Range & Status

Formerly widespread along the south coast of Britain, but with very few recent records.

Regional Distribution

Known from one old record near Looe (1906).

Habitat & Ecology

Favours dry freely-draining mainly sandy soils, and may be a species of wind-blown shelly sand vegetation; probably feeds mainly on seeds.

Threats

Development of sand dune systems and coastal cliff lands for recreation; coarsening of vegetation through lack of grazing and/or trampling, with consequent loss of open sandy areas; coastal protection works.

Conservation

Much of the more sensitive coastline is now protected by SSSI designations.