Harpalus tenebrosus

Range & Status

Very localised in southern Britain and has become increasingly scarce in recent years everywhere except the south-west.

Regional Distribution

Still widespread along the south coasts of Devon and Cornwall, being found at: Kynance Cove in 1979 and 1982 by P.J. Hodge, Kennack Sands in 1988 by D.R. Nash, and The Lizard in 1975 by J.A. Owen and 1989 by D.R. Nash; also Loe Bar in 1978 by A.P. Foster, Falmouth Cliff in 1988 by D.R Nash, on the sandy beach of Lantic Bay in 1979 by The National Trust Biological Survey, and Tregantle in 1977 by J.A. Owen. Also an old record from Gerrans Bay (Champion, 1897).

Habitat & Ecology

A dry grassland species, especially where there is base-rich soil, and primarily coastal. Feeds mainly on seeds.

Threats

Agricultural improvement of the semi-natural grasslands of the Lizard Peninsula and calcareous sand dune systems; abandonment of grazing, leading to coarsening and scrub development.

Conservation

Most of the known sites are now protected by The National Trust or are within SSSI.