Range & Status

Mostly southern in Britain and has undergone a major decline due to changes in woodland management.

Regional Distribution

Only known in Cornwall from the Victoria County History list (1906) until discovered by

Paul Gainey in Bonallack Wood, Helford River during 2008.

Habitat & Ecology

Feeds on the seeds of Common Cow-wheat Melampyrum pratense in sunny situations in ancient oak woodlands, the adult mostly being found on the ground, amongst leaf litter, etc., beneath the host plants and so is easy to overlook. This species was favoured in the past by management of woodlands as coppices and only survives in unmanaged woods where the canopy is naturally thin and good sun penetration is possible.

Threats

Abandonment of active woodland management, allowing the ground flora to become too shaded.

Conservation

The Helford woodlands are all protected from damaging developments but the reestablishment of some active management would benefit this species.