Range & Status

Chiefly a southern species in Europe and largely confined in Britain to the south.

Regional Distribution

Known from only five localities: Bude sandhills in 1948; Rock and Penhale Sands in 1956; Gwenver, near Sennen, in 1963; and Ballowall Common in 1993 (Edwards et al. , 1994). Re-discovered at Rock by Paul Gainey in 2000.

Habitat & Ecology

This bug feeds on Wild Thyme Thymus polytrichus growing on coastal dunes or seacliffs with wind-blown sand, with a preference for areas with broken or partly bare ground, or edges of tracks, where the thyme grows in large clumps over bare ground or stones.

Threats

Natural succession may lead to loss of open conditions. Recreational pressure may be a threat, although some trampling may be beneficial.

Conservation

Grazing is probably essential for the long-term survival of this species, although rabbit grazing is sufficient at some sites. Exposure levels may also be sufficient to maintain suitable habitat conditions in some situations. Ballowal Common is owned by The National Trust.