Range & Status

It occurs over much of Europe, but is absent from the extreme north. In Britain it occurs mainly in the south-west.

Regional Distribution

It is rather common on Sheep' s-bit Jasione montana on walls in the Isles of Scilly and is quite frequent in suitable places across Cornwall (Kirby, 1992).

Habitat & Ecology

It feeds on Sheep' s-bit Jasione montana growing in open structured swards, where there is much bare ground or rock, and usually south-facing. On cliffs, and other rocky places, including old walls.

Threats

Recreational pressure may cause local erosion leading to diminution of the area of habitat available. A more serious threat is the reduction in grazing leading to coarsening of vegetation and scrub development.

00 Conservation

See introductory section for general principles of habitat management.