Part 2: Nematocera and Aschiza not dealt with by Falk (1991) - JNCC

that there is a succession of trees of all ages. Limit grazing
where it is damaging to young trees and ensure that fallen
trunks remain in moist shaded conditions.
Published sources Chandler (1987b); Edwards (1925);
Jenkinson (1908); Larkin & Elbourn (1964).
NEOEMPHERIA STRIATA
A fungus gnat
VULNERABLE
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Neoempheria striata (Meigen, 1818)
Identification This species was described and the male
genitalia figured by Chandler (1987b).
Distribution Only two British records: Cothill NNR,
Berkshire (13 July 1985, P.J. Chandler) (Chandler 1987b);
Osier Lake, Godmanchester, Huntingdonshire (23 July
1998, J.H. Cole) (Cole 1999).
Habitat The Cothill site is damp woodland adjoining fen.
The Osier Lake site is Salix carr.
Ecology There is an early record (Dufour 1842) of larvae
found in mucous webs under brackets of the polypore
fungus Trametes suaveolens on poplar (Populus) trunks.
Matile (1963), however, found larvae in webs on pine
(Pinus) branches lying on the ground and considered them
to be carnivorous on nematodes which became immobilised
(probably by oxalic acid) on contact with the web. No
bracket fungi could be found in the mainly young carr
woodland where it was found at Cothill and dead wood
lying on the ground is thus a more likely larval habitat there.
Status A distinctive species, which is widespread in
woodland throughout Europe so was a rather surprising late
addition to the British list. It was not refound during the
intensive Malaise trapping at Cothill and other nearby sites
by the NCC in 1988 to 1991, suggesting that it is very
scarce or local within this area.
Threats Clearance of damp woodland for agriculture and
intensive forestry. Removal of any old trees and dead wood,
especially in damp shaded situations. Drainage of adjacent
fen or mismanagement such as inappropriate grazing or
non-rotational cutting.
Management and conservation Maintain woodland, carr
and fen in a natural state, with existing mosaic of habitats,
retaining any old trees and dead wood, ensuring a continued
supply in the future.
Published sources Chandler (1987b); Cole (1999).
NEOEMPHERIA WINNERTZI
A fungus gnat
VULNERABLE
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Neoempheria winnertzi Edwards, 1913
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution Only known from two sites in Gloucestershire:
Blakeney Hill Woods (20 and 25 August 1973) and
Soudley, Sutton Bottom (25 August 1973) (both A.E.
Stubbs and A.M. Hutson).
Habitat Damp broad-leaved woodland.
Ecology Biology unknown. Larvae of this genus are web
spinners on fungi or rotting wood.
Status Added to the British list on a few examples found on
the Mitcheldean field meeting (1973) but has not been
found in Britain since. Not listed in Shirt (1987).
Threats Clearance of woodland for intensive forestry or
agriculture. Removal of any old trees or dead wood, which
may provide larval development sites.
Management and conservation Maintain woodlands in a
natural state, retaining any old trees or dead wood,
especially in damp shaded situations suitable for fungal
growth.
Published sources Hutson & Kidd (1976); Hutson,
Ackland & Kidd (1980).
PALAEODOCOSIA ALPICOLA
A fungus gnat
DATA DEFICIENT
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Palaeodocosia alpicola (Strobl, 1894)
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution The only reliable record (based on a male) is
from Holker Moss, Lancashire (12 to 13 July 1923, F.W.
Edwards). The records from Somerset, Hampshire,
Caernarvonshire and Inverness-shire are based on females
only and are considered likely to be misidentifications of the
frequent species Palaeodocosia janickii (Dziedzicki).
Habitat Unclear, although the area concerned contains
extensive areas of bog.
Ecology Biology unknown. Related genera develop in or on
fungi, decaying wood or bryophytes.
Status Unclear for the reasons stated above. Currently there
is inadequate information to assess the risk of extinction.
Not listed in Shirt (1987) and as RDB K in Falk (1991).
Threats Unclear other than loss of habitat to agriculture or
afforestation.
Management and conservation Unclear other than
maintaining habitats in a natural state.
Published sources Edwards (1925); Hutson, Ackland &
Kidd (1980); Kidd (1959).
PALAEODOCOSIA FLAVA
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Near Threatened)
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Palaeodocosia flava (Edwards, 1913)
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution Only eight known records from southern
England: Leigh Woods (= Avon Gorge NNR), Somerset (5
to 11 June 1949, E.C.M. d’Assis-Fonseca); Sutton
Common, Dorset (24 to 31 May 1990, R.S. George);
Headley, Surrey (June 1965, L. Parmenter); Chippenham
100