Cathormiocerus maritimus

Range & Status

Western oceanic, known from the coasts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and south Hampshire.

Regional Distribution

Mainly known from the north coast, in the Tintagel area: Bossiney in 1908 (Butler, 1910), and Glebe Cliff in 1981 by S.M. Turk; also St. Merryn (Sharp, 1910) and Godrevy Point and St. Agnes in 2007 by K.N.A. Alexander. Also on The Lizard, most recently at Kennack Sands by Pete Kirby in 1992; and discovered at Nare Head by K.N.A. Alexander in 2004. There is also an old record from St. Mary' s, Isles of Scilly (Blair, 1931).

Habitat & Ecology

Larvae root-feeding, while the adults occur at the base of plants, particularly Buck' s-horn Plantain Plantago coronopus where it grows on rocky sea cliffs. Has also been found in litter under heather.

Threats

Loss of semi-natural coastal pastures through abandonment of grazing. Public pressure causing excessive trampling.

Conservation

Many of the known sites are on National Trust land.