Ancient Tree Forum

29th April 2002 Buglife reports that the western wood- vase hoverfly has reappeared and at a new site - Moccas Park.		Ancient wood pasture hoverfly rediscovered The Western wood-vase hoverfly Myolepta potens is a classic old growth species (sites with a continuity of old trees reaching into the past) which is nowadays confined to west country ancient wood pasture sites. It is an aerial pond or rock-pool species since it develops in water-filled hollows on trees rather than in decaying wood. It lives on decaying leaves and other debris accumulating in the rainwater flooded cavities. Previously the species was only known in the UK from less than 20 specimens from sites in Somerset between 1945 and 1949 and near Bristol until 1961. It was first found in the UK near Shapwick, Somerset although older material was later found misidentified in collections - without data. It was found again in subsequent years in the same general area, and then turned up at Blaise Castle Estate and Coombe Dingle, Bristol, in 1949, and Ashton Court Park in 1961. It was assumed to be extinct since that was the last it was seen until Andy Godfrey turned it up at Moccas Park last year. Myolepta potens is thought to be very scarce across Europe and is recognised as an indicator of very high quality dead wood ecosystems. Although a BAP priority species, unfortunately a Species Action Plan was not produced and the species only has a Species Statement, as a result there is no Lead Partner or funding to develop the conservation of the hoverfly. Despite the absence of records for 50 years and the fact that it is a large and attractive hoverfly, Myolepta potens had not been declared extinct in the UK. If you want to find out more about Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust then visit their web site www.buglife.org.uk

Ancient- tree hoverfly rediscovered in the UK after more than 50 years.