Current status
Cicindela hybrida is found on sand dunes and warm, sandy open sites near the coast, occurring on sun-exposed bare substrates some way from water. Breeding occurs in early summer, but larvae may overwinter half-grown before the adults emerge in mid-late summer and overwinter again before breeding. The species may therefore be biennial. Adults and larvae are predatory, the larvae living in burrows in the substrate. This species flies readily.
The current UK distribution is restricted to coastal sites in Lancashire and Cumbria, but it used to extend into North Wales at the beginning of this century. Old records from Lincolnshire and Norfolk were probably C. maritima, as the two species were not differentiated in the past. It is found throughout Europe, except the extreme north, and is not restricted to the coast.
In Great Britain this species is now classified as Vulnerable.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Dune stabilisation schemes.
Increased recreational use of coastal dunes.
Current action
All known sites are SSSIs. Formby/Ainsdale Dunes are an NNR, Drigg/Eskmeal Dunes are LNRs, Eskmeals and Altcar Ranges are owned by the MoD. Ainsdale is a candidate SAC.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at all known sites.
Restore populations to five suitable sites within the historic range by 2010.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Ensure that the requirements of the species are taken into account in relevant Shoreline Management Plans. (ACTION: LAs, MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Where possible, ensure that all occupied habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, including the provision of natural mosaics of vegetated and bare sand on dune habitats. This may be through site management agreements. (ACTION: NE, MoD)
Where possible, ensure that recreational pressure is minimised on sites supporting populations of this species. (ACTION: LAs)
Ensure that the habitat requirements of Cicindela hybrida are taken into account in any relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: NE, Department of Culture, Media and Sport, LAs)
Ensure that the species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Consider reintroducing Cicindela hybrida to a series of sites within the former range, if necessary to establish five new viable populations. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of this species and the importance of beneficial management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake surveys to determine the status of the species. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Conduct targeted autecological research to inform habitat management. (ACTION: NE)
Establish a regular monitoring programme for this species. (ACTION: NE)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to a central database for incorporation into national and international databases. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of the species and the conservation issues associated with
coastal sand dunes. 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.
Local implementation
The following LBAPs are working on Cicindela hybrida:
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p43)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species