Entomological Impact Assessment for Proposed Cycle Path, Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe, St. Leonards, East Sussex, Updated, May, 2010

1. Background

1.1 It is proposed to extend the cycle path from Glyne Gap (TQ764079) to the outfall at Bulverhythe (TQ784086. The proposed track will be 3m wide, comparable with the existing track from Bexhill to Glyne Gap. 1.2 For most of the distance it is proposed that it traverses the built-up shingle ridge, which has elements of stable shingle vegetation close to the fence along the railway, which become more extensive around the beach huts and fishing huts at the eastern end by the outfall. 1.3 At the western end close to the tunnel at Glyne Gap there is a low cliff formed from sandy and clay deposits. It is proposed that the route here goes up the cliff ( c. 5m) and then travels along the top of the cliff close to the railway fence. 1.4 Mike Edwards and Peter Hodge were commissioned by East Sussex County Council to undertake a one-day survey in July 2009 to assess the potential impact of the proposed works on the fauna of the area. 1.5 This survey was followed by a further one-day survey undertaken on 11 April 2010, in order to assess the likely impacts of the amended route.

2. The survey.

2.1 This was undertaken in good sunny conditions on the 23rd July 2009 and repeated in fairly sunny conditions, although with a cold wind, on 11th April, 2010. The target insect groups were as follows: Mike Edwards; Aculeate Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants); Orthoptera ( Grasshoppers and Crickets); Diptera (selected groups, including hoverflies, robber and craneflies). Peter Hodge Coleoptera () and Heteroptera (bugs). Other were recorded as seen, but no directed searches were made for them. 2.2 Insects were recorded by sweep-netting and direct observation as appropriate on both occasions. A series of suction samples were also made on the visit of 11th April. These especially targeted small beetles living in sparsely vegetated habitats, such as are frequent over the proposed route, especially at the cliff end. The species recorded are shown in section 4, with the suction-sample results also shown in a separate table. 2.3 A list of the plants seen was also made as the presence of specific plant species often influences the insect fauna present, this forms section 5. 2.4 During the July 2009 visit the entire site was considered a single unit for the survey species list purposes. The original assessment (section 3), however, deals with it as the two constituent habitat types, shingle and cliff, including cliff-top grassland. In view of the potentially more serious impacts upon the cliff site, the April 2010 survey treated these areas separately. The assessment in Section 3 is updated accordingly in this current report. This change in recording areas is also reflected in the species table of section 4. 2.5 Initially it was proposed that one visit was made to the site in July. This meant that it was not possible to know which Spring species are present. Consequently, an assessment was given for the eastern (cliff) end based on the July visit only. This issue was not as important for the shingle system as it is predominately a summer fauna. The second Spring visit was in accordance with our recommendation in the original report. This visit did cover all the site, but, as expected, the shingle section had very little additional entomological interest.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 1 2.6 The cliff section, however, provided a large number of additional species, some of which are extremely important and with potentially severe impact from the proposed works and the establishment of the trackway. 2.7 A total of 156 species were recorded over the two surveys. Of these 12 have conservation statuses. However, one species, Nomada fucata, would not currently be considered as a suitable species for this status.

3. Impact assessment and mitigation suggestions, July 2009 and April 2010.

3.1) July 2009. One species of conservation importance, Sibinia arenariae, was associated with the vegetated shingle only. The Lixus scabricollis is also of interest here. 3.2 The vegetated shingle community is currently under considerable stress for most of the route, being confined to a narrow strip against the railway fence, except at the eastern end. Construction of a hardened cycle way along this section, provided that it follows the outer, seaward edge of the shingle ridge, should help ameliorate the current pressure on the vegetation and its associated fauna. Consequently the impact is regarded as being low. This situation has not changed as a result of the April 2010 survey visit. 3.3. Three species accorded conservation statuses were recorded from the cliff area only, Andrena nitidiuscula, A. pilipes and Nomada fucata. However, the cuckoo bee Nomada fucata should not be so rated. 3.4 The situation at the western end is considered much less favourable for the proposed route as this takes the trackway over both exposed cliff, necessitating considerable re-engineering of the fairly restricted stabilised cliff habitat resource, and along the cliff-top grassland, another restricted resource. 3.5 April, 2010. The spring survey highlighted the importance of the cliff-top grassland and associated grasslands maintained by gradual erosion and slumping of the cliff face. As noted in section 2 above, there were considerably more species of conservation concern associated with the cliff section. These included a number of beetles, predominately , (Catapion curtisi, Longitarsus dorsalis, Cathormiocerus myrmecophilus, Sitona waterhousei, Trachyphloeus aristatus, Trachyphloeus asperatus, Trichosirocalus barnevillei) and the

Photo 1. Slowly slumping areas of cliff have very important areas of bare ground and short vegetation associated with them.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 2 Photo 2. Many of the beetles associated with this areas are small and live at the base of prostrate plants. Suction-sampling is a very good way of finding such species.

BAP priority species Bombylius discolor. Of these, only the flea- Longitarsus dorsalis was also found at the shingle section. This beetle is currently increasing in frequency. 3.6 All the other species are closely associated with the sparsely-vegetated areas from the top to the foot of the cliff. These conditions are a natural consequence of the slow erosion of the cliff (photos 1,2). Two of these species are only known in Sussex from the Hastings area Catapion curtisi - Bulverhythe only, and Cathormiocerus myrmecophilus - Bulverhythe and The Country Park and are nationally rare. 3.7 Rapid erosion, such as is occurring in other sections of the cliff area, is generally much less ecologically valuable. Although some bee and wasp species are maintaining nesting populations despite the current rapid loss of material, all these species are also well-represented in the more stable sections, where small-scale earth movements maintain sufficient habitat, but, crucially, also provide essential habitat resources for a wider range of species, plus foraging habitat for the bees and wasps themselves. Such rapid erosion will also have the ultimate effect of removing the cliff altogether. 3.8 Any reduction in the rate of erosion on currently rapidly eroding sections as a consequence of the construction of a cycle/walkway would therefore be a positive outcome. However, loss of gradual erosion processes are likely to have negative outcomes on the habitat quality. Hence there are considerable threats as a result of any action which alters this gradual erosion process, such as routing a cycle path down the cliff, especially if cliff stabilisation procedures are employed in the less actively eroding sections. The actual route of the path is hence of utmost importance. 3.9 Besides actually stopping the creation of small areas of bare and re-vegetating ground, further slowing of the rate of erosion in these areas will encourage the development of scrubby areas and coarser grasslands, such as currently impact generally negatively (through scale effects) on the remaining cliff-top grasslands (photo 3). Small areas of scrubby and ranker vegetation are valuable resources, where these become dominant they are distinctly negative developments. 3.10 These potentially negative effects of the establishment of a cycle/walkway are off-set by the opportunity to improve the overall condition of the cliff-top grasslands. This can be achieved through reduction in the extent of scrub and ranker vegetation as a consequence of greater accessibility through the presence of the new trackway. Any such

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 3 Photo 3. Much of the cliff-top grassland is rank and heavily invaded by scrub

Photo 4. Ease of access and provision of amenity features on the Bexhill section west of the underpass has altered the nature of the grassland dramatically. Such a development on the grassland on the eastern side of the underpass would be highly negative ecologically.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 4 mitigation management would need to be carefully planned in order to reduce unwanted consequences for the grasslands. 3.11 The potential for deterioration of the cliff-top grassland can be readily seen on the adjacent cliff-top on the Bexhill side. Here it would appear that the cycle-track has increased and eased access to the cliff-top grassland, which now bears no resemblance to the area under consideration for the survey, being short, and with far fewer plants present and used as a convenient sitting place by visitors (photo 4). If the same were to happen to the, currently relatively inaccessible, cliff top grasslands (the currently major path goes round the base of the cliff) on the survey site there would be a considerable impact to the species present in this section, quite apart from replacing a 3m swathe of grassland with tarmac. 3.12 This would be loss which could not be replaced by bringing further land into suitable condition, there isn’t any. The only mitigation would be in improving the current ecological state of the grasslands; they do need appropriate management if they are to realise their potential value, and protecting them from further serious encroachment, both by the action of the sea on the cliff itself, and increased generalised use by the local population. 3.13 Although it was originally highly recommended that the pathway be routed around the base of the cliff, it is understood that engineering and safety considerations require that it be routed over the cliff, descending to beach level at the eastern end of the cliff section behind the beach huts. 3.14 This being the case, it is agreed that the main route should keep as close as possible to the fence running alongside the railway, as shown in the plans provided as background to these surveys. During construction of the trackway no materials caches should be created along the route and public access to the cliff-top grasslands from the trackway should be restricted to designated access points through appropriate land- forming. 3.15 Creating a low bund and/or ditch alongside the trackway, not necessarily as a completely linear feature, from material excavated during construction would be one possible approach. Any such feature should be constructed with the needs of future management clearly in mind as some degree of vegetation control is highly likely to be required from time to time as well as machine access to the main grasslands themselves. 3.16 Light foot pressure, or indeed occasional worn footpaths, across such a feature would allow the establishment of additional areas of bare ground and shorter vegetation, beneficial to the wild bee and wasp populations, although unlikely to provide the resource conditions for the rare beetle community present on the cliff itself. 3.17 As noted above, the opportunity to establish a more varied overall grassland structure is a very positive mitigation for the loss of the trackway area. A management plan, identifying a practical and cost-effective rotational management regime, based on cutting and collecting areas within the grasslands should be developed for this objective. 3.18 The route down the cliff needs particular attention, balancing conservation and engineering considerations. The approximate point of descent is the extant steps at the est ern end of the cliff. At this point the cliff has two narrow ledges of slumped material with good habitat for the specialist beetle fauna, one at approximately half-way down the cliff face, and one at the foot of the cliff. 3.19 Routing the downward ramp so that there is the minimal impact on these two areas is vital. It is suggested that, all other things being equal, the ramp cross the half- way down point at the intersection of the ramp line with the extant steps. The cliff-top grasslands at this point are heavily invaded with blackthorn scrub, so negative impact on the grassland fauna here will be low. The foot of cliff component to the east of the steps is not of very high value, so building up a ramp from the base will also be of low impact.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 5 3.20 The half-way down ledge on both sides of the steps is, however, of high value and care should be taken not to either stabilise, or greatly unstablise the occasional low-level slumping of the cliff face above this point. 3.21 It is expected that the installation of the cycle/pathway will increase the overall traffic using this route. It will be important both to create the cycle way and subsidiary paths (that along the shore, around the foot of the cliff, is heavily used at the moment) in such a way that they create desire lines minimising the overall impact of this traffic away from the designated route. 3.22 It is recommended that, in view of the small extent of high value habitat and the potential for negative impact, that a site meeting be held between representatives of the ecologists, the route planning team and the engineers involved at an early stage in the final, on ground, layout of the route. 3.23 As further mitigation for general loss of habitat it is strongly recommended that efforts are continued to eradicate the invasive alien plant Hottentot Fig Carpobrotus edulis. 3.24 It would help the public to appreciate the ecological importance of the area if suitable information boards could be displayed in conjunction with the trackway. These should indicate the important habitats present, the process whereby they are maintained and a few of the species using these habitats (photos 5,6).

Photos 5, 6. Two of the insects associated with the slumped areas of the cliff.

Above, the mining bee Andrena thoracica.

Right the Green Tiger Beetle Cicindela campestris.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 6 4. The insect species recorded.

4.1 Note that this is shown as two tables. The first records the overall presence of species by survey date, the second the results of the individual suction samples, located by OS Grid references.

Species 2009 Cliff Shingle Cons. Distribution Notes status

ORTHOPTERA (Crickets and Grashoppers)

Acrididae (Grasshoppers) Chorthippus 1 0 0 Universal Field Grasshopper. Commonly found. A brunneus ready coloniser of disturbed areas with a sparse vegetation. Chorthippus 1 0 0 Universal Meadow Grasshopper. Commonly found parallelus in a variety of grassy habitats.

DERMAPTERA (Earwigs)

Forficulidae (Earwigs) Forficula auricularia 1 1 0 Universal Common Earwig. Very commonly found.

MECOPTERA, MEGALOPTERA, NEUROPTERA (Lacewings and allies)

Chrysopidae (Green Lacewings) Chrysoperla lucasina 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. A recent split within Chrysoperla carnea

HEMIPTERA- HETEROPTERA (Bugs)

Berytinidae Gampsocoris 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found Rest harrow punctipes Widespread

Lygaeidae (Groundbugs) Heterogaster urticae 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found on nettles Widespread Nysius senecionis 1 0 0 Southern Locally frequently found, on ragwort and Widespread Common Fleabane. Recent colonist.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 7 Scolopostethus affinis 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. It lives on the ground, amongst leaf litter and frequently below nettles. Scolopostethus 1 0 0 Southern Comonly found. Amongst leaves and grandis Widespread other vegetation litter at the bottom of hedgerows and in woodland. Thought to feed on fungi growing on dead vegetable matter. Stygnocoris 1 0 1 Universal Commonly found on the ground fuligineus Taphropeltus 0 0 1 Universal Commonly found. sparsely-vegetated, dry contractus soils amongst leaf litter.

Miridae (Capsidbugs) Adelphocoris 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. The larval food plants lineolatus are all Fabaceae, although the adults may be on Asteraceae. Calocoris norwegicus 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found on a variety of plants Dicyphus annulatus 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. Rest harrow Dicyphus epilobii 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. Associated with Epilobium hirsutum Liocoris tripustulatus 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, on Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica Macrotylus paykulli 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found, Rest Harrow Widespread Oncotylus 1 0 0 Southern Locally commonly found, on Hardheads viridiflavus Restricted nigra varipes 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found associated with grasses Widespread Plagiognathus 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. On a variety of arbustorum herbaceous plants Plagiognathus 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. On a variety of chrysanthemi herbaceous plants

HEMIPTERA- HOMOPTERA (Bugs)

Cercopidae (Froghoppers) Philaenus spumarius 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. On a variety of trees and herbaceous plants

LEPIDOPTERA (Butterflies and Moths, day-flying only)

Arctiidae (Tiger Moths) Tyria jacobaeae 1 0 0 Universal The Cinnabar moth. Commonly found. Larvae feed on Ragwort.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 8 Lasiocampidae (Eggar Moths) Macrothylacia rubi 0 1 0 Universal Fox Moth. Commonly found. It occurs in a range of open habitats, the larvae similarly having a variety of foodplants.

Lycaenidae (Blue Butterflies) Polyommatus icarus 1 0 0 Universal Common Blue butterfly. Commonly found. The larva feeds on various legumes, especially bird’s-foot trefoil.

Noctuidae (Cut- worm Moths) Autographa gamma 1 0 0 Migrant Silver Y moth. Migrant. Very commonly found. It flies readily by day and can be seen at dusk hovering over nectar sources.

Nymphalidae (Nymphalid, Fritillary and Brown Butterflies) Coenonympha 1 0 0 Universal Small Heath butterfly. Locally commonly pamphilus found, declining. The larva feeds on various species of grass. Maniola jurtina 1 0 0 Universal Meadow Brown butterfly. Commonly found. The larva feeds on many species of grass, preferring the finer varieties. It occurs in open grassy situations. Polygonia c-album 1 0 0 Southern Comma butterfly. Commonly found. The Widespread larva feeds on the leaves of nettle, elm and hop. Pyronia tithonus 1 0 0 Southern Gatekeeper butterfly. Commonly found. Widespread The larva feeds on various grasses, narrow-bladed species being preferred. Vanessa cardui 1 0 0 Migrant Painted Lady butterfly. Commonly found. The larva feeds mainly on species of thistle. The adult is a migrant and cannot survive the British winter.

Pieridae (White Butterflies) Colias croceus 1 0 0 Southern Clouded Yellow. A migratory species. Widespread Pieris brassicae 1 0 0 Universal Large White butterfly. Commonly found. The larva feeds on various wild crucifers and legumes as well as cultivated cabbage. Pieris napi 1 0 0 Universal Green-veined White. Commonly found. The larva feeds on wild crucifers, preferring those growing in damp and sheltered areas. Pieris rapae 1 0 0 Universal Small White butterfly. Commonly found. The larva feeds on a range of wild crucifers as well as cultivated ones.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 9 Tortricidae (Grass Moths) Pammene aurana 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, although more frequent in the south. Larvae live in webs spun between the seeds of Hogweed.

Zygaenidae (Burnett Moths) Zygaena filipendulae 1 0 0 Universal 6-spot Burnet moth. Commonly found. The larva feeds on bird’s-foot trefoil but also needs long grass on which to make its cocoon.

COLEOPTERA (Beetles)

Apionidae (Weevils) Apion frumentarium 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, on dock Aspidapion aeneum 1 0 0 Southern Frequently found. On mallow Malva Widespread species Aspidapion radiolus 1 0 0 Universal Frequently found. On mallow Malva species Catapion curtisi 0 1 0 Nationally Southern Very local, rarely found. There are recent Scarce a Restricted (post-1970) records from only a few coastal sites in the Isle of Wight, South Hampshire, East S Phytophagous. The larvae develop in galls in the rootstocks of white Trifolium repens and strawberry clover Trifolium fragiferum. Adults have also been recorded from subterranean clover Trifolium subterraneum in the Isle of Wight. Catapion seniculus 0 1 0 Southern Commonly found, On Trifolium species, Widespread mainly T. hybridum and possibly Medicago spp. Larvae in stems. Ceratapion onopordi 0 1 1 Universal Commonly found, on Arctium, Centaurea & thistles Diplapion confluens 1 0 1 Southern Locally frequently found, coastal. Has a Widespread strong westerly bias and extends much further north on the west than on the east. The larvae develop in the roots of and Tripleurospermum. Eutrichapion ervi 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. On vetches, especially pratensis Ischnopterapion loti 1 1 0 Universal Commonly found, on Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Ischnopterapion 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found. On Trifolium species virens Malvapion malvae 1 0 0 Southern Frequently found. On mallow Malva Restricted species Perapion 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, on dock Rumex species hydrolapathi Protapion ononicola 1 0 0 Southern on restharrow Widespread Pseudapion rufirostre 1 0 0 Southern Frequently found. On mallow Malva Widespread species

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 10 Byrrhidae (Pill Beetles) Curimopsis maritima 0 1 0 Southern Commonly found. Associated with Widespread sparsely-vegetated, dry soils, mostly coastal.

Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles) Rhagonycha fulva 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. In a wide variety of habitats.

Carabidae (Ground Beetles) Asaphidion stierlini 0 1 0 Southern Infrequently found. Part of a complex Widespread formerly known as A. flavipes. Associated with sparsely vegetated, dry soils in eastern England. Cicindela campestris 0 1 0 Universal Locally frequently found. Strongly associated with open habitats with sunny bare ground, including heaths or moors. Harpalus affinis 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found Olisthopus 0 1 0 Universal Frequently found rotundatus Syntomus foveatus 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found, on open dry soils, including arable land

Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles) aerata 0 1 0 Southern Infrequently found and local. Adults on Widespread Rosacaea, especially brambles. Cassida rubiginosa 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, on thistles Longitarsus dorsalis 0 1 1 Nationally Southern Locally frequently found. Phytophagous. Scarce b Widespread Associated with ragwort Senecio Longitarsus 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found, on Ragwort Senecio flavicornis Restricted jacobaea Psylliodes affinis 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Feeds on Solanaceae. Widespread Sphaeroderma 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, on thistles testaceum

Coccinellidae (Ladybird Beetles) Coccinella 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. In a wide variety of septempunctata habitats Coccinella 1 0 1 Southern Commonly found. Mainly, but not undecimpunctata Widespread exclusively, coastal Nephus redtenbacheri 0 1 0 Universal Frequently found, but local, in sparsely vegetated grassland. Feeds on scale insects Psyllobora 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. In grassland habitats vigintiduopunctata Widespread Rhyzobius litura 1 1 0 Universal Commonly found, in grassland habitats. Feeds on scale insects. Scymnus frontalis 0 0 1 Southern Commonly found, in dry grassland Widespread Tytthaspis 0 1 0 Universal 16-spot ladybird. Commonly found, in sedecimpunctata wet grassland

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 11 Corylophidae Corylophus 0 1 0 Southern Frequently found. Local sublaevipennis Restricted

Curculionidae (Weevils) Anthonomus rubi 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. On herbaceous Rosaceae species. Cathormiocerus 0 1 0 RDB 3 Southern Infrequently found. confined to coastal myrmecophilus Restricted cliffs from Hastings in East Sussex, westwards to Cornwall. Abroad it has an extremely narrow range, being confined to a few places in Western . Phytophagous and probably polyphagous. Parthenogenetic (i.e., males unknown), the larvae and adults are found at the roots of low plants such as plantains Plantago, favouring sites where the vegetation is sparse. Ceutorhynchus 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found, on Brassicaceae. pallidactylus Graptus triguttatus 0 1 0 Southern Locally infrequently found. Widespread Phytophagous and probably polyphagous. Associated with light soils where the ground vegetation is sparse. Adults are usually found under rosettes of plants such as plantain Plantago and Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus. Hypera nigrirostris 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found, on clover, especially Trifolium pratense Hypera plantaginis 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found. On various species of Fabaceae Lixus scabricollis 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Coastal, recent colonist. Restricted Sea Beet Parethelcus 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, on Stinging Nettle pollinarius Urtica dioica Rhinoncus 0 1 0 Southern Commonly found. On dock Rumex pericarpius Widespread species. Rhinusa antirrhini 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Usually found inside Widespread the flowers of Linaria vulgaris, it is possible that the larvae develop in the flowers. Sibinia arenariae 1 0 0 Nationally Southern Locally frequently found along the coasts scarce b widespread of southern England and parts of Wales. Phytophagous. It is associated with rock spurry Spergularia rupestris, sea spurry Spergularia marina and sand spurry Spergularia rubra. Sitona hispidulus 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found, on Trifolium species Sitona suturalis 1 0 0 Universal Common, on Lathyrus pratensis and Vicia species Sitona waterhousei 0 1 0 Nationally Southern Infrequently found, Local, Lotus Coastal Scarce b Widespread landslips, sandy grassland

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 12 Trachyphloeus 0 1 0 Nationally Universal Locally infrequently found. Associated aristatus Scarce b with grassland, especially on calcareous soils. Phytophagous, probably polyphagous and parthenogenetic. The larvae may feed on plant roots or litter. It has been recorded from the base of Buck’s-horn Plantain Plantago coronopus and other species of plantain Plantago. Trachyphloeus 0 1 0 Nationally Universal Locally infrequently found. Associated asperatus Scarce b with grassland, both on sandy and soils. Phytophagous, probably polyphagous and parthenogenetic. The larvae may feed on plant roots or litter. It has been recorded from the base of Sheeps Sorrel, Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Plantain species. Trachyphloeus 0 1 0 Universal Locally infrequently found. Associated bifoveolatus with bare and re-vegetating ground. There has been considerable confusion with T angustisetulus Trachyphloeus 0 1 0 Universal Infrequently found. scabriculus Trichosirocalus 0 1 0 Nationally Southern Infrequently found. Associated with barnevillei Scarce b Restricted yarrow millefolium growing on well-drained soils. Trichosirocalus 1 1 0 Universal Commonly found, on Ribwort Plantain troglodytes Plantago lanceolata Tychius picirostris 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found, on Trifolium species

Elateridae (Click Beetles) Agriotes obscurus 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found, in grassland habitats

Histeridae Kissister minima 0 1 0 Southern Locally frequently found , often near the Widespread coast but also occurs inland. Associated with dry grassland with short sparse vegetation.

Latridiidae Aridius bifasciatus 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found, in a variety of habitats. Widespread Corticaria crenulata 0 0 1 Universal Commonly found. Largely coastal. In leaf litter at the base of plants. Corticarina curta 0 0 1 Southern Commonly found. Dry, sparsely-vegetated Restricted soils, often coastal. Cortinicara gibbosa 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found, in a variety of habitats

Melyridae Anthocomus rufus 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Reed Beds Restricted

Nitidulidae (Pollen Beetles) Meligethes aeneus 1 1 0 Universal Commonly found. Breeds in flowers of Brassicaceae. Pria dulcamarae 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Associated with Widespread Solanum dulcamara and S. nigrum. Breeds in the flowers.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 13 Oedemeridae Oedemera nobilis 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. On a variety of flowers Widespread

Phalacridae Olibrus aeneus 0 0 1 Universal Commonly found, on mayweeds and related species

Scraptiidae Anaspis pulicaria 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found, on a variety of flowers. Widespread

Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles) Anotylus 0 1 0 Southern Very commonly found, amongst litter on sculpturatus Widespread the ground. Paederus littoralis 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found, but scarcer towards the north. Dry grassland. Pella limbata 0 1 0 Universal Locally commonly found. Associated with sparsely-vegetated dry soils and ants. Tachyporus 0 0 1 Universal Commonly found, amongst litter on the hypnorum ground.

Tenebrionidae Lagria hirta 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. Associated with hedgerows and scrub.

DIPTERA (Flies)

Asilidae (Robber Flies) Machimus 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found south of London, cingulatus Widespread infrequent elsewhere. Dry grasslands, heaths and scrub.

Bibionidae (St Mark’s Flies) reticulatus 0 1 0 Universal Abundance: Frequently found. The larvae feed in grassland.

Bombyliidae (Bee Flies) Bombylius discolor 0 1 0 Nationally Southern Locally frequent. Associated with large Scarce UK Restricted aggregations of spring mining bees, BAP especially Andrena flavipes and A. cinereria Bombylius major 0 1 0 Southern Commonly found. A cleptoparasite of Widespread a variety of springtime ground-nesting solitary bees.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 14 Conopidae (Thick- headed Flies) Thecophora atra 1 0 0 Southern Frequently found. Easily overlooked. Widespread It is most often swept from around the burrows of solitary bees of the genera Halictus and Lasioglossum, which are its hosts.

Stratiomyidae (Soldier Flies) Chloromyia formosa 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. Breeds in rotting vegetation.

Syrphidae (Hoverflies) Eristalis tenax 1 0 0 Universal Very commonly found. The larvae live in organically rich wet mud. Melanostoma 1 0 0 Universal Very commonly found. A grassland mellinum species. Paragus haemorrhous 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. Associated with patches of bare ground in short grassland. Scaeva pyrastri 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. A migratory species. The larvae feed on aphids within grassland. Sphaerophoria 1 0 0 Universal Locally commonly found in the south- rueppellii east. Uncommonly found elsewhere. Usually In dry grassland, although it has been also found along the edges of saltmarsh. Syritta pipiens 1 0 0 Universal Very commonly found in most places throughout Britain. The larvae live in decaying vegetation.

Tephritidae (Picture-wing Flies) Tephritis divisa 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Recent arrival from Restricted southern Europe. Associated with Picris echioides.

ACULEATE HYMENOPTERA (Ants, Bees and Wasps)

Apidae (Bees) Andrena flavipes 1 1 0 Southern Commonly found. Forms very large Restricted. colonies, especially in bare ground. Polylectic. Ground nesting. Andrena nitidiuscula 1 0 0 RDB 3 Southern A species of clay soils, largely coastal. Restricted Oligolectic on Apiaceae and often associated with Daucus carota. Andrena pilipes s.s 1 0 0 Nationally Southern A recent split, this is the commoner of Scarce b Restricted. two species formerly known as Andrena pilipes. Andrena thoracica 1 1 0 Southern Locally common. A species of Heathland Restricted. and coasts. Polylectic. Ground nesting.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 15 Anthophora 1 0 0 Southern Locally commonly found in heathy bimaculata Restricted. localities. Nests in the ground. Polylectic. Anthophora furcata 1 0 0 Southern Infrequently found. Oligolectic on Widespread Lamiacaea. Nests in dead wood. Anthophora plumipes 0 1 0 Southern Commonly found. Nests in the ground or Widespread cliffs and walls. Bombus lapidarius 1 0 0 Universal Very commonly found. Nests underground in cavities. Polylectic. Bombus pascuorum 1 1 0 Universal Very commonly found. Polylectic. Nests in surface litter. Bombus terrestris 1 1 1 Universal Very commonly found. Polylectic. Nests underground in cavities. Hylaeus dilatatus 1 0 0 Southern Locally frequently found. Nests in dead Restricted. Bramble stems. Polylectic.Previously known as Hylaeus annularis Hylaeus hyalinatus 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found, especially in coastal Widespread situations. Lasioglossum 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. A eusocial species. calceatum Polylectic. Ground nesting. Lasioglossum 1 0 0 Southern Locally frequently found. Associated with minutissimum Restricted sandy places. Polylectic. Lasioglossum morio 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Polylectic. Ground Widespread nesting Melecta albifrons 0 1 0 Southern Infrequently found. A cleptoparasite of Widespread Anthophora plumipes. Nomada fabriciana 0 1 0 Universal. Commonly found. Parasitises several Andrena species. Ground nesting. Nomada fucata 1 1 0 Nationally Southern Frequently found. Becoming much more Scarce a Restricted. widespread recently. The host of this species, Andrena flavipes, has always been more widespread than the Nomada. Nomada goodeniana 0 1 0 Universal Commonly found. Parasitises several Andrena species. Ground nesting. Nomada marshamella 0 1 0 Universal. Commonly found. Parasitises several Andrena species. Osmia spinulosa 1 0 0 Southern Locally frequently found on southern Restricted calcareous grasslands. Nest in snail-shells. Oligolectic on Asteraceae.Formerly known as Hoplitis spinulosa.

Formicidae (Ants) Formica cunicularia 1 1 0 Southern Locally commonly found. Southern Restricted. heathland, downland and coastal localities. Lasius flavus 1 0 0 Universal. Commonly found. The large, dome- shaped nests are an indicator of long- established pasture. Lasius niger s.s. 1 1 1 Universal Very commonly found. Dry habitats. Myrmecina 0 0 1 Southern Infrequently found. Often in the nests of graminicola Restricted other ant species, usually Lasius alienus and L. flavus. Myrmica scabrinodis 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found in a variety of open habitats.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 16 Mutillidae (Solitary wasps) Myrmosa atra 1 0 0 Southern Frequently found. Wingless females Widespread occasionally found running over bare ground. Males can be very common in malaise trap catches. Parasite of a variety of ground-nesting bees and wasps.

Sphecidae (Solitary Wasps) Cerceris arenaria 1 0 0 Southern Locally common in sandy places. Preys on Widespread Otiorrhynchus weevils. Ground nesting. Diodontus minutus 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found in sandy places. Preys Widespread on aphids. Ground nesting. Oxybelus uniglumis 1 0 0 Southern Very commonly found in sandy places. Widespread Preys on flies. Ground nesting. Pemphredon lethifer 1 0 0 Southern Commonly found. Preys on aphids. Dead- Widespread stem nesting. Philanthus 1 0 0 Southern Locally commonly found to abundant. triangulum Widespread The ‘Bee Wolf’. Preys on honeybees. Long restricted to the south coast of the Isle of Wight as a permanent breeding population, this wasp has recently undergone a rapid expansion of its range.

Vespidae (Social and Potter Wasps) Dolichovespula 1 0 0 Universal Commonly found. Aerial nesting. sylvestris

Table 1. Species recorded by date and recording area.

Suction 1 Suction 2 Suction 3 Suction 4 Suction 5 Suction 6 Suction 7 Suction 8 cliff cliff cliff cliff cliff cliff shingle shingle TQ76840810 TQ76810806 TQ76840808 TQ76590800 TQ76550795 TQ76510791 TQ78020860 TQ77850857 COLEOPTERA (Beetles) APIONIDAE (Weevils) Ceratapion onopordi + + + Catapion curtisi 2 Catapion seniculus + + Diplapion confluens + Ischnopterapion loti + + Ischopterapion virens + + + BYRRHIDAE (Pill beetles) Curimopsis maritima + CARABIDAE (Ground beetles) Asaphidion stierlini + Harpalus affinis + Syntomus foveatus + + Olisthopus rotundatus +

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 17 CHRYSOMELIDAE (Leaf beetles) Batophila aerata + Longitarsus dorsalis + + + + COCCINELLIDAE (Ladybirds) Coccinella + undecimpunctata Nephus redtenbacheri + + Rhyzobius litura + + Scymnus frontalis + Tytthaspis + sedecimpunctata CORYLOPHIDAE Corylophus + sublaevipennis (Weevils) Cathormiocerus 1 1 myrmecophilus Ceutorhynchus + pallidactylus Graptus triguttatus + Hypera nigrirostris + Hypera plantaginis + + Rhinoncus pericarpius + Sitona hispidulus + + + Sitona waterhousei 3 Trachyphloeus 2 1 aristatus Trachyphloeus 3 3 1 asperatus Trachyphloeus 1 bifoveolatus Trachyphloeus 13 3 scabriculus Trichosirocalus 1 barnevillei Trichosirocalus + + troglodytes Tychius picirostris + + ELATERIDAE (Click beetles) Agriotes obscurus + HISTERIDAE Kissister minima + + LATRIDIIDAE (Fungus beetles) Corticaria crenulata + Corticarina curta + NITIDULIDAE (Pollen beetles) Meligethes aeneus + + +

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 18 PHALACRIDAE Olibrus aeneus + STAPHYLINIDAE (Rove beetles) Anotylus sculpturatus + Paederus littoralis + Pella limbata + Tachyporus hypnorum +

DERMAPTERA (Earwigs) FORFICULIDAE Forficula auricularia +

HEMIPTERA- HETEROPTERA (Bugs) LYGAEIDAE (Ground bugs) Stygnocoris fuligineus ` + Taphropeltus contractus

Table 2. The species recorded by suction sample, + is a record, numbers unrecorded.

5. The plants recorded.

This is not a complete list, largely being those plants of most interest to the entomologist, especially as potential food plants for insects, and it does not look at grasses in any depth at all. However, it should enable a knowledgeable botanist to gain some expectation of what is likely to be present. Names are according to Stace (1997), New Flora of the British Isles, Second Edition.

Vernacular name Scientific Name

Araliaceae Ivy Hedera helix

Apiaceae (Umbellifers) Wild Carrot Daucus carota Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa Alexanders Smyrnium olusatrum

Asteraceae (Composites) Yarrow Achilea millefolium Burdock Arctium sp. Mugwort sp. Artemesia ?vulgaris

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 19 Daisy Bellis perennis Knapweed Centaurea nigra Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare Hemp Agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum Hawkbit Leontodon sp. Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Bristly Oxtongue Picris echoides Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica Ragwort Senecio jacobaeae Oxford Ragwort Senecio squalidus Groundsel Senecio vulgaris Sticky Groundsel Senecio viscosus Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis Smooth Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Dandelion Taraxacum agg. Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara

Aizoaceae Hottentot-fig Carpobrotus edulis

Boraginaceae Vipers-bugloss Echium vulgare

Brassicaceae (Crucifers) Sea Kale Crambe maritima Sea Radish Raphanus raphiastrum ssp. maritimus

Caryopyllaceae Common Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Sea Campion Silene unifora Lesser Sea-spurrey Spergularia marina

Chenopodaceae Orache Atriplex sp. Sea Beet Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima

Convolvulaceae Field Bindweed Calystegia sepium

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 20 Dipsacaceae Teasel Dipsacus fullonum

Fabaceae Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus vernus Birds-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Black Meddick Medicago lupulina Common Restharrow Ononis repens Hop Trefoil Trifolium campestre Red Clover Trifolium pratense White Clover Trifolium repens Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca Common vetch Vicia sativa

Gentianaceae Common Centaury Centaurium erythrea

Graminaceae False Oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata Sea Couch Elytrigia juncea Red Fescue Festuca rubra Sea Barley Hordeum marinum Common Reed Phragmites australis

Lamiaceae Black Horehound Ballota nigra Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea

Malvaceae Common Mallow Malva sylvestris

Onograceae Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsuitum

Papaveraceae Yellow Horned-poppy Glaucium flavum

Plantaginaceae Buckshorn Plantain Plantago coronopus Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 21 Greater Plantain Plantago major

Rosaceae Agrimony Agrimonia eupatorium Creeping Cinqufoil Potentilla reptans Bramble Rubus agg.

Polygonaceae Dock sp. Rumex sp.

Primulaceae Scarlet Pimpernel Anagalis arvensis

Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sp Buttercup

Resedaceae Reseda luteola Weld

Rubiaceae Hedge Bedstraw mollugo Lady’s Bedstraw Galium verum

Scrophulaceae Common Toadflax Linaria vulgaris

Solanaceae Bittersweet Solanun dulcamara

Verbenaceae Vervain Verbena officinalis

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 22 Appendix:

Conservation Status Categories, Distribution and Abundance Terms for Insects

Conservation status categories RDB (Red Data Book) categories are based upon the most modern work, usually one of the English Nature Research and Survey in Nature Conservation reviews. Where these do not exist the category given in Shirt, D.B., 1987 The British Red Data Books: 2 is given. These categories may require revision in the light of new information but a new Red Data Book has yet to be compiled. Such revisions are indicated as p(rovisional). The new Red Data Book categories will be based on threat, of which distribution is only one part. This is likely to lead to a far more meaningful conservation assessment, as the number of squares recorded for any one species is highly susceptible to recorder effort, especially as data accumulates over time. RDB 1. Endangered. Species currently (post 1970) known to exist in five or fewer ten-kilometre squares. RDB 2. Vulnerable. Species in severely declining or vulnerable habitats, or of low known populations. Known to exist (post 1970) in ten, or fewer, ten-kilometre squares. RDB 3. Rare. Species with small populations, not at present Endangered or Vulnerable, but which are felt to be at risk. Species currently known to exist (post 1970) in fifteen, or fewer, ten-kilometre squares. RDB K. Species of undoubted RDB rank, but with insufficient information for accurate placement; includes possible recent arrivals. Nationally Scarce. Species currently (post 1970) known to exist in one hundred, or fewer, ten-kilometre squares. In some groups these are further sub-divided into:- Nationally Scarce a. Species currently (post 1970) known to exist in thirty, or fewer, ten-kilometre squares. Nationally Scarce b. Species currently known to exist in thirty-one to one hundred ten-kilometre squares.

Distribution categories Distribution refers solely to the geographical extent of a species in the British Isles. Considerable confusion has been caused in the past by the varying meanings given to many assessments of species where geographic distribution has been confused with local abundance. Distribution comments are based upon national status as far as is known (e.g. published distribution maps or the most recent taxonomic/ecological work giving distribution information). This may be supplemented by personal knowledge of the species. A distribution classification, based on the known distribution range, is being developed. Where possible a provisional national distribution range status under this system is given. The basic system has been to divide the British Isles into thirds, largely ignoring the influence of altitude. The lines delineating these thirds run approximately: i). Along a line from the Wash to the Severn and including South Wales. ii) Along a line running through the Scottish Borders.

Universal. Distributed throughout England and Wales, with at least some extension into central and northern Scotland. Widespread. Distributed in about three-quarters of England and Wales, perhaps with a few records in southern Scotland, but not significantly found in the northern third (Southern Widespread) or southern third (Northern Widespread) of the British Isles. (NB Northern Widespread species are found in Scotland as well.) Restricted. Distributed in the southern (Southern Restricted) or northern (Northern Restricted) third of the British Isles only.

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 23 Abundance Comments

These often form the first part of the ‘Notes’ in the species information.An attempt has been made to make something akin to the well-established DAFOR system for botanical abundance recording, but with just four categories. These rate the expectation of finding the species, if all its life-cycle resource requirements and temperature and humidity regimes are apparently met on a site.

i) Commonly found. An experienced observer would expect to find the species 90% or more of the time where all its requirements are met. ii) Frequently found. An experienced observer would expect to find the species 60% or more of the time where all its requirements are met. iii) Infrequently found. An experienced observer would expect to find the species 10% or more of the time where all its requirements are met. iv) Rarely found. An experienced observer would expect to find the species less than 10% of the time where all its requirements are met.

Abundance comments are much more subjective than distribution comments, being dependent upon the precise timing of survey visits and the timing of emergence of the insect species, as well as the experience of the observer. The method of recording, e.g. by sight or hand-netting, sweeping, beating, malaise trap, pan trap, may also affect the observed abundance. It is assumed that recording takes place under favourable conditions of habitat, weather and season. Often a species appears to be rarely found, until the particular way of looking for it is discovered, when it proves to be much more prevalent than previously thought. Some species, however, seem to exist in low numbers at all times in all suitable places. This may reflect the species’ position in its particular ecological pyramid. The abundance may have no connection with the distribution status; some Red Data Book species are numerous in their particular locations: some Universal species may only ever be found as singletons. Comments under this heading rely heavily upon the observer’s accumulated experience as the rating given is a measure of the expectation of finding the species in a suitable habitat. Species living towards the edge of their range are often less frequent than they are in the middle of their range.

Specialist Terms for Ants, Bees and Wasps

Cleptoparasitic: A species taking over the stored provisions of another species to feed its young. This usually involves the cleptoparasite laying an egg in the nest of the host, but may involve oviposition on prey being transported by the host. Socially Parasitic: The queens of some social aculeates do not initiate their own nests from scratch, but take over established nests of other species. Sometimes this results in the gradual replacement of the workers of one species by another. In other cases the parasite does not produce its own workers and the nest just produces males and females of the invading parasite before it dies out. In some ant species the chain of socially parasitic species may have several links. Nesting situations: Bees and wasps may construct their nesting chambers in the ground (ground nesting) or in aerial situations (aerial nesting). Such aerial nests may be constructed in dead wood (dead-wood nesting), dead bramble stems or similar pith-filled stems (stem nesting) or in a variety of cavities (cavity nesting). Nest provisioning terms: These relate (in bees) to the preferred sources of pollen for provisioning the nest. Such resources may be very specific for some species. Nectar sources are not so clearly defined, although bees with longer tongues can forage at flowers with longer nectaries. Such flowers often have more concentrated nectar. The structure of the anthers and stigma is often related to the length of the tongue of the preferred pollinating insect. Oligolectic: Bees which confine their pollen gathering activities to one species of plant, or a closely-related group of plants. Polylectic: Bees which forage for pollen at a variety of different plants and show no particular preference. Social organisation: The majority of bee and wasp species are solitary. One female provisions the nest and lays her eggs on the provisions. A number of solitary nesting insects may use the same small area when they are said to nest colonially. Eusocial species have a founding female who lays all the eggs, but the first insects to hatch (females) stay and help run the nest. At the end of the season males and females are produced. These mate and the newly mated females start their own nests. Usually only mated females overwinter. Some ant colonies have several mated females (queens).

Glyne Gap to Bulverhythe Cycle Track. Insect Impact Assessment , July 2009, updated May 2010. 24