Range & Status

Formerly widespread in southern England but it has become increasingly scarce in recent years.

Regional Distribution

Found at Portscatho (Champion, 1897) and The Lizard in 1972 (Allen, 1973).

Habitat & Ecology

Feeds on larvae of Phaedon spp. of leaf beetle, especially those on Water-cress Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum .

Threats

Pollution of water courses; loss of stock access leading to coarsening of vegetation.

Conservation

Protection of unpolluted water courses which have good stands of Water-cress.