Range & Status

A very localised species of southern England, and has become increasingly scarce in recent years.

Regional Distribution

Known in the Isles of Scilly for many years \endash St. Mary' s and Tresco in 1931 (K.G. Blair) and Bryher in 1998 (D. Hackett); also old records from the mainland: Gwithian and Godrevy Towans in 1945 (C.C. Townsend), Paul in 1923 (R.T. Bannister) and Portscatho and Whitsand Bay (1906).

Habitat & Ecology

Lives in fine silt-covered sand with sparse vegetation and some mosses, also sometimes found in bogs.

Threats

Disturbance of waterside sand systems, including gravel-winning as well as coastal and flood protection works.

Conservation

Much of the coastal sand systems are now protected within SSSI. Development in the islands is controlled by the Duchy of Cornwall.