Range & Status

A widespread European species but confined to the south in Britain. Small and cryptic and undoubtedly under-recorded as a result.

Regional Distribution

Discovered on the coastal slopes at Mawnan in 1985 by Andy Foster.

Habitat & Ecology

Found in dry, well-drained, open and sunny situations, amongst short and often sparse vegetation. Occurs beneath stones, amongst moss and at plant bases where the adults overwinter. Probably a seed-feeder, although the hostplants have not been identified.

Threats

Lack of grazing causing successional changes to coarser turf and scrub development.

Conservation

Restoration or maintenance of cliff grazing. Retention of some scrub where scrub control work is undertaken.