The descriptive text, below the map, is from the Cornish Red Data Book (2009). The map on this web page depicts the organisms distribution and shows the records made pre-2000 and those made since.
Range & Status
Widespread in England, the Isle of Man and Scotland, but very local with about 24 known sites since 1960. It can be numerous in ancient woodland such as in the New Forest or Speyside. It is not easily separated from two common species, so may be underrecorded.
Regional Distribution
In Cornwall recorded recently only from Crousa Down (1980-81), but there is a general record in Clark (1906).
Habitat & Ecology
Inhabits broadleaved woodland. The adults fly between April and June, with the early ones coming to flowers of Blackthorn Prunus spinosa . The larvae possibly feed on aphids.
Threats
Loss of old woodland.
Conservation
Recorded on the Lizard National Nature Reserve.
I.J. Bennallick, S. Board, C.N. French, P.A. Gainey, C. Neil, R. Parslow, A. Spalding and P.E. Tompsett. eds. 2009. Red Data Book for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 2nd Edition.Croceago Press.
The Cornish Red Data Book Project was led by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Federation for Biological Recorders (CISFBR). The full text and species accounts (minus the maps) are available on the CISFBR website.