Saving the small things that run the planetThe Bog Hoverfly (Eristalis cryptarum) is a rare hoverfly that has been identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) as a priority species for conservation action. Since the middle of the 20th century the Bog Hoverfly’s range has contracted, for unknown reasons, and it is only now found at a few sites on Dartmoor, Devon.
Quick Facts:
There are historic records of the Bog Hoverfly from Hampshire (latest records dated from 1938), Dorset (last recorded in 1938), Somerset (last records from 1951) and Cornwall (last recorded in 1947). The last in-depth survey on Dartmoor was conducted in 2008 (Walters, J., 2008). At present (in 2012) little is known about the larval and adult ecology of the Bog Hoverfly; knowledge of both is essential for completing successful surveys and developing effective conservation measures.
An urgent need to study this species ecology, so as to integrate species conservation into landscape scale conservation initiatives, was recognised. By studying this species’ ecology, as with many species, we can better target habitat management to enhance populations and prevent any further decline.
The main aims of this project were:
Please see the 2012 Project Report for further details about the survey, findings and recommendations.
This project was supported by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species through their invertebrate internships programme, and was in partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority.
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