The Status and Distribution of the scarab Rhysothorax rufa and Ammoecius brevis on Lancashire dunes in 2017.

C. M. Watkins and D. J. Mann 1st June 2018

Contents

List of Figures ...... 3 List of Tables ...... 3 Summary ...... 4 Introduction ...... 5 The Sefton Coast ...... 5 Rhysothorax rufa (The Red Dune Crawler) ...... 5 Ammoecius brevis (The Dung ) ...... 8 Aims and Objectives ...... 11 Methods ...... 12 Visual search ...... 12 Dung sieving ...... 12 Baited Pitfall traps ...... 12 Night surveys ...... 13 Survey Sites ...... 14 Findings ...... 15 Rhysothorax rufa ...... 15 Ammoecius brevis ...... 15 Recommendations ...... 17 Rhysothorax rufa ...... 17 Ammoecius brevis ...... 19 Acknowledgements ...... 20 References ...... 20 Appendix 1: Trap Locations ...... 22 Appendix 2: Non-target species recorded during 2017 ...... 23 Appendix 3: Descriptions of non-target species ...... 28

List of Figures

Figure 1: Rhysothorax rufa ...... 5 Figure 2: Ammoecius brevis ...... 8 Figure 3a: Dung baited pitfall trap ...... 12 Figure 3b: Rain guard in situ ...... 13 Figure 4:Location map of the 2017 survey sites ...... 14 Figure 5: Rabbit midden where Ammoecius brevis was recorded ...... 15 Figure 6:Ammoecius brevis sieved from a rabbit midden ...... 16 Figure 7: Wind Blown sand at Point National Trust ...... 17 Figure 8: Fore dune stabilisation at Ainsdale NNR ...... 17

List of Tables Table 1: Lancashire records of Rhysothorax rufa from VC59 ...... 7 Table 2: Losses in the fauna of the Lancashire sand dunes...... 9 Table 3: All records of Ammoecius brevis in the UK ...... 10 Table 4: Ammoecius brevis recorded during the 2017 survey ...... 16

Summary

A 2017 survey utilising both hand-searching and baited pitfall trapping was undertaken along the Sefton Coast to determine the current status of the scarab beetles Rhysothorax rufa and Ammoecius brevis where they had been previously recorded.

Despite intensive efforts, the survey failed to find the Rhysothorax rufa in 2017 at its Lancashire locations. The management of the Formby Point area is considered sympathetic for the conservation of this species as mobile dunes are present. Much of the dune system along the Sefton Coast has become stabilised and this is thought to be less favourable for this species. Management practices that favour dune mobility are suggested so that a dynamic dune system with mobile fore dunes, regenerating slacks and blow outs is fostered.

A total of seven Ammoecius brevis were found by sieving rabbit middens at a new locality for the species and the first Lancashire records for more than 20 years. This species was not recorded at previously known sites during the 2017 survey. A lack of livestock grazing during the breeding season is thought to be detrimental. Recommendations include the implementation of all season, low intensity grazing so that dung is available on the dune systems throughout the year.

Introduction

The Sefton Coast

The Sefton Coast is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of more than 4500 hectares. Situated in the northwest of England, it runs from the mouth of the Ribble Estuary in the north to the edge of Crosby in the south. It is characterised by intertidal sand flats and mudflats, coastal sand dunes, coastal dune heathland and plantations, and is backed by farmland. The dune system lies close to one of the most densely populated parts of the country, with over 5 million people living within an hour’s drive. As a result, the pressures of human use are high.

Rhysothorax rufa (The Red Dune Crawler)

Rhysothorax rufa (Figure 1) is a widespread species across being reported from , , , , , Great Britain, , Kazakhstan, , , The , , , (Central Territory, North European Territory), , (Löbl & Löbl, 2016) and has been introduced to Canada and U.S.A. (Löbl & Löbl, 2016). However, throughout its range it is considered ‘rare’ (e.g. Lumaret, 1990; Stebnicka, 1977; Vorst et al., 2008) and is often given a conservation status in regional Red Data Books (e.g. Glowacinski, 2002; Lane & Mann, 2016; Schaffrath, 2002). In the recent review of the conservation status of UK Scarabaeoidea (Lane & Mann, 2016) R. rufa was given a UK status of ENDANGERED B2ab(ii)(iv) based on the rationale that the overall Area of Occupation is equal to or less than 8km squared, the demonstrable continuing decline and/or with 5 or fewer modern locations (Lane & Mann, 2016).

Figure 1: Rhysothorax rufa

Rhysothorax rufa was first recorded in the UK from Wallasey (VC58) in May 1862 by Archer (1864), who stated ‘taken not infrequently on the sandhills in the Liverpool district – chiefly in May’, which according to Ellis (1888) was at Wallasey. The species was not seen again until 1883 when Wilding (1884) took two specimens, again at Wallasey. Later Ellis (1889) stated it ‘occurred freely’ at Wallasey during 1885 and 1886. The last record for this locality and the Vice-County Cheshire appears to be from 1905 (E.J.B. Sopp).

Although Chaster (1902) and Chaster & Sopp (1903) state that previously R. rufa was only found at the Wallasey [dunes] (Cheshire) and High Town [dunes] (Lancashire), we can find no published record or voucher specimen for this Lancashire site. Although precise locality details are not provided on the majority of voucher specimens examined, with most referring to either ‘Formby’ or ‘’ and we suspect that some of the ‘Formby’ records are from this locality. Chaster & Sopp (1903) record R. rufa as “In profusion, very locally, on the sandhills in June 1902”. There are a number of specimens with data that pre-date the supposed first record (1902) of R. rufa from Birkdale - June, 1884 (E.J.B. Sopp, HAGM Coll.) and June 1892 (E.J.B. Sopp, Sharp, W.E., Archive, Catalogue of Coleoptera, WML).

Chaster (1902) probably gave the most extensive account of the species during its ‘heyday’, providing some of the only ecological data and highlighting the extremely localised occurrence and sporadic emergence period of this species. During the 1902 ‘outbreak’ Chaster noted that R. rufa occurred in an area of recently deposited sand though “it did not occur uniformly over the whole of the bare sandy surface of the bank, but affected a very limited area, perhaps six feet by six feet.” Despite Chaster working the area over a period of years (Chaster, 1902), this was the first occurrence of R. rufa in numbers at the Southport - Birkdale dunes, and it was not seen in numbers again until 1905, 1907 and 1910 (1905 - Donisthorpe, NHML Coll.; 1907 – Wilding, BENHS Coll.; 1910 – Wilding, OUMNH coll.)

Sharp (1908) in his Coleoptera of Lancashire and Cheshire reviewed the known records stating that it occurred “across the whole of the sandhills between the estuaries of the Dee and Ribble, sometimes as in May and June of the years 1885, 1886, 1905 – in abundance.” Johnson (1962) in his review of Lancashire and Cheshire Scarabaeoidea fauna stated that R. rufa had not been recorded since 1906, however there are a small number of specimens in museums collections dated 1907 (x8), 1910 (x7) and 1919 (x2) collected from ‘Southport area’ by R. Wilding. The next capture was some 50 years later when Williams (1963) found a single specimen at Formby sand hills. Thomas et al. (2016) published an account of the Coleoptera of the South Lancashire Dunes, and summarised the known recent records - Formby (1975, 1983, 1989), (2000, 2001) and Ainsdale (2005). Despite numerous and regular visits over the past thirty years by coleopterists (e.g. Bowestead, Eccles, Mann, Turner, Allan, Harrison) there have been no records in over fifteen years. Due to the sporadic occurrence between years and the extremely localised distribution on the dunes, R. rufa is one of the most problematic UK Scarabaeoidea to survey. The Lancashire records for R. rufa based on datamining Museum collections and the literature are summarised in Table 1.

Little is known of the biology and ecology of this species and the larvae remain unknown (Stebnicka, 1977). In the UK R. rufa appears to be associated with open dunes, though it has once been reported on vegetated dune slacks (Mann & Ramsay, 2001). On the continent it is also associated sandy banks of inland waters (Stebnicka, 1977). From the historical accounts and the more recent captures R. rufa is most likely associated with mobile dunes or areas where there has been recent disturbance on fixed dunes or inundation of sand through wind-blown deposits (e.g. see comments by Chaster above). The capture from fixed vegetated dunes noted by Mann & Ramsay (2001) is likely to be the result of a dispersive flight and not a resident/breeding individual. Chaster (1903) noted that the species was actively flying in the afternoons, suggesting this species is diurnal in its activity, which is corroborated on the continent by Ziani et al. (2015) who noted the species ‘in flight in the afternoon’.

Table 1: Lancashire records of Rhysothorax rufa from VC59 (date order)

Site Gridref Quantity Date Recorder Method Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 Jun 1884 Sopp, E.J.B. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 6 Jun 1892 Sopp, E.J.B. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 25 Apr 1902 Unknown Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 3 01 May 1902 Sopp, E.J.B. Hand searching Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 12 24 May 1902 Chaster, G.W. Hand searching Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 24 May 1902 Taylor, J.K. Unknown Birkdale area SD31 3 24 May 1902 Joy, N.H. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 4 24 May 1902 Beare, T.H. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 10 26 May 1902 Tomlin, J.R. Le B. Unknown Southport area SD31 10 29 May 1902 Wilding, R. Hand searching Southport area SD31 1 01 Jun 1902 Wilding, R. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 28 Jun 1902 Chaster, G.W. Hand searching Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 01 Sep 1902 Tomlin, J.R. Le B. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 3 05 Jun 1903 Chaster, G.W. Hand searching Wallasey Sand Hills SJ29W 1 23 Apr 1905 Sopp, E.J.B. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 3 21 Jun 1905 Donisthorpe, H. St J.K. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 4 22 Jun 1905 Donisthorpe, H. St J.K. Hand searching Southport area SD31 8 14 Jun 1907 Wilding, R. Hand searching Southport area SD31 7 16 Jun 1910 Wilding, R. Hand searching Southport area SD31 2 02 Jun 1919 Wilding, R. Unknown Formby sand hills SD20NE 1 12 Jul 1963 Williams, S.A. Hand searching Formby sand hills SD20NE 1 17 May 1975 Bowstead, S. Hand searching Formby sand hills SD20NE Frequent 20 May 1975 Bowstead, S. Found dead Formby sand hills SD20NE 2 11 Jul 1983 Johnson, C. Crawling on sand Formby sand hills SD20NE 3 03 Oct 1989 Johnson, C. Found dead Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, SD2809 1 01 May 2000 Eccles, T.M. Hand searching Fisherman's Path, dunes at end Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, SD2809 1 01 Jun 2000 Eccles, T.M. Hand searching Fisherman's Path, dunes at end Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, SD2809 1 01 May 2001 Eccles, T.M. Hand searching Fisherman's Path, dunes at end Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 07 Jun 2002 Owen, J.A. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 01 May 2003 Owen, J.A. Unknown Ainsdale dunes SD21V 1 12 May 2005 Taylor, S. In flight

Ammoecius brevis (The Ainsdale Dung Beetle)

Ammoecius brevis (Figure 2) is widespread across the Palaearctic region being reported from Europe: Armenia, , Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, , , , Denmark, , Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany, Georgia, , , Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, , Netherlands, , Poland, Romania, Russia (Central Territory, North European Territory, South Territory), , , , , Sweden, , Ukraine. Asia: China (Xinjiang), Russia (East Siberia, West Siberia). Although widely distributed in the Palaearctic, in the UK A. brevis is restricted to the sand dunes of South Lancashire, with all records outside this area based on misidentifications. In the recent review of the conservation status of UK Scarabaeoidea (Lane & Mann, 2016) A. brevis was considered CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (PRESUMED EXTINCT) B2ab(ii)(iv), since the species has an Area of Occupation of only 4km² or less and there have been no records for more than 10 years.

Figure 2: Ammoecius brevis

First recorded by Haward (1861) near Southport in May 1859, 1860 and while Chaster & Sopp (1903) claim “our experience until quite recently that, in addition to being extremely local in its distribution, this was also distinctly scarce in the neighbourhood” Sharp (1908) states it “appears to occur in greater or less abundance every year on the sandhills in that district”. However, there are few vouchers or published records to back up Sharp’s claim, with data from museum collections for the years 1865, 1876, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905. From vouchers, it would seem that in most years the species was at low densities, with the exceptions being the years 1902 and 1903. However, in 1908 the species occurred again in abundance as demonstrated by the number of voucher specimens in museum collections from R. Wilding, and that Wilding himself advertised ‘duplicate’ specimens on the dust jackets of the Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine (e.g. volume 57, 1917). Johnson (1962) noted that the last known capture was around 1910 but as yet we have been unable to substantiate this date with either published records or museum vouchers.

Hyman (1992) states “last recorded in 1962 from Ainsdale”, without source but we believe this to be record of C. Johnson from ‘Freshfield’. Modern records begin with Whitehead (1996) who records the capture of single specimen “at a rabbit latrine on the sand dunes”. Finally, Thomas et al. (2016) provides full data for the 1962 record and three previously unpublished records, including the last known record from Ainsdale NNR when three specimens were taken on 13.vii.1996 from a small pile of rabbit droppings.

In summary, Ammoecius brevis has been recorded from ‘Freshfields dune’ - 1962; ‘Ainsdale sandhills’ between 1992-1996; ‘Southport’ dunes between 1859-1908 [1910] and the ‘Birkdale dunes’ between 1865 -1908 [1910], with no further records since 1996. The records for A. brevis based on datamining Museum collections and the literature are summarised in Table 2.

The UK records suggest adult activity from April to July, though it is likely active until later in the year, with the larvae hibernating in the third instar (Landin, 1961). On the continent brevis is known to utilise a wide variety of dung, though almost exclusively on dung that is partially dried out (Landin, 1961). In the UK A. brevis has been recorded from sheep, horse and rabbit dung (Lane & Mann, 2016), with most records coming from rabbit dung, middens or just beneath the soil surface of middens. Chaster (in Sharp, 1908) states that “This species lives in rabbit dung, and excavates burrows about 1.5 inches long into which it retreats in dry weather” and Johnson (1962) adds to this in “that as far as I can ascertain, it has only been recorded from rabbit dung”. The lack of records between 1908 [1910] and 1962 could be attributable to the decline in rabbits on the dunes, since Johnson (1962) stated that the ‘rabbit population had significantly diminished over the years, and this may have had a negative impact on available food, since there is little evidence for continual grazing on the dunes by other .’ In the past 100 years a third of the 31 species of Scarabaeoidea reliant on dung for part of their life cycle have gone locally extinct from the Lancashire dunes (Table 3). This is undoubtedly due to the limited availability and lack of continuity of dung on the dunes, and may also explain the low population levels and difficulty in finding A. brevis.

Table 2: Losses in the dung beetle fauna of the Lancashire sand dunes. 1 Status from Lane & Mann (2016). Species Status1 Last recorded stercorosus Least Concern 1951 Acrossus luridus Least Concern pre 1908 Bodilopsis sordida Vulnerable pre 1908 Bodiloides ictericus Nationally Scarce pre 1908 Chilothorax paykulli Near Threatened 1905 Chilothorax conspurcatus Nationally Scarce 1963 Chilothorax distinctus Nationally Scarce 1985 Colobopterus erraticus Least Concern pre 1908 Nimbus obliteratus Least Concern pre 1908 Onthophagus similis Least Concern 1883 Trypocopris vernalis Nationally Scarce 1948

Although the vast majority of A. brevis records are from rabbit dung, it seems likely that this is an artefact of the available dung on the Lancashire dunes, since brevis is well known to breed all types of dung and has even been found in other dung types on the Lancashire dunes. However, it is clear that A. brevis requires dry dung at the mid to late successional stage. Verdú & Galante (2004) studied morphological adaptations of a number of Scarabaeoidea species including two species - Ammoecius elevatus (Olivier) & lusitanicus Erichson), associated with European rabbit. They regard both Ammoecius species to have modified mouthparts adapted for ‘dry dung’, in particular with the epipharynx having a spatula shaped epizygum for cutting and breaking up fibrous dung. The same spatula-shaped epizygum is present in A. brevis (e.g. see Dellacasa et al., 2002; Dellacasa et al., 2010), this along with the published literature (e.g. Landin, 1961; Lane & Mann, 2016) suggest that A. brevis has a requirement dry dung for feeding and breeding.

Table 3: All pre-2000 records of Ammoecius brevis in the UK

Site Location Quantity Date Recorder Method Southport area SD31 1 May 1859 Haward, A. Hand searching Southport area SD31 4 May 1860 Haward, A. Hand searching Birkdale area SD31 1 1865 Sidebotham, J. Unknown Southport area SD31 2 1876 Unknown Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 May 1901 Unknown Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 5 10 Apr 1902 Sopp, E.J.B. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 2 24 Apr 1902 Chaster, G.W. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 25 Apr 1902 Unknown Unknown Birkdale area SD31 1 08 May 1902 Joy, N.H. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 02 Jun 1902 Chaster, G.W. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 4 25 Apr 1903 Chaster, G.W. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 25 Apr 1903 Unknown Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 9 25 Apr 1903 Chaster, G.W. Rabbit dung Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 25 Apr 1903 Chitty, A.J. Unknown Southport area SD31 2 May 1903 Wilding, R. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 8 03 Jun 1903 Beare, T.H. Crawling on sand Birkdale area SD31 1 1903 Taylor, J.K. Unknown Southport area SD31 4 1903 Joy, N.H. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 27 Jun 1904 Beare, T.H. Rabbit dung Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 4 1904 Sopp, E.J.B. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 Jun 1905 Chaster, G.W. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 6 19 Jun 1905 Donisthorpe, H. St J.K. Unknown Birkdale Sand Hills area SD31SW 1 22 Jun 1905 Donisthorpe, H. St J.K. Unknown Southport area SD31 28 1908 Wilding, R. Unknown Southport area SD31 1 05 May 1908 Wilding, R. Unknown Freshfield area SD20Z 4 28 Jun 1962 Johnson, C. Horse Dung Ainsdale dunes SD21V 1 27 Jul 1992 Whitehead, P.F. Rabbit dung (Midden) Ainsdale dunes SD21V 1 14 Apr 1995 Eccles, T.M. Rabbit dung Ainsdale dunes SD21V 2 22 Apr 1995 Eccles, T.M. Sheep Dung Ainsdale dunes SD21V 1 13 Jul 1996 Eccles, T.M. Rabbit dung

Aims and Objectives

Aims 1. Determine the status and distribution of Rhysothorax rufa (the Red Dune Crawler) on the Lancashire dunes 2. Determine the status and distribution of Ammoecius brevis (the Ainsdale Dung Beetle) on the Lancashire dunes 3. Record any non-target scarab beetles seen during the 2017 survey period

Objectives 1. Data mine Museum collections and the literature for records of Rhysothorax rufa and Ammoecius brevis 2. Survey known Lancashire sites of Rhysothorax rufa and Ammoecius brevis during June 2017 3. To suggest improvements to site management for the conservation of Rhysothorax rufa and Ammoecius brevis

Methods

A desk based study was conducted prior to the survey. All known VC 59 records for Rhysothorax rufa and Ammoecius brevis were sourced and available information regarding the ecology and biology was reviewed. Field work was carried out from 23rd to 26th June and 8th to 9th July, 2017.

The localities with historic records of the target species were prioritized. Weather conditions were generally favourable during the two survey periods, with average daytime temperatures of 17 ˚C and above. Rainfall was above average on the first day with 7mm being recorded for Formby (Accuweather), subsequent field work days were largely dry. A range of sampling techniques was used during the survey. These are detailed below.

Visual search A visual search of the target area was performed during daylight hours to locate dung deposits. When a dung source was located, the dung was held over a white laboratory tray and manually broken up to look for beetles inside. In each instance the ground beneath the dung pile was examined for signs of dung beetle activity (i.e. burrows in the ground) and the sub surface layers were gently exposed to uncover tunnelling beetles. Visual searching of the open dune areas was also undertaken. This involved extensive scanning of dune blow-outs and randomly sifting the sand at the base of the dunes to an approximate depth of 15cm in order to uncover beetles.

Dung sieving Dung sieving was used for horse droppings and rabbit middens. Horse dung is more fibrous than that of ruminant animals such as sheep or cattle and therefore, sieving is the most effective way to sample. Horse dung was roughly broken up and sieved with a 10mm mesh size sieve into a white laboratory tray. The sievings in the tray were inspected for beetles that had dropped through the sieve. Beetles were identified and counted and the dung replaced where it was found. Rabbits often defecate in discrete latrine areas, usually near the burrow entrance or on top of a prominent feature such as an ant hill. In large middens, droppings of different ages and decay stages are present. The dung soil-interface is a vital component of rabbit middens and dung beetles are often found just under the surface layers. Sieving the pellet dung and underlying material is consequently of great importance.

The association of A. brevis with rabbit dung and middens, primarily from the British literature focused the survey work on all accumulations of rabbit dung found across the dunes. Rabbit middens were sieved in two stages. Firstly, large material such as twigs and moss was separated, checked and discarded by sieving through a 10mm sieve. The remaining material was sieved through a finer gauge and the loose soil and sand sievings were also checked and discarded. The remaining material was tipped into a white laboratory tray and hand searched for beetles.

Baited Pitfall traps Dung baited pitfall traps that remain in situ for a minimum of seven days are often the best method to attract hard to find dung beetle species particularly in areas where dung supply is scarce. There are a few ecology papers (e.g. Lumaret & Stiernet, 1992; Majzlan, 2015) that utilise baited and un- baited pitfall traps and report catching A. brevis. Therefore, this method was utilised during the 2017 survey. Round plastic containers with a diameter of 12cm and a depth of 15cm were used as pitfalls. These were dug into the ground with the rim resting slightly below ground level. A 5 mm gauge wire mesh was placed over the container to prevent the capture of Natterjack toadlets and to support a fist sized ball of dung bait (Figure 3a). An upturned plastic plate secured with tent pegs was used as a rain guard (Figure 3b).

The preserving solution used was Propylene glycol with a small amount of diluted liquid detergent to break the surface tension. Propylene glycol is a food grade substance that is harmless to the environment and other animals.

Figure 3a: Dung baited pitfall trap Figure 3b: Rain guard in situ

The traps were baited with horse and cattle dung in paired traps. Fresh dung was collected prior to the survey from an organic source and frozen for a period of at least 24 hours at -20 ˚C for biocontrol purposes. Pitfall traps were set on either the 23rd or 24th June and remained in situ for 14 or 15 days. A total of twelve traps were placed across the Formby and Ainsdale dunes. The locations of the traps are listed in Appendix 1.

Night surveys As little is known regarding the ecology of the target species, twilight and night searches were also undertaken. Head torches were utilized during night search sessions. The torch beam was directed at the ground and swung back and forth whilst slowly walking to check the area for invertebrates. Night searches were carried out by two people. Each person searched a different area but remained in visual contact to ensure a larger area was covered during excursions. Survey Sites

A number of sites were visited along the Sefton Coast between Formby and Southport (Figure 4). This encompassed National Trust land at Formby Point and the following reserves:

 Ainsdale and Birkdale Hills Local Nature Reserve  Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve  Ravenmeols Hills Local Nature Reserve  Freshfield Dune Heath Lancashire Wildlife Trust Reserve

Other sites with grazing on publicly accessible land were included such as the dune area between Formby Point (National Trust) and Ravenmeols Hills LNR. In addition, permission was given to access private land at Bowlers Riding School near Formby.

Figure 4: Location map of the 2017 survey sites Findings

Rhysothorax rufa

The majority of the post 2000 records for this species are concentrated around the Fisherman’s Path area of Ainsdale Sand Dune NNR. As such, this locality was considered the most promising site and was targeted for intensive visual searches on three occasions. Despite intensive efforts, no specimens (alive or dead) of R. rufa were found during the survey. In view of the limited knowledge of this species, emergence time of the beetle is very difficult to predict. Previous records for this beetle suggest sporadic localised emergences and a low population level. Survey work was undertaken within the appropriate timeframe but it may be possible that we were outside the peak emergence period. However, if a large scale emergence had taken place dead individuals should still be found. Since the surveyors found both A. arenaria and the diminutive T. caelatus at surveyed sites we believe the survey technique employed was sufficient to find R. rufa if it were present.

Ammoecius brevis

A total of seven A. brevis were recorded from two rabbit middens (Figure 5; Table 4), using the dung sieving method at a new area of the Lancashire dune system. [Location details removed to protect this species].

Figure 5: A rabbit midden on the dunes

Figure 6: Ammoecius brevis sieved from a rabbit midden

Table 4: Ammoecius brevis recorded during the 2017 survey

Site Taxon Quantity Date Method SD2XXXX1XXXX Ammoecius brevis 3 25 Jun 2017 Rabbit midden SD2XXXX1XXXX Ammoecius brevis 4 25 Jun 2017 Rabbit midden

Only four species and seven individual dung beetles were recorded from the dung baited pitfall traps - Acrossus rufipes (x4), foetidus (x1), Esymus pusillus (x1), Rhodaphodius foetens (x1). Ammoecius brevis was not recorded using this method during the 2017 survey. It is possible that this species is very localised and present only at low population levels and it may not have been trapped. However, the authors believe that using intensive sieving of middens and trapping in combination would have discovered the beetle if it were present at previously known sites as testified by the discovery of a new locality.

Recommendations

Rhysothorax rufa

As little is known of the ecology of this species, management recommendations are based on assumed information gleaned from the literature and associated ecological information. As R. rufa is likely associated with mobile dunes or areas where there has been recent disturbance, management practices that favour dune mobility are suggested so that a dynamic dune system with mobile fore dunes, regenerating slacks and blow outs are maintained (e.g. see Pye & Blott, 2017).

The current levels of disturbance in some areas e.g. Formby Point appear to be creating suitable disturbed habitats for R. rufa (Figure 7). However, much of the Sefton coast dune system has undergone some form of stabilisation (Figure 8) or has stabilised due to vegetation.

Figure 7: Wind Blown sand at Formby Point National Trust

Figure 8: Fore dune stabilisation at Ainsdale NNR Recommendations: 1. Maintain levels of disturbance across Sefton Coast Dunes. 2. Removal of stabilisation systems on mobile dunes areas. 3. Maintain, and if possible increase levels of disturbance in the Fisherman’s Path mobile dunes area. 4. Survey efforts should continue in order to locate this difficult to find species. 5. The sporadic nature of R. rufa makes routine monitoring almost impossible. However, visual searches along disturbed sand areas, blow outs and mobile dunes should be conducted May- June, preferably after a period of warm dry weather.

Ammoecius brevis

This species has only been recorded from the Ainsdale and Birkdale dunes, so management of this area that is sympathetic to the needs of this species is essential to maintain the current population. We believe that if grazing is increased to a level where cattle dung is available on the dune systems throughout the year the population will steadily increase, and hopefully re-establish in other areas of the Sefton coast.

There was no apparent grazing during the survey period, though signs of old sheep and cattle dung were visible. At present grazing appears limited to certain seasons, it is assumed to reduce grazing pressure for the conservation of key plant and species and plant communities. However, there is now a strong body of research suggesting that continual grazing is beneficial to both plant and invertebrate communities (e.g. Brunbjerg et al., 2015 and references therein). It is suggested that reduction in livestock numbers be used to mitigate against over grazing and disturbance, rather than the current removal of stock from compartments.

Recommendations: 1. Introduce low density cattle grazing across the Ainsdale dune system, utilising the previously installed compartment system to rotate livestock. 2. Ensure cattle are on the dune system before the activity period begins (March) or at the least during the breeding and pre-hibernation period (April – September). 3. Carry out site visits to map density and condition of rabbit middens. This could be implemented in conjunction with a local school or as a citizen science programme. 4. If livestock are returned to compartments, regular checks on dung for the presence adult and larvae Ammoecius brevis. Since this species can be identified in the field, further surveys should not require the taking of vouchers but photographic evidence should be provided.

Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank the wardens of the nature reserves visited and the owners of Bowlers Riding School for access. We are also indebted to Gary Hedges of The Tanyptera Trust for his support, enthusiasm and for spending a day in the field with the authors.

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Appendix 1: Trap Locations

Site Grid Reference Date Dung type Formby Point NT SD2745107474 23/6 - 7/7/2017 Cattle Formby Point NT SD2719307003 23/6 - 7/7/2017 Horse Formby Point NT SD2725507082 23/6 - 7/7/2017 Cattle Formby Point NT SD2728107193 23/6 - 7/7/2017 Horse Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR SD2802709744 23/6 - 8/7/2017 Cattle Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR SD2803009743 23/6 - 8/7/2017 Horse Ainsdale & Birkdale Hills LNR SD2981611820 24/6 - 9/7/2017 Horse Ainsdale & Birkdale Hills LNR SD2787209546 24/6 - 9/7/2017 Cattle Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR SD2959211065 24/6 - 8/7/2017 Cattle Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR SD2958911065 24/6 - 8/7/2017 Horse Ainsdale & Birkdale Hills LNR SD3001513224 24/6 - 8/7/2017 Cattle Ainsdale & Birkdale Hills LNR SD3044013893 24/6 - 8/7/2017 Horse

Appendix 2: Non-target species recorded during 2017

Non-target species recorded during the 2017 survey are presented in a matrix table for ease of comparison. Full data in given in the subsequent tables, listed by site in alphabetical order.

fipes

Site depressus Acrossus ru Acrossus arenaria Aegialia ater Agrilinus dubia Anomala foetidus Aphodius rufa Bodilopsis granarius Calamosternus Esymus pusillus haemorrhoidalis Otophorus foetens Rhodaphodius brunnea Serica caelatus Tesarius fossor Teuchestes sticticus Violinus

Ainsdale and Birkdale Hills LNR     Ainsdale area (Shore Road)  Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR               Formby Point (National Trust)         Formby Point (outside National Trust land)     Formby area (Bowlers Riding School)      Freshfield Dune Heath LWT     Ravenmeols Hills LNR       

Ainsdale and Birkdale Hills LNR Site Taxon Quantity Date Method SD2981611820 Acrossus rufipes 3 09-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap (horse dung) SD2926912053 2 25-Jun-17 Crawling on sand SD2919711987 Anomala dubia 1 25-Jun-17 Found Dead SD2922012043 Anomala dubia 4 25-Jun-17 Crawling on sand SD293121 Anomala dubia 1 25-Jun-17 In flight SD29381219 Anomala dubia 1 25-Jun-17 Found Dead SD2944812214 Anomala dubia 1 25-Jun-17 Crawling on sand SD29491238 Anomala dubia Frequent 25-Jun-17 In flight SD29871305 Anomala dubia 1 25-Jun-17 Crawling on sand

Ainsdale area Site Taxon Quantity Date Method Shore Road (SD30031280) Anomala dubia 2 25-Jun-17 In flight

Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR Site Taxon Quantity Date Method Slacks 13 & 29 (SD28020983) Acrossus depressus 1 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung Slacks 13 & 29 (SD28851006) Acrossus depressus 1 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung Fisherman's Path Acrossus rufipes 1 08-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap (SD2803009743) (horse dung) Slacks 13 & 29 (SD28851006) Acrossus rufipes 1 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung SD2959211065 Acrossus rufipes 4 09-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap (cattle dung) SD27870954 Aegialia arenaria 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand SD30161144 Aegialia arenaria 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path (SD28160998) Aegialia arenaria 6 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path (SD28191000) Aegialia arenaria 3 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path (SD28140987) Aegialia arenaria 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path Aegialia arenaria 3 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2793209710) Fisherman's Path (SD28010980) Aegialia arenaria 4 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path Aegialia arenaria 1 24-Jun-17 Found dead (SD2801709800) Fisherman's Path Aegialia arenaria 1 26-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2802709841) Fisherman's Path Aegialia arenaria 1 26-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2813209981) Fisherman's Path Aegialia arenaria 4 26-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2814910025) Massam's Slack (SD2817510257) Aegialia arenaria 2 26-Jun-17 Found Dead Slacks 13 & 29 (SD28020983) Agrilinus ater Frequent 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung Slacks 13 & 29 (SD28851006) Agrilinus ater 6 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung SD27870954 Anomala dubia 2 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand SD2788109594 Anomala dubia 2 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path (SD28040977) Anomala dubia 2 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path (SD27870966) Anomala dubia 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path Anomala dubia 2 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2810310032) Fisherman's Path (SD28010980) Anomala dubia 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path Anomala dubia 3 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2803909806) Fisherman's Path (SD28140987) Anomala dubia 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path (SD28160998) Anomala dubia 1 24-Jun-17 In flight Fisherman's Path (SD28191000) Anomala dubia 3 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path (SD28140992) Anomala dubia 1 26-Jun-17 Found dead Fisherman's Path Anomala dubia 1 26-Jun-17 Found dead (SD2802709841) Massam's Slack (SD28131001) Anomala dubia 1 26-Jun-17 In flight Massam's Slack (SD2817510257) Anomala dubia 1 26-Jun-17 In flight Fisherman's Path Aphodius foetidus 3 08-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap (SD2802709744) (cattle dung) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Bodilopsus rufa 2 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28020983) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR Esymus pusillus 1 09-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap (SD2958911065) (horse dung) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Otophorus Frequent 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28020983) haemorrhoidalis Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Otophorus 3 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28851006) haemorrhoidalis Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Rhodaphodius 3 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28020983) foetens Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Rhodaphodius 1 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28851006) foetens Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Serica brunnea 2 08-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap Fisherman's Path area (cattle dung) (SD2802709744) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Serica brunnea 1 08-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap Fisherman's Path area (horse dung) (SD2803009743) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Tesarius caelatus 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path area (SD28010980) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Tesarius caelatus 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path area (SD28191000) Ainsdale Sands NNR, Fisherman's Tesarius caelatus 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Path area (SD27870966) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Tesarius caelatus 1 26-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Fisherman's Path area (SD2813209981) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Tesarius caelatus 1 26-Jun-17 Crawling on sand Massam's Slack area (SD2817510257) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR Tesarius caelatus 1 08-Jul-17 Found dead (SD29001006) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Teuchestes fossor Frequent 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28020983) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Teuchestes fossor 1 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28851006) Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, Slacks Violinus sticticus 1 08-Jul-17 Cattle Dung 13 & 29 area (SD28851006)

Formby Point National Trust Site Taxon Quantity Date Method Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 5 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27110692) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 1 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2715806919) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 4 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27190693) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 1 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27190700) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 2 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27250708) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 2 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27250724) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 2 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27280719) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 1 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27300730) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 1 25-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2720707094) Formby Point NT Aegialia arenaria 1 08-Jul-17 Found dead (SD27210718) Formby Point NT Anomala dubia 1 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2713407088) Formby Point NT Anomala dubia 3 08-Jul-17 Crawling on sand (SD2720206982) Formby Point NT, car Agrilinus ater 1 25-Jun-17 Horse Dung (SD2748208228) Formby Point NT Rhodaphodius foetens 1 08-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap (SD2745107474) (cattle dung) Formby Point NT, car park Aphodius foetidus 1 25-Jun-17 Horse Dung (SD2748208228) Formby Point NT Acrossus rufipes 1 08-Jul-17 Baited Pitfall Trap (SD2745107474) (cattle dung) Formby Point NT Tesarius caelatus 6 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27190693) Formby Point NT Tesarius caelatus 2 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27190700) Formby Point NT Tesarius caelatus 4 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27250708) Formby Point NT Tesarius caelatus 27 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27250724) Formby Point NT Tesarius caelatus 10 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27280719) Formby Point NT Tesarius caelatus 2 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD27300730) Formby Point NT Tesarius caelatus 2 08-Jul-17 Found dead (SD27210718)

Formby area Site Taxon Quantity Date Method Brewery Lane, Bowlers Acrossus rufipes 5 26-Jun-17 Horse Dung Riding School (SD301088) Brewery Lane, Bowlers Aphodius foetidus 4 26-Jun-17 Horse Dung Riding School (SD301088) Brewery Lane, Bowlers Bodilopsis rufa 1 26-Jun-17 Horse Dung Riding School (SD301088) Brewery Lane, Bowlers Calamosternus granarius 2 26-Jun-17 Horse Dung Riding School (SD301088) Formby Point Aegialia arenaria 4 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2710806972) Formby Point Aegialia arenaria 2 08-Jul-17 Found dead (SD27310730) Formby Point Anomala dubia 1 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2708906978) Formby Point Anomala dubia 1 23-Jun-17 Found dead (SD2733606463) Formby Point Anomala dubia 1 25-Jun-17 Crawling on sand at (SD2721907082) Night Formby Point Anomala dubia 1 08-Jul-17 In flight (SD27310730) Formby Point Anomala dubia 1 08-Jul-17 Crawling on sand (SD2712206380) Formby Point Tesarius caelatus 1 23-Jun-17 Crawling on sand (SD2720707081) Formby Point Tesarius caelatus 1 08-Jul-17 Found dead (SD27310730) Freshfield Dune Heath Acrossus rufipes 12 26-Jun-17 Sheep Dung LWT (SD295092) Freshfield Dune Heath Bodilopsis rufa 45 26-Jun-17 Sheep Dung LWT (SD295092) Freshfield Dune Heath Serica brunnea 1 26-Jun-17 Found Dead LWT (SD29570920)

Ravenmeols Hills LNR Site Taxon Quantit Date Method y SD27260600 Aegialia arenaria 1 24-Jun-17 Crawling on sand SD27290595 Aegialia arenaria 3 24-Jun-17 Hand searching SD27260600 Anomala dubia 1 24-Jun-17 Found Dead SD27290595 Tesarius caelatus 4 24-Jun-17 Hand searching

Appendix 3: Descriptions of non-target species recorded during the 2017 survey (alphabetical order)

Acrossus depressus (Kugelann, 1792) Aphodius rufipes (Kugelann, 1792)

Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: June-September Comments: A widespread species across the UK. It occurs in all types of grassland habitats and utilises the dung of cattle, sheep, and horse.

Acrossus rufipes (Linnaeus, 1758) Aphodius rufipes (Linnaeus, 1758)

Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: June-September Comments: This is one of the most widespread and abundant species across the UK. It occurs in all types of grassland habitats and utilises the dung of cattle, sheep, and horse. This species is also attracted to light.

Aegialia arenaria (Fabricius, 1787)

Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: April-October Comments: This species is usually restricted to coastal dune systems, where it can often be abundant where present. A saprophagous species that can be found wandering on loose sand or in sand at the base of plants.

Agrilinus ater (De Geer, 1774) Aphodius ater (De Geer, 1774)

Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: April-July Comments: A widespread and abundant species in the UK, occurring in all habitats, though most abundant on open grasslands. It will feed on all dung types but has a preference for sheep dung.

Anomala dubia (Scopoli, 1763) Anomala aenea (DeGeer, 1774) Anomala frischii (Fabricius, 1775)

Dune Chafer Status: Native, local Activity Period: May-July Comments: The dune chafer is restricted to sandy soils, and almost exclusively to coastal sand dune systems. It is expected to be widespread across the dunes in VC59.

Aphodius foetidus (Herbst, 1783) Aphodius foetidus (Herbst, 1783) Aphodius scybalarius auct. nec (Fabricius, 1781)

Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: April-July; October Comments: This beetle is widespread. It is associated with open grasslands and shows a preference for sandy soils, feeding on most types of dung.

Bodilopsis rufa (Moll, 1782) Aphodius rufus (Moll, 1782) Aphodius rufesens (Fabricius, 1801)

Status: Native, Widespread Activity Period: June-September Comments: This is a common and widespread species in Europe. It is one of most variable species, ranging in colour from almost black to straw yellow. Such variation makes it one of the more difficult species to identify. It is summer active occurring in a range of habitats in all types of dung.

Calamosternus granarius (Linnaeus, 1767) Aphodius granarius (Linnaeus, 1767)

Status: Native, widespread, becoming scarce in the North Activity Period: April-June Comments: This is a widespread species throughout England and Wales, where it occurs in all grassland habitats. Along with dung of all types, this species can be found in other organic material such as manure heaps and compost.

Esymus pusillus (Herbst, 1789) Aphodius pusillus (Herbst, 1789)

Status: Native, widespread Activity period: April-July Comments: A species of open grassland occuring in all types of dung, though with a preference for sheep dung.

Otophorus haemorrhoidalis (Linnaeus, 1758) Aphodius haemorrhoidalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: May-August Comments: This species occurs in all types of dung on open grasslands, with a preference for medium aged cattle dung.

Rhodaphodius foetens (Fabricius, 1787) Aphodius foetens (Fabricius, 1787) Aphodius aestivalis Stephens, 1839

Status: Native, widespread (under recorded) Activity Period: June-September Comments: This summer active species occurs widely in the UK, preferring open grasslands. It can be found in all types of dung, though it prefers older cattle and horse dung.

Serica brunnea (Linnaeus, 1758)

Brown Chafer Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: July-August Comments: This small distinctive chafer prefers sandy soils and is often most abundant on sand dunes. Nocturnal in activity, it is often recorded at light traps.

Tesarius caelatus (LeConte, 1857)

Status: Introduced (Cheshire & Lancashire dunes only) Activity Period: April-October Comments: A North American species, long established in the Lancashire dune systems. Whilst localised, it can be abundant where present. A saprophagous species that can be found wandering on loose sand or in sand at the base of plants.

Teuchestes fossor (Linnaeus, 1758) Aphodius fossor (Linnaeus, 1758)

Status: Native, widespread Activity Period: May-August Comments: A widespread and often abundant species associated with all grassland habitats and feeds on most dung types but has a preference for cattle dung.

Violinus sticticus (Panzer, 1798) Aphodius sticticus (Panzer, 1798) Aphodius equestris (Panzer, 1798)

Status: Native, widespread in south, localised in the North Activity Period: April-August Comments: This species has a strong preference for dung in shaded habitats (e.g. woodland, scrub, woodland edge), though during its later activity period it is known to occur in open habitats.