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
Native; Oceanic Southern-Temperate species. Formerly recorded in Devon, Somerset, Sussex, Surrey and the Channel Islands, now known from only two localities in Britain; one on the Isle of Wight and possibly still at one site in Cornwall.
Regional Distribution
It may be extinct in Cornwall as it has not been reported from its last known site at Pulla Cross (SW73) since 1993. Previously it had been known in four 1km squares.
Habitat & Ecology
An annual, requiring disturbed ground, such as arable fields and allotments.
Threats
An endangered species. Alterations in agricultural practice, putting fields under grass, led to its loss.
Conservation
None.
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.