Meloe brevicollis

Range & Status

Formerly widespread, if very local, in southern Britain, but has become increasingly scarce.

Regional Distribution

Recorded in Cornwall on a number of occasions: Saltash and Liskeard (Clark, 1906), the seacliffs in the St. Just and Pendeen areas of West Penwith in 1946 and 1951 by R.T. Bannister, and Bude in 1962 by A.A. Allen.

Habitat & Ecology

The larvae are parasitic on solitary bees, occurring on sandy heathland and sea cliff grasslands.

Threats

Loss of flowery grasslands through agricultural improvements or abandonment of rough grazings.

Conservation

Maintain coastal pastures and protect from attempts to improve their productivity for agriculture.