Range & Status

A Mediterranean species which extends along the Atlantic coasts into south-western England. Local, although colonies may be relatively frequent along the south coast.

Regional Distribution

One old record from Tregantle until re-discovered in Cornwall in 1989 to the north of Poldhu Cove and on Treluggan Cliff (Alexander & Grove, 1991), and now known to be more widespread, with records from the coasts of the Lizard and along the south coast generally.

Habitat & Ecology

Chiefly associated with Fabaceae in coastal grasslands, including Common Vetch Vicia sativa , Common Bird' s-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus , Clover Trifolium spp., Black Medick Medicago lupulina and Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis . It occurs in open sunny situations, but the vegetation can vary from quite sparse clumps of plants in bare ground to moderately tall vegetation. South-facing and sheltered situations are preferred.

Threats

Coastal developments; heavy public pressure leading to erosion of vegetation; changing grazing levels.

Conservation

Manage to retain as wide a range of vegetation structure as possible, including both low and tall vegetation. The two recent localities both lie on National Trust land, and many are within SSSI.