Odontoscelis lineola

Range & Status

Confined in Britain to southern coasts, including Cornwall.

Regional Distribution

Found on most of the major dune systems along the north coast: Gwithian, Penhale, Holywell, Constantine Bay, Harbour Cove (Padstow) and Rock.

Habitat & Ecology

A coastal sand dune species associated with Common Stork' s-bill Erodium cicutarium and probably also Sea Stork' s-bill E. maritimum . Nymphs hibernate in moss or buried in sand near the host plants. Stork' s-bill growing in fairly firm and stable sand appears to be preferred, often with a sparse growth of moss. The bugs burrow into sand in cold weather or in response to disturbance.

Threats

Rabbit grazing and digging have been very beneficial at many sites, but reduction in numbers of rabbits following myxomatosis may have had a serious effect on the bugs. Stock grazing may also be important. Visitor trampling may be a problem.

Conservation

See introductory section for general principles of habitat management.