Current status
Malachius aeneus adults frequent flowers, especially buttercups, and have been swept from vegetation, in grassland and grassy areas in woodland, during May and June. They are known to feed on the pollen of various grasses, including cock's-foot and meadow foxtail. The larvae are ground frequenting predators and feed on insect larvae, including those of the pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus, in grass and stubble.
This species was formerly local but widespread throughout England, with records from the following vice-counties: north and south Devon, north Somerset, Dorset, Isle of Wight, south Hampshire, East Sussex, east and west Kent, Surrey, south Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, east Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, south-east Yorkshire, Durham and south Northumberland. Malachius aeneus was also recorded from Glamorgan. Most post 1970 records are from north Somerset, south Hampshire, west Kent and Hertfordshire. It has recently been recorded from very few sites in southern England. It occurs throughout northern, central and southern Europe (including the Mediterranean region) into the Middle East and Iran; it also occurs in the USA and Canada.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Rare.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain all extant populations in a viable condition.
Ensure the establishment and maintenance of five new viable populations across the historic range 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 or woodland grant schemes. (ACTION: NE, FE, MAFF)
Site safeguard and management
Where possible, ensure that all occupied habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, for example through uptake of relevant agri-environment schemes. (ACTION: NE)
Ensure that the species is included in site management documents for all relevant SSSIs. (ACTION: NE)
Consider notifying as SSSIs any sites found holding key populations of the species, where this is necessary to secure their long-term protection and appropriate management. (ACTION: NE)
Species management and protection
Consider reintroducing Malachius aeneus to a series of sites within the former range, if necessary to establish five new viable populations by 2010. (ACTION: NE)
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers of the presence of this 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 surveys to determine the status of this species. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Conduct targeted autecological research to elucidate the causes of decline and 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 in national and international databases. (ACTION: CCW, NE)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of the species and the conservation issues associated with its habitat. 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, p99)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species