LEAF BEETLE (BROMIUS OBSCURUS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
Links to associated HAPs
None
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
How are we helping to conserve the Leaf Beetle in the Cheshire region?
- 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.
Objectives, Targets and Actions
OBJECTIVES |
LOCAL TARGETS |
Establish presence in former occupied sites and ensure site safeguarding. |
Targets awaited |
ACTIONS REQUIRED |
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Form a Local BAP Action Group for the leaf beetle (Bromius obscurus).
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Survey sites to establish current presence and range concentrating on sites where willowherbs have been long established.
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Input into national and local database.
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Identify precise habitat and ecological requirements and determine reasons for decline.
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Undertake appropriate surveys to establish if the beetle exists at any other sites.
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Raise awareness of the ecological implications of collecting.
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Raise public awareness and work towards changing the public's perception of beetles in general.
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Progress so far
| 1997 - 2006 Action Completed |
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Contact details
References & Glossary
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.
