Current status
The mottled bee-fly is a species of open, heather-dominated heathland, where it is often found along sandy paths and in other sparsely vegetated sandy areas. It is considered to be either a parasitoid of the sand wasp Ammophila pubescens or of the caterpillars which the wasp collects to feed its larvae in burrows in bare sand, although the association requires confirmation. The bee-fly has a requirement for hot microclimates and for flowers which the adults visit to feed on nectar.
This species is now confined to southern heathland in Dorset, the New Forest and the Weald in Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex and, possibly, Berkshire. There is a very old record for north Norfolk but none for the Breck or other heaths in East Anglia. The species has seemingly gone from some former sites, such as in mid Surrey, and has become scarce on many other sites. Although some good populations remain, the distribution has become much more restricted in recent decades as open heaths have become smaller and fragmented, and management problems have increased. The mottled bee-fly has a wide north-central European distribution but its status is unknown.
In Great Britain this species is classified as Rare.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Inappropriate heathland management.
Encroachment by scrub and trees.
Uncontrolled heathland fires.
Damage to paths and open areas by increasing recreational use, especially horse riding, or by intense military use.
Current action
NE commissioned a preliminary report on the ecology of this species in 1994.
All known populations of the mottled bee-fly are on NNRs or SSSIs, and some are included within relevant candidate SACs.
Action plan objectives and targets
Ensure all known sites support viable populations 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 all occupied sites are appropriately managed, including the provision and maintenance of bare, compacted sand, and the avoidance of excessive disturbance by 2005. Appropriate management could be achieved through SSSI or agri-environment scheme management agreements. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Where possible, increase the available sandy heathland habitat at known sites and adjacent areas, and attempt to link up existing fragments of heathland. (ACTION: NE, MAFF)
Incorporate specific targets and management for the mottled bee-fly in MoD site management plans for relevant sites. (ACTION: MoD)
Ensure that the habitat requirements of the mottled bee-fly are taken into account in any relevant development policies, plans and proposals. (ACTION: NE, LAs)
Ensure that the species is included 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 surveys to determine the status of this species. (ACTION: NE)
Conduct further targeted autecological research, particularly on the ecological relationships of the bee-fly and its host sand wasp, to inform habitat management. (ACTION: NE)
Establish a regular monitoring programme for this species at key sites. (ACTION: NE)
Determine the impact of horse riding and military activity, and investigate measures to overcome any detrimental effects. (ACTION: NE, MoD)
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, JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Promote opportunities for the appreciation of this species and the conservation issues associated with this habitat. This should be achieved through articles in appropriate journals, as well as by a publicity leaflet. (ACTION: NE)
Use this species to highlight the impact of recreational pressure on heathland. (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, p187)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species