LEAF BEETLE (BROMIUS OBSCURUS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

OBJECTIVES

Establish presence in former occupied sites and ensure site safeguarding.

LOCAL TARGETS

Targets awaited

CURRENT STATUS

The Cheshire region boasts the only known colony of this leaf beetle (Bromius obscurus) in the U.K. It occurs at Hugbridge by the River Dane near Bosley, first rediscovered here in 1979 and last recorded in 1985 (Hyman Y Parsons, 1992). Adults have been found on various Willowherbs, although rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium) is thought to be the primary food plant. This species is parthenogenic, only females are known and appear to be flightless. It is widespread in continental Europe, being considered a pest of grape vines.

A Red Data Book Category I species, considered in danger of extinction in Great Britain, whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating.

THREATS

The threats to this leaf beetle remain unknown

CURRENT ACTION

In the Cheshire region, as recording of Coleoptera is primarily carried out on a site-specific basis, there has been no recent systematic survey carried out for this species.
Existing records are held by county recorders and Liverpool museum.

ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+

Form a Local BAP Action Group for the leaf beetle (Bromius obscurus).
Survey sites to establish current presence and range concentrating on sites where willowherbs have been long established.
Input into national and local database.
Identify precise habitat and ecological requirements and determine reasons for decline.
Undertake appropriate surveys to establish if the beetle exists at any other sites.
Raise awareness of the ecological implications of collecting.
Raise public awareness and work towards changing the public's perception of beetles in general.

ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY

None

ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS

None

OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS

British Museum	Environment Agency	Museums
Cheshire Wildlife Trust	Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society	rECOrd
County recorders	Landowners and managers	Universities
English Nature	Local groups and individuals

CONTACT

Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Phone: 01270 610180
Fax: 01270 610430

REFERENCES

HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the Rio Challenge, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2:Action Plans, London.
Hyman, P. & Parsons, M: (1994). A Review of the Scarce and Threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain, Par I UK Nature Conservation: 3. Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Johnson, C. (1993): Provisional Atlas of the Cryptohagidoe - Atomarinae (Coleoptera) of Britain and Ireland. National Environmental Research Council.
Kirby, P. (1992): Habitat Management for Invertebrates: A Practical Handbook Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Liverpool Museum - Recorder information.
Parsons, M. (1987): Invertebrate Site Register : Review of Invertebrate Sites in England: ~Cheshire Report no. 95, part 1 & 2. Nature Conservancy Council.
Shirt, D.B. (ed.) (1987). British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council.

Date compiled - 1997
Date reviewed - 1998, 1999