p129)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species