Physatocheila smreczynskii

Range & Status

A central and northern European species widely recorded in southern England in the past but with modern reports confined to the Cornwall and Devon.

Regional Distribution

Discovered in the old orchard within Boconnoc Deer Park in 1989 (Alexander & Grove, 1991) and subsequently found in old orchards at St. Dominick and Cotehele in the Tamar Valley, as well as at Godolphin Hall.

Habitat & Ecology

Found chiefly on lichen-covered apple trees in Britain, including Crab Apple Malus sylvestris in open woodland and cultivated trees in old orchards.

Threats

The main threat is the destruction of old orchards and, more generally, the replacement of old apple trees with newer and smaller varieties. The importance of lichen to the bug is not clear.

Conservation

The Boconnoc site lies within a SSSI, while the Tamar Valley site is owned by The National Trust and there is an orchard restoration programme under way locally. The long term future depends on maintaining a viable population of traditional apple trees. This species is listed as a Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan since 2007.