Longitarsus rutilus

Range & Status

Widespread but very local in southern England, with probably more records from Cornwall than any English county.

Regional Distribution

Known from a scatter of localities in both vice counties, with recent records from near Saltash, Tresco, The Lizard, and Clahar Bridge, Lizard. Also recorded at St. Columb Major in 2005 and near St. Mawgan, both by Ian Hoare (2005), near Gweek by John Owen and reported from Porthcothan (Shirt, 1987).

Habitat & Ecology

Feeds on Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata and Balm-leaved Figwort Scrophularia scorodonia .

Threats

The Figworts are dependent on disturbance to create suitable germination grounds; natural flood-scouring in the case of Water Figwort, and natural erosion through cliff falls, wind-scouring etc. with Balm-leaved Figwort. Threats come from attempts to control natural erosion.

Conservation

Allow natural riverine and coastal processes to continue uninterrupted.