Tapinoma erraticum

Range & Status

Local in the south of the British Isles (mainly on heathland in Dorset, Surrey and the New Forest), believed to be declining.

Regional Distribution

Status in Cornwall currently unknown, but not recorded here since before 1950. Also recorded on the Isles of Scilly.

Habitat & Ecology

Associated with bare ground on dry, sandy heaths. Discarded food cans form ideal nesting sites in Surrey (Pontin, 2005).

Threats

Degradation of heathland, with the loss of bare ground suitable for nesting and increased uniformity of vegetational structure.

Conservation

Listed as a BAP species.