Appendix 11G –Terrestrial Invertebrates

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Appendix 11G –Terrestrial Invertebrates ...... 2

Legislation ...... 2

Conservation Status...... 4

Policy Framework and Guidance Notes...... 5

Baseline Data Collection ...... 6

Designated Sites ...... 9

Species Records ...... 9

Field Survey ...... 19

Evaluation...... 20

NI Terrestrial Invertebrate Species of Conservation Concern (SoCC) Occuring in Habitats Present within the Study Area...... 25

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Appendix 11G –Terrestrial Invertebrates

Terrestrial invertebrate species and assemblages are considered significant nature conservation receptors for the Proposed Scheme for the following reasons:

• Some notable invertebrate species in Northern Ireland (NI) are afforded protection through both national statute and planning guidance, with some species afforded full statutory protection;

• Several invertebrate species in NI exhibit unfavourable conservation status’, and are the subject of both national and local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) aiming to improve their conservation status within NI. They are also listed as NI Priority Species and Species of Conservation Concern (SoCC); and

• Invertebrate diversity can be a good indicator of wider ecosystem health and wider biodiversity value across habitats (e.g. Baldi, 2003; Raino & Niemela, 2003).

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Legislation The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended) makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take an invertebrate species listed in Schedule 5 to that Order and / or intentionally damage or destroy such a species breeding site or place of rest / shelter, and / or intentionally disturb such an invertebrate while it occupies such as place. Invertebrate species listed in Schedule 5 to that Order consist of the following:

• Holly blue Celastrina argiolus ;

• Large heath Coenonympha tullia ;

• Small blue Cupido minimus ;

• Dingy skipper Erynnis tages;

• Marsh fritillary Eurodryas aurinia ;

• Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni ; and

• Purple hairstreak Quercusia quercus.

EC Directives and European Conventions aimed at conserving biodiversity that are particularly relevant to terrestrial invertebrate species, include Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (“the Habitats Directive”) and the 1979 Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats”

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Conservation Status In Biodiversity in NI: Recommendations to Government for a NI Biodiversity Strategy , the NI Biodiversity Group recognised the need to develop lists of NI Priority Species (which require conservation action) and SoCC species (which require monitoring because they may need conservation action in the future).

Draft lists of NI Priority Species and NI SoCC species were published in NI Biodiversity Strategy Proposals in 1999. In 2004 these lists were reviewed by collating proposals and supporting information supplied by experts on species groups, then refining and applying the selection criteria.

The current list includes 66 invertebrate SoCC species, of which 50 are NI Priority Species. This list was used as the basis for the original scoping study (Mouchel, 2009a); with the habitat requirements and historical distribution of all SoCC species being considered.

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Policy Framework and Guidance Notes The following policies and guidance documents aim to help conserve and protect significant terrestrial invertebrate species within NI and the study area:

• Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Volume 11 Environmental Assessment - Outlines potential impacts of road schemes on ecological receptors and designated sites, in addition to describing assessment and mitigation techniques ;

• Roads Service Biodiversity Implementation Plan;

• Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 2 – Planning and Nature Conservation - Outlines the need to consider biodiversity during the planning process within NI;

• Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy - Outlines the requirement to identify SoCC and PSoCC and the delivery of Species and Habitat Biodiversity Action Plans;

• Local Development Plans - The West Tyrone, Dungannon and South Tyrone, and Londonderry Area Plans all highlight the need to maintain existing levels of biodiversity within their jurisdictions;

• NI Biodiversity Strategy and associated Plans - Individual Species Action Plans exist for several NI species including marsh fritillary butterfly Eurodryas aurinia and narrow- bordered bee hawk-moth Hemaris tityus; and

• Local Biodiversity Action Plans - The Londonderry LBAP lists bumblebees as Priority Species, whilst the Omagh LBAP lists Irish damselfly Coenagrion lunulatum and green hairstreak butterfly Callophrys rubi.

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Baseline Data Collection Field surveys were undertaken in eight specific locations within this study area which were thought most likely to support good assemblages of notable terrestrial invertebrates. These were based upon analysis of baseline habitat surveys identifying the majority of semi-natural habitats within what are termed Eco Identity Areas (EID Areas) within a 1-3km corridor roughly centred on the scheme route (see Habitats and Flora Appendix 11G).

The methods used to collect information on significant terrestrial invertebrates followed the guidance provided within Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB), Volume 11, Section 3, Part 4 Ecology & Nature Conservation. This included:

• Obtaining up-to-date details of the location and nature of all statutory and non- statutory designated sites, notified for their value to invertebrate species, within the study area from the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) (formerly Environment and Heritage Service [EHS]);

• Collation of information from desk-based sources relating to the presence of significant terrestrial invertebrates in NI and, where possible, potential distribution and habitat preference; and

• Completion of detailed field surveys to identify the presence / likely absence of notable terrestrial invertebrates within the vicinity of the Preferred Route.

Selection of Field Survey Sites

Habitat parcels within the study area were appraised for their potential to support significant invertebrate species or assemblages. This evaluation was used to identify area which would be subject to field survey if the location was likely to be affected by the Proposed Scheme.

The appraisal was based on desk study data (including those undertaken during Stage 2) and the results of consultations with statutory and non-statutory nature conservation organisations. Criteria used to determine the potential value of sites included the presence of appropriate habitat types, host plant species and historical presence of a particular species within the study area.

Information from the NI’s Species of Conservation Concern website (EHS, 2007) allowed species to be grouped according to their habitat requirements.The habitat information from the Habitats and Flora baseline studies was then compared with these requirements to identify habitat areas within the study area which may be suitable for SoCC invertebrate species.

Each suitable EID Area was ranked purely on the number of supporting habitats each ID area contained.

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Field Survey

Once sites were identified for survey, two survey methods were used at each location, if appropriate:

• sweeping a large diameter net through grass, herbage, shrubs and overhanging trees. Specimens were extracted from the net with a pooter or, in the case of larger specimens, individually potted in glass tubes. When sampling was completed, or the pooter became too full, the contents were preserved in 70% iso-propyl alcohol and labelled for subsequent identification.

• Hand searching was employed to survey dead wood and leaf litter. Searches were made beneath the bark of dead trees and branches, paying particular attention to the location of galleries and exit holes. Fragments of leaf litter were separated and invertebrates were extracted by hand or using a pooter. All samples were also preserved and labelled.

Standard keys were used for identification, together with direct comparisons against confirmed reference material. Any critical species (Nationally Scarce or Rare) were compared against refereed reference material held in the Entomology Department of the World Museum, Liverpool. Groups to be identified were dependent upon the sample contents, but target groups included:

• Coleoptera (beetles) – Carabidae, Staphylinidae (excluding Aleocharinae), Curculionidae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae and Chrysomelidae;

• Diptera (two-winged flies) – Stratiomyiidae, Empididae, Tephritidae, Sciomyzidae, Tipulidae, Dolichopodidae and Syrphidae;

• Hemiptera (true bugs) – Heteroptera (all families) and Homoptera (Auchenorrhyncha and Psylloidea); and

• Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets).

Incidental Records

During field surveys for other species / species groups, surveyors were provided with fact / identification sheets for Priority Species including marsh fritillary butterfly and Irish damselfly, to enable incidental sightings to be recorded.

Limitations The desk study methodology for identification of sites was limited by the completeness of biological records for the SoCC species within the study area and within NI and the adjoining

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parts of the ROI. Lack of recording or identification difficulties may result in several species which are present within the area being overlooked within the original scoping study. The study is also limited by the completeness of survey data used to compile the EID Area forms (Mouchel, 2008).

The field survey data was limited by the amount of sampling effort expended at each location. This also depended upon accessibility to the habitats likely to be affected, the relative size of the site and the prevailing weather conditions at the time of the survey.

Despite these limitations, it is felt that the field survey was able to accurately identify the potential of habitats likely to be affected and also, where appropriate, collect sufficient data to allow an evaluation of the invertebrate assemblage to be made.

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Designated Sites There were no designated sites, statutory or non-statutory, within the study area that are designated specifically for the presence of significant terrestrial invertebrates.

Species Records Analysis of the known habitat requirements of SoCC species identified species which occur in habitats that are present within the study area. This list was modified through the inclusion of only those species which have been recorded within counties Tyrone, Londonderry, north Monaghan and east Donegal. Appendix 2 presents full details of habitat and host plant requirements (where applicable) of the SoCC terrestrial invertebrate species which may be affected by the proposals.

Biological Records and Distribution Maps

The distribution of the SoCC species occurring in similar habitats to those present within the study area, within counties Tyrone, Londonderry, north Monaghan and east Donegal is summarised in Table 11V.1 below.

Table 11V.1 Distribution of SoCC Invertebrates within Tyrone, Londonderry, north Monaghan and east Donegal

Species Occurrence in Tyrone, Londonderry, north Monaghan and east Donegal

Adscita statices Post-1986 records from east Tyrone.

Apamea furva Several pre-1970 records within Londonderry.

Brachionycha sphinx Post-1986 records from south-east Tyrone and north Monaghan. CEDaR hold a single record within the ecology study area, on Rehaghy Mountain near Aughnacloy.

Callophrys rubi Numerous post-1986 records throughout Tyrone. CEDaR hold records within the ecology study area throughout county Tyrone from Aughnacloy in the south- east, through Strabane and Omagh to McKean’s Moss ASSI south-west of Londonderry city.

Carabus clathratus Pre-1970 records near border with Londonderry.

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Species Occurrence in Tyrone, Londonderry, north Monaghan and east Donegal

Coenagrion lunulatum Numerous post-1986 records throughout Tyrone. CEDaR hold records within the ecology study area from the southern half of the proposed route, mostly around Augher, Aughnacloy and Ballygawley, with a couple of records from around Omagh.

Cupido minimus Several records from east Donegal.

Dicallomera fascelina Post-1986 records near border with Armagh.

Donacia bicolora Post-1986 records from south Tyrone.

Eriogaster lanestris Two records from north Londonderry.

Erynnis tages Several records from east Donegal.

Eurodryas aurinia Post-1970 records throughout Tyrone. CEDaR hold records within the ecology study area at Slievedivena between Ballygawley and Omagh.

Hemaris tityus Post-1986 records from Tyrone. CEDaR hold records within the ecology study area from Altmore Forest, north of Ballygawley.

Ipimorpha subtusa Post-1986 records from south-east Tyrone. CEDaR hold records within the ecology study area from Favour Royal House & Gardens, west of Aughnacloy.

Lasiommata megera Records including post-1986 throughout Tyrone. CEDaR hold records within the ecology study area from Aughnacloy.

Leptidea realii Post-1986 records from Tyrone

Limnoporus rufoscutellatus Post-1986 records from Tyrone

Parasemia plantaginis Post-1986 records from near borders with Fermanagh, Armagh and Londonderry.

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Species Occurrence in Tyrone, Londonderry, north Monaghan and east Donegal

Platyptilla tesseradactyla One record from Tyrone in Pomeroy 1937.

Pterostichus aterrimus Two post-1986 records for north Monaghan.

Rheumaptera hastata Post-1970 records from south-east Tyrone. CEDaR hold records within the ecology study area from sites in the north of the preferred route corridor, near Londonderry city and near Aughnacloy in the south.

Schrankia taenialis Post-1986 record near border with Fermanagh.

Selidosema brunnearia Post-1986 record from east Tyrone

Succinia (Succinella) oblonga Recorded near border with Fermanagh, south-west Tyrone. CEDaR hold a single record within the ecology study area from Harper’s Bridge Cement Quarry, north- east of Ballygawley.

Association with ID Areas

The habitat requirements of the 27 species that have been recorded in counties Tyrone, Londonderry, north Monaghan or east Donegal, with lists of ID Areas containing potentially suitable habitat, are summarised in Table 11V.2 below. The Habitats and Flora Appendix 11G contains further information on each of the ID Areas.

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Table 11V.2 Habitat Requirements of SoCC Species and Suitable ID Areas .

Species Habitat Requirements Affected EID Areas Containing Potentially Suitable Habitat

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

Adscita Open habitat such as fens 2C 1082, 7C, 1A 912, 928, 981 statices and flower-filled meadows. Its larvae feed on common sorrel Rumex acetosa .

Apamea furva Heathland or rocky coastal 812 areas. Larval food plants are the roots and stems of various grass species.

Brachionycha Mature broadleaved 1A 981, 912 sphinx woodland and old wooded estates where the larvae feed on various tree species including oak, hazel and hawthorn.

Callophrys rubi Found in NI on bogs and 812 heaths with scrub. In Ireland, it is believed to mainly use bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus and gorse Ulex europaeus .

Carabus Bogs or water-logged 812 clathratus lakeshores.

Coenagrion Eggs are laid into the 2C 812, 981 lunulatum submerged stems of aquatic plants, particularly pondweeds Potamogeton spp. Colonies exist on small mesotrophic lakes and cutover bogs.

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Species Habitat Requirements Affected EID Areas Containing Potentially Suitable Habitat

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

Cupido Prefers short calcareous 912 minimus grassland where kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria grows.

Dicallomera The caterpillars feed mainly 812 fascelina on heather. It occurs on raised bogs.

Donacia Usually associated with 2C 981 bicolora Sparganium spp. near to water.

Eriogaster Its habitat is blackthorn 1A lanestris thickets and hedges

Erynnis tages Usually found in sunny No suitable habitat likely to be affected south-facing road cuttings, sheltered, unimproved limestone grassland and abandoned quarries.

Eurodryas Succisa pratensis is the See evaluation of this species below aurinia larval foodplant and it occurs in mires, damp grasslands, dune heath and dune grassland.

Hemaris tityus Damp moorland and 2C 1082, 7C, 1A 812, 928 unimproved calcareous grassland where its foodplant, devil’s-bit scabious, occurs.

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Species Habitat Requirements Affected EID Areas Containing Potentially Suitable Habitat

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

Ipimorpha It prefers damp 1A 981, 912 subtusa broadleaved woodlands, the larvae usually feeding on aspen or other species of poplar.

Lasiommata Hot sunny sites with bare 912 megera ground, favouring low rocky coastal areas and abandoned quarries. The larval food plants are various grasses e.g. Dactylis glomerata and Holcus lanatus.

Leptidea realii Lotus corniculatus and 912 Lathyrus aphaca provide larval food. The butterfly occurs in open flower-rich grassland, abandoned quarries, hedges, verges and limestone grassland.

Parasemia The larvae feed on a wide 812 plantaginis variety of herbaceous plants amongst acid grassland on bog and moorland edge.

Platyptilla Requires rocky moorland Without knowing the distribution of mountain tesseradactyla and grassy ridges where its everlasting within the ID Areas it is not possible to food plant, mountain identify suitable habitat areas. everlasting Antennaria dioica, occurs.

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Species Habitat Requirements Affected EID Areas Containing Potentially Suitable Habitat

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

Pterostichus A close association with 812 aterrimus the wettest parts of bogs and fens.

Rheumaptera Occurs in wet moorland 812 hastata and bogs with stands of bog myrtle Myrica gale .

Schrankia Habitat preferences are Unknown Unknown Unknown taenialis unknown in NI but are likely to be old damp woodland or fen/marsh.

Selidosema Inhabits intact raised bogs 812 brunnearia and heathland.

Evaluation of EID Areas for SoCC Invertebrates

The EID Areas within the Study Area were scored for their potential to support invertebrate SoCC species. Those areas likely to be affected are listed in Table 11V.3 below, together with their habitat rating and the SoCC species which have the potential to be present:

Table 11V.3 Habitat rating and SoCC Potential of affected EID Areas

EID Rating SoCC Species Area 7C 3 Adscita statices Hemaris tityus 928 3 Adscita statices Hemaris tityus 1082 3 Adscita statices Hemaris tityus Adscita statices Brachionycha sphinx Eriogaster lanestris Hemaris tityus 1A 6 Ipimorpha subtusa Adscita statices Brachionycha sphinx Cupido minimus Ipimorpha subtusa 912 8 Lasiommata megera Leptidea realii 2C 9 Adscita statices Coenagrion lunulatum Donacia bicolora Hemaris tityus Adscita statices Brachionycha sphinx Coenagrion lunulatum Donacia bicolora 981 9 Ipimorpha subtusa

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Apamea furva Callophrys rubi Carabus clathratus Coenagrion lunulatum Dicallomera fascelina Hemaris tityus Parasemia plantaginis Pterostichus 812 12 aterrimus Rheumaptera hastata Selidosema brunnearia

These potential SoCC habitats were confirmed during site visits in 2009, to assess potential habitat losses more accurately. The likelihood of SoCC species being present within the Proposed Scheme are taken into account within the evaluation section of the report, together with results from field sampling.

Review of Marsh Fritillary Status, Ecology and Habitat Suitability within the Study Area

Recent Status

The marsh fritillary has exhibited recent sharp population declines throughout Europe, to the point that the British Isles is now considered to be one of the few strongholds for this species. There have also, however, been severe recent declines in the British and Irish populations.

In Great Britain the species is generally restricted to western Scotland, south-west England and South Wales. In the ROI the species is most frequent to the west of the River Shannon and has been recorded in 90 hectads (10 x 10 km grid squares) throughout RoI between 2005 and 2008. In Ireland the form hibernica occurs which is more richly marked than the British forms, anglicana and scotica. In NI the species has been recorded within 37 hectads post 1986, with records from 3 hectads in County Tyrone.

The results from a partial quantitative survey of colonies in 1983 and a full review of all UK colonies in 1990 (Warren, 1994) concluded that there were 58 colonies within NI. Within County Tyrone the species was largely absent from the west, except around Fairy Water bogs, with the main distribution towards the east of the county. Within County Londonderry, marsh fritillary was absent from the central upland areas in the Sperrins but present at sand dunes on the north coast from Umbra to Magilligan and on bogs in the south-east of the county.

A further survey of the marsh fritillary population within NI was undertaken in 1999 (Nelson, 2000). Although survey coverage was affected by poor weather conditions during the adult flight period, only 8 colonies were confirmed by web counts. Most colonies were found on unmanaged wetland sites, with eastern County Down identified as a key area for the species in NI. Six of the 1999 survey colonies were located within County Down, with single colonies in Antrim and Fermanagh. A single adult was recorded from an additional site in County Armagh. No colonies were recorded in Tyrone, with suitable habitat still occurring at Fairy Water bogs but no sightings of adults or larvae during the surveys.

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The most recent data (BCNI, 2008) indicates that large colonies have recently been discovered in west Fermanagh, with 2008 records also from north Armagh, south Antrim and particularly east Down. No butterflies were recorded within County Tyrone or County Londonderry during 2008. Marsh fritillary is recorded from a single tetrad (2 x 2 km grid square) in Tyrone and from 3 tetrads in Londonderry between 1995 and 2007.

Ecology

The Marsh Fritillary is a univoltine (single-brooded) species throughout its range. Adults fly in May and June in Ireland, with adult males emerging first, followed by adult females. The females lay a large initial batch of eggs, close to the emergence site, on devil’s-bit scabious (the food plant used almost exclusively in Britain and Ireland).

Caterpillars hatch after a few weeks, and then feed communally on the leaves of the food plant, spinning a web over the host plant. This continues until they are in their third instar in late summer or early autumn, when they enter hibernation in a web spun at the base of the plant. They emerge in late winter and early spring, basking on webs and feeding. They remain communal until the fifth instar when they start to disperse, and are solitary by the sixth and final instar. The larvae pupate in late April beneath leaves or on low plants with the adults emerging three to four weeks later.

The species is considered largely sedentary and most individuals stay close to the natal site, but large movements are not uncommon (Warren, 1994). Marsh Fritillary populations are believed to be an example of metapopulations (Warren, 1994).This theory proposes that colonies operate within a large network of sites, involving periodic extinction and re- colonisation. The model allows for either large core permanent populations with a network of smaller satellite sites, or a network of sites at which the species maintains short-lived colonies. A network of sites is needed to allow the species to survive the effects of foodplant shortage and the impact of parasites (Warren, 1994) which have a significant impact on the species and are an integral part of the species population dynamics. Caterpillars are attacked by the parasitic braconid wasps, Cotesia bignellii and C. melitaearum . The former is exclusive to the marsh fritillary whilst the latter parasitises related species.

Marsh fritillary colonies in Britain and Ireland occur in two distinct biotopes; dry calcicolous grassland and damp neutral or acidic grassland and mires. The species is found in both biotopes in Ireland. Low-intensity cattle grazing is noted as a feature of many of the sites within the British Isles. The habitat where the 1999 colonies were found consisted of 6 sites located in mires and wet grasslands, one site located in dune heath and one site located in dune grassland. These are similar habitats to those described in other parts of the species’ range within the British Isles. The major difference between the NI sites and those in Great Britain, relates to the type and nature of the site management. Most of the confirmed localities in NI were unmanaged, whereas in Great Britain, surveys show the majority of sites are grazed (Warren, 1994).

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Habitat Suitability within Study Area

As outlined above a network of sites, which contain abundant devil’s-bit scabious, is required to provide suitable habitat for marsh fritillary. Within the Study Area, typical marsh fritillary habitats are restricted to damp neutral or acidic grassland and mires, with calcicolous grassland, dune heath and dune grassland being absent from the study area. Table 11V.4 below lists sites within or adjacent to the Study Area which have been found to support the larval food plant.

Table 11V.4 Occurrence of devil’s-bit scabious within 250m of the proposed scheme

EID Area Habitat Type and Extent of Devil’s-bit Scabious

217-Eastern Slopes of Devil’s-bit scabious occurs over much of the eastern slopes of Bessy Bessy Bell (Section 2) Bell, within areas of modified bog / wet heath, rush pasture / marshy grassland and acid grassland. During National Vegetation Classification (NVC) surveys of the site, it was recorded at constant frequencies in several areas. 1206-Routing Burn A few individual plants were recorded within a small area of unimproved (Section 3) grassland during NVC surveys. The species was absent, however from adjacent habitats. 912a-Knockmany Forest Devil’s-bit was found to be constant in an area of wet woodland, during (Section 3) NVC surveys, within floating mats of bryophyte dominated vegetation and water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile . 9K-Woodland near Devil’s-bit occurs at constant frequencies within a small, isolated MG5c Glack (Section 3) grassland meadow. The meadow is enclosed by woodland and scrub, with improved grassland comprising the majority of surrounding habitat. Devil’s-bit was not found to occur outside the meadow.

At Routing Burn (EID Area 1206), Knockmany Forest (EID Area 912a) and the neutral grassland meadow near Glack (EID Area 9K) devil’s-bit occurs in small isolated areas which are not considered extensive enough to suit the metapopulation model proposed for marsh fritillary population dynamics. These areas are therefore considered unsuitable for the species despite supporting the larval food plant. The more extensive areas of devil’s-bit throughout the eastern slopes of Bessy Bell (ID Area 217) provide a more suitable marsh fritillary habitat but given the recent lack of records within County Tyrone or County Londonderry it is unlikely that this area currently supports a population of marsh fritillary.

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Field Survey Appendix 3 contains tables of species recorded at sampling sites, with indications of their status i.e. whether they are listed within Schedule 5 to The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended), NI SoCC or Priority Species, Red Data Book / Nationally Scarce categories or UK BAP Priority Species. Red Data Book, Nationally Scarce and UK BAP status is taken from the latest version of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Conservation Designations spreadsheet, with additional information for Hemipteran species taken from checklists on the British Bugs (an online identification guide to UK Hemiptera) website.

Section 1

Species recorded during the field surveys undertaken within Section 1 are presented below. No NI SoCC species were collected during sampling. In EID Area 1A, most were common and widespread species, with the exception of:

• Pachybrachinus fracticollis (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) with a local UK distribution.

• Muellerianella brevipennis (Homoptera: Delphacidae) with a local UK distribution.

• Bryocoris pteridis (Heteroptera: Miridae) with a widely scattered UK distribution.

Section 2

Species recorded during the field surveys undertaken within Section 2 are presented below. No NI SoCC species were collected during sampling. In EID Area 7C, most were common and widespread species, with the exception of:

• Amblytylus brevicollis (Heteroptera: Miridae) which is assigned a notable (Nb) status. Nb taxa are those which do not fall within Red Data Book categories but which are none-the-less uncommon and are thought to occur in between 31 and 100 10 km squares of the National Grid or for less well recorded groups, between eight and twenty vice-counties.

In EID Area 1082, most were common and widespread species within the UK but Cicadula aurantipes (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) appears to be a first record for NI, with previous Irish records known only from Co. Clare in 1967 (Morris, 1974) and Co . Meath in 2003 (Helden, 2010).

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Section 3

Species recorded during the field surveys undertaken within Section 2 are presented below. No NI SoCC species were collected during sampling. In EID Area 812D, all were common and widespread species.

In EID Area 981, most were common and widespread species, with the exception of Amblytylus brevicollis (Heteroptera: Miridae) which is assigned a notable (Nb) status.

Incidental Records

During breeding bird field surveys the NI SoCC / Priority Species Irish damselfly Coenagrion lunulatum was recorded at Rash House (H4376) to the south of Mountjoy Forest in Section 2. Five individuals were confirmed, by spotting scope, flying over ponds at the site.

Evaluation EID Area 2C

The parts of this area to be affected by the proposals were predominantly species poor grassland and arable fields, with poorly maintained hedges. One area within the field survey site comprised species poor tall herb vegetation, dense Himalayan balsam and some willow Salix spp and areas of open water. Due to the density and uniformity of the habitat the area was not surveyed in detail.

Four Species of Conservation Concern were considered likely to be present within the EID Area, based upon the initial identification of broad habitat types. Of these Adscita statices and Hemaris tityus are unlikely to be present, as they are associated with herb rich or unimproved grassland habitats, which are not present within the area.

The remaining species, Coenagrion lunulatum and Donacia bicolora are associated with open water. C. lunulatum is associated with standing water, particularly in acid conditions which are not evident at this location. This species is not considered likely to be present. D. bicolora is particularly associated with Sparganium species, this emergent plant was not present at the site, and so is also unlikely to occur.

Observations indicated that the balsam acted as a source of pollen and nectar for a large number of bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) and hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae).

The invertebrate fauna at this location is considered to be of local ecological value . This is due to the presence of extensive pollen and nectar sources, although the site is itself unlikely to support breeding populations of species of significance.

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EID Area 1A

The samples area within this EID area comprised tall grassland habitats, which was the main habitat likely to be affected by the proposals.

Based upon a preliminary review of the habitats recorded in earlier surveys woodland and scrub habitats within the EID area had the potential to support Species of Conservation Concern ( Brachioycha sphinx, Eriogaster lanestris and Ipimorpha subtusa ). Damp species rich grassland and moorland was also thought to have the potential for Adscita statices and Hemaris tityus. None of these species were recorded during the field surveys, and suitable habitat types will not be affected by the Proposed Scheme.

The majority of the species recorded are typical of tall, somewhat rank grassland, such as the bugs Stenodema laevigata, Lygocoris pabulinus and Cicadella viridis . Some of the species recorded are typical of more marshy grasslands including the flies Dolichopus trivialis, Beris vallata and Eristalis pertinax . One bug typical of bracken and other ferns, Bryocoris pteridis , was recorded. A low diversity of flower visiting species, such as Hoverflies (Syrphidae), were present, indicating a limited resource of nectar and pollen within the survey area.

This site supports a typical assemblage of species associated with a frequently encountered habitat type. The presence of some species with a more limited frequency confers a local ecological value for terrestrial invertebrates .

EID Area 7C

The sample area was predominantly Sphagnum and heather, with some patches of grasses, birch occurs around the margins of the sample area with occasional specimens within the site.

Species of Conservation Concern which are associated with similar habitats are Adscita statices and Hemaris tityus. However, the sample area was not considered suitable for these species and they were not recorded during the survey.

A single nationally scarce (notable) bug ( Amblytylus brevicollis ) was recorded here, which supported predominantly common and widespread species.

The assemblage recoded from this location was typical of tall grassland habitats, with a number of nectar feeding hoverflies (Syrphidae) included, indicating that the site could act as a resource for nectar feeding species which breed in habitats outside of the sample area.

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This site supports an assemblage of common and widespread species associated with commonly encountered grassland habitats. However the presence of a scarce species within the sample confers a local ecological value for terrestrial invertebrates .

EID Area 1082

The area sampled, to be affected by the proposals, comprised species poor tall marshy grassland.

Based upon earlier habitat descriptions of the EID Area, Adscita statices and Hemaris tityus were Species of Conservation Concern thought to have potential to be present. However, both species require more floristically rich habitats than those present within the sample area, and were not recorded during the survey.

This site did not support any recognised species of conservation importance. However one species, the bug Cicadula aurantipes has not been frequently recorded in the island of Ireland and may be of limited distribution, or alternatively it may be under-recorded.

The assemblage recorded is typical of damp/marshy grassland habitats. The presence of a number of flower-visiting hoverfly species indicates that the presence of flowering plants is of some importance for the invertebrate fauna at this site.

This site supports an assemblage of common and widespread species associated with damp grasslands habitats. However the presence of a species which, on the basis of current information, is of limited distribution in Ireland confers a local ecological value for terrestrial invertebrates .

EID Area 812

This site contains areas of scrub, acid grassland/heathland mosaic and wet heath/bog. There is an extensive area of raised bog with an intact surface over much of the site. The bog has little lag or micro-topography but supports some species typical of raised bogs. There is a smaller section of bog which is fragmented from the main bog by a road which is subject to drying and a further section which is disturbed with mechanical milling. Some sections are separated by plantation woodland. The sample area, affected by the proposals comprised degraded bog and tall grassland habitats.

None of the Species of Conservation Concern which were initially considered to have potential to occur within the site are supported by the habitats which occur within the area likely to be affected by the proposals, and none were recorded during the survey.

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This site supports a limited diversity of common and widespread species associated with grassland habitats. A number of common nectar feeding hoverfly species were also recorded.

Due to the limited diversity of common and widespread species recorded the sample area is considered to be of importance for terrestrial invertebrates within the immediate vicnity only .

EID Area 981

The area sampled within this EID Area comprised a disused gravel pit edged with trees and scrub of gorse, bramble and areas of bracken, the vegetation within the pit comprised patchy short grassland, heavily rabbit cropped, with extensive bare ground.

None of the Species of Conservation Concern thought to be associated with the habitats present within this EID Area were recorded during the survey, and none could be supported but the habitats to be affected by the Proposed Scheme.

This site supports an assemblage of insects typical of unmanaged grasslands, rank vegetation and scrub. Of note is the presence of a scarce species of bug, associated with grasslands. The samples also had a relatively high diversity of flower visiting species (most notably hoverflies (Syrphidae)) which indicates that the site provides a nectar resource of value to species with breeding habitats outside the sample area.

This site supports an assemblage of common and widespread species associated with grasslands and a range of flowering plants, typical of commonly encountered habitats in the area. However, the additional presence of a scarce species within the sample confers a local ecological value for terrestrial invertebrates .

EID Area 912

This area comprised wet woodland areas with some tall marshy grassland and species poor bog habitats

Of the Species of Conservation Concern which were initially considered to be potentially present only species associated with woodland and scrub habitats ( Brachionycha sphinx and Ipimorpha subtusa) were realistically likely to occur. As the impacts of the proposals on woodland and scrub are minimal, this potential is not considered to be a significant factor in the assessment of impacts.

Due to poor weather conditions at the time of the survey sampling was not undertaken. Based upon the habitat types present, the area is considered to have the potential to have a local ecological value for terrestrial invertebrates .

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EID Area 928

An area of tall marshy grassland/fen dominated by hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa , with marsh cinquefoil Potentilla palustris , marsh willowherb Epilobium palustris , Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and extensive stands of rush Juncus spp. The edge of the samples area had dense willow Salix spp. scrub.

The Species of Conservation Concern initially thought to have potential for occurring in this area are unlikely to be present due to the quality of the habitat it supports.

The species recorded from this location are generally common and widespread, typical of tall, unmanaged grassland and herbaceous vegetation with a number of flowering species, providing nectar for a range of common and widespread hoverflies.The bug Cicadula aurantipes was recorded within the sample. This species has few records within the island of Ireland, although this may be due to under-recording.

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Table 11V.5 NI Terrestrial Invertebrate Species of Conservation Concern (SoCC) Occuring in Habitats Present within the Study Area

Group Species Host Plant Habitat Conservation Comments Species Status

Beetles Carabus NA Bogs or water- NI SoCC & Priority clatratus logged Species lakeshores.

Beetles Donacia Sparganium On Sparganium NI SoCC & Priority bicolora spp. spp. near to Species; UK BAP water. Species

Beetles Pterostichus NA In water-logged NI SoCC & Priority aterrimus soils or quaky Species; UK BAP bog of transition Species mires (fens).

Butterflies Cupido Anthyllis Prefers short NI SoCC & Priority Possibly minimus vulneraria calcareous Species; Wildlife (NI) extinct. grassland where Order 1985- kidney vetch Schedule 5 and grows. schedule 7

Butterflies Erynnis tages Lotus Found in sunny NI SoCC & Priority corniculatus south-facing Species; Wildlife (NI) road cuttings, Order 1985- sheltered, Schedule 5 and unimproved schedule 7 limestone grassland and abandoned quarries.

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Group Species Host Plant Habitat Conservation Comments Species Status

Butterflies Eurodryas Succisa Occurs in mires, NI SoCC & Priority aurinia pratensis damp Species; UK BAP grasslands, Species; Wildlife (NI) dune heath and Order 1985- dune grassland. Schedule 5 and schedule 7; Bern Convention (Annex II); EC Habitats and Species Directive (Annex II).

Butterflies Leptidea realii Lotus Open flower-rich NI SoCC & Priority This butterfly corniculatus and grassland, Species is found Lathyrus abandoned nowhere aphaca. quarries, else in the hedges, verges UK. and limestone grassland

Butterflies Callophrys In Ireland, it is Found in N. NI SoCC Species rubi believed to Ireland on bogs mainly use and heaths with bilberry scrub. Vaccinium myrtillus and gorse Ulex europaeus .

Butterflies Lasiommata Various grasses Hot sunny sites NI SoCC & Priority megera e.g. Dactylis with bare Species glomerata, ground Holcus lanatus.

Dragonflies Coenagrion Eggs laid into Colonies exist NI SoCC & Priority lunulatum the stems of on small Species aquatic plants, mesotrophic particularly lakes and pondweeds cutover bogs. Potamogeton spp.

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Group Species Host Plant Habitat Conservation Comments Species Status

Moths Adscita Rumex acetosa Open habitat NI SoCC Species statices such as fens and flower-filled meadows.

Moths Apamea furva Roots & stem Occurs in NI SoCC Species bases of Poa heathland and spp. rocky coastal areas.

Moths Brachionycha Various trees Mature NI SoCC Species sphinx including oak, broadleaved hazel and woodland and hawthorn. old wooded estates.

Moths Dicallomera The caterpillars Occurs on NI SoCC Species fascelina feed mainly on raised bogs. heather.

Moths Eriogaster Blackthorn Blackthorn NI SoCC & Priority The adult lanestris thickets and Species; Listed as has been hedges. Notable in the UK. seen only rarely in NI.

Moths Hemaris tityus Succisa Damp moorland NI SoCC & Priority pratensis and unimproved Species; UK BAP calcareous Species grassland

Moths Ipimorpha Usually aspen Damp NI SoCC Species subtusa or other species broadleaved of poplar. woodlands.

Moths Parasemia The larvae feed Heath, acid NI SoCC & Priority plantaginis on a wide grassland on Species variety of bog and herbaceous moorland edge. plants.

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Group Species Host Plant Habitat Conservation Comments Species Status

Moths Platyptilla Antennaria Rocky moorland NI SoCC & Priority This species tesseradactyla dioica ( mountain and grassy Species may be everlasting) ridges where extinct in NI. mountain everlasting occurs.

Moths Rheumaptera Myrica gale (bog Wet moorland NI SoCC & Priority hastata myrtle) and bogs with Species; UK BAP stands of bog Species myrtle.

Moths Schrankia Unknown in the Habitat NI SoCC & Priority taenialis UK. unknown in NI Species; UK BAP but likely to be Species old damp woodland or fen/marsh.

Moths Selidosema Heather Intact raised NI SoCC Species brunnearia bogs and heathland.

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Field Survey Results-Tables of Species Table 11V.6 Ecology ID Area 1A (Section 1) (18/08/09) Order Suborder Family Species Status Hemiptera Heteroptera Anthocoridae Anthocoris nemorum Common Lygaeidae Pachybrachinus fracticollis Local Miridae Bryocoris pteridis Widely Scattered Lygocoris pabulinus Very Common Stenodema laevigata Very Common Homoptera Aphrophoridae Aphrophora alni Common Philaenus spumarius Common Cicadellidae Cicadela viridis Common Evacanthus interruptus Common Idiocerus albicans Common Cixiidae Cixius distinguendus Common Delphacidae Muellerianella brevipennis Local Diptera Brachycera Dolichopodidae Chrysotus gramineus Common Dolichopus trivialis Common Empididae Hybos femoratus Common Ocydromia glabricula Common Platypalpus pallidiventris Common Stratiomyiidae Beris vallata Common Syrphidae Eristalis pertinax Common Leucozona glaucia Common Melanostoma scalare Common Nematocera Tipulidae Phylidorea ferruginea Common

Table 11V.7 Ecology ID Area 7C (Section 2) (12/08/09) Order Suborder Family Species Status Hemiptera Heteroptera Anthocoridae Anthocoris nemorum Common Miridae Amblytylus brevicollis Nb Homoptera Aphrophoridae Neophilaenus lineatus Common Cicadellidae Cicadula quadrinotata Common Euscelis incisus Common Cixiidae Cixius nervosus Common Diptera Brachycera Empididae Hybos femoratus Common Syrphidae Helophilus pendulus Common Melanostoma scalare Common Platycheirus albimanus Common Platycheirus peltatus Common Syrphus ribesii Common

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Table 11V.8 Ecology ID Area 1082 (Section 2) (20/08/09) Order Suborder Family Species Status Hemiptera Heteroptera Anthocoridae Anthocoris nemorum Common Miridae Stenodema calcarata Common Stenodema holsata Common Homoptera Aphrophoridae Philaenus spumarius Common Cicadellidae Cicadella viridis Common Cicadula aurantipes Common* Streptanus aemulans Common Conomelus anceps Common Diptera Brachycera Empididae Bicellaria vana Common Syrphidae Eristalis arbustorum Common Helophilus pendulus Common Lejogaster metallina Common Melanostoma scalare Common Platycheirus clypeatus Common Nematocera Tipulidae Erioptera flavescens Common Erioptera fuscipennis Common Neolimnomyia nemoralis Common Phylidorea ferruginea Common * Cicadula aurantipes : Although the status of this species is common regarding its overall UK distribution, this appears to be the first record within NI. Previously recorded from RoI (Co. Clare 1967 and Co. Meath 2003)

Table 11V.9 Ecology ID Area 812D (Section 3) (20/08/09) Order Suborder Family Species Status Hemiptera Heteroptera Miridae Stenodema calcarata Common Trigonotylus ruficornis Common Homoptera Aphrophoridae Neophilaenus lineatus Common Cicadellidae Cicadella viridis Common Diptera Brachycera Syrphidae Episyrphus balteatus Common Helophilus pendulus Common Melanostoma mellinum Common Melanostoma scalare Common Neoascia podagrica Common Platycheirus clypeatus Common Platycheirus granditarsus Common

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Table 11V.10 Ecology ID Area 981 (Section 3) (11/08/09) Order Suborder Family Species Status Hemiptera Heteroptera Anthocoridae Anthocoris nemorum Common Lygaeidae Stygnocoris sabulosus Common Miridae Amblytylus brevicollis Nb Closterotomus norvegicus Very Common Grypocoris stysi Common Lygocoris pabulinus Very Common Orthops campestris Very Common Plagiognathus arbustorum Very Common Homoptera Aphrophoridae Philaenus spumarius Common Cicadellidae Cicadella viridis Common Diptera Brachycera Empididae Hybos culiciformis Common Kritempis livida Common Syrphidae Baccha elongata Common Episyrphus balteatus Common Eristalis abusivus Common Eristalis arbustorum Common Eristalis tenax Common Helophilus pendulus Common Melanostoma mellinum Common Neoascia podagrica Common Rhingia campestris Common Syritta pipiens Common

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Table 11V.11 Ecology ID Area 928 (Section 3) (13/08/09) Order Suborder Family Species Status Hemiptera Heteroptera Anthocoris nemorum Capsus ater Dolichonabis limbatus Lygocoris pabulinus Phytocoris tiliae Plagiognathus arbustorum Stenodema calcaratum Stenodema holsatum Homoptera Aphrophoridae Philaenus spumarius Common Neophilaenus lineatus Cicadellidae Cicadella viridis Common Cicadula aurantipes Elymana sulphurella Euscelis incisus Idiocerus similis Psamotettix ?confinis Cixiidae Cixius nervosus Conomelus anceps Diptera Brachycera Empididae Hybos culiciformis Syrphidae Eristalis abusivus Eristalis arbustorum Eristalis tenax Melanostoma mellinum Neoascia podagrica Common Platycheirus albimanus Pyrophaena granditarsus Rhingia campestris Common Syritta pipiens Common Nematocera Tipulidae Crypteria limniphiloides Tipula oleracea