Ochthebius poweri Rye (Hydraenidae) in Britain and Ireland

摘要

Ochthebius poweri Rye, listed as Rare in the British Red Data Book, and included inthe UK Biodiversity Action Plan, is restricted to coastal cliff seepages, and has beenrecorded from only five 10 km squares since 1980. Here we review the species'distribution and ecology, report the results of recent surveys which extend thebeetle's range considerably, and designate a lectotype. 0. poweri is an amphibiousinhabitant of petrimadicolous habitats, occurring on a range of coastal rock types, inassociation with clays and silts encrusted with biofilms. Now known from 22 10 kmsquares in England, Wales and Ireland, it is suggested that the species be downgradedto the Near Threatened category in the British Red Data Book. Despite this, thedisjunct nature of northern European populations, coupled with the possibility ofcryptic species in the southern portion of its range, suggest that 0. poweripopulations in Britain and Ireland may qualify for international Red List status