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

SCIOPHILA PLURISETOSA
A fungus gnat
DATA DEFICIENT
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Sciophila plurisetosa Edwards, 1921
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution Five widely scattered sites can be confirmed:
Holne Wood NNR, Devon (1980); Wychwood NNR,
Oxfordshire (1989); Nethy Bridge, Elgin (1914); Kilmun,
Argyllshire (1911); Catacol, Arran, Clyde Isles (1919). A
sixth record from Mobberley, Cheshire (1944) could not be
confirmed by Chandler (1991c).
Habitat Probably damp broad-leaved woodland.
Ecology Reared from the soft terrestrial fungus Hydnum
repandum at Holne Wood, together with larger numbers of
Sciophila varia (Winnertz). Larvae of this genus form
mucilaginous tubes, usually in webs on the surface of the
fungus but in this case it is possible that they were
developing within the fungal tissue. Adults recorded in May
to June and from August to September.
Status A poorly known though widespread species with two
post 1960 sites. Perhaps under-recorded and could be sought
by rearing if Hydnum is the regular host. Currently there is
inadequate information to assess the risk of extinction.
Status revised from RDB 1 (Shirt 1987) and RDB 2 (Falk
1991).
Threats Clearance of woodland for agriculture or intensive
forestry.
Management and conservation Maintain woodlands in a
natural state, retaining any old trees and ensuring that litter
layer and soil structure are undisturbed to safeguard
terrestrial fungi.
Published sources Chandler (1987b, 1992b); Edwards
(1921); Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980); Kidd & Brindle
(1959).
SCIOPHILA RUFA
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Nationally Scarce)
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Sciophila rufa Meigen, 1830
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution Records widely dispersed in the Scottish
Highlands: Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Elgin, Mid Ebudes
(Mull), East Ross, East Sutherland.
Habitat Most British records are from Birch (Betula)
woods but the Mull record was from Fomes on Beech
(Fagus). The latter association is found in northern France
but S. rufa appears to be absent where Fomes grows on
Beech in southern England.
Ecology Larvae appear to develop specifically on the
bracket fungus Fomes fomentarius, which is usually found
on Birch where it grows in Scotland. They form webs which
may cover the underside of the bracket and contain several
larvae, where they are considered to be spore feeders. They
pupate in tough silk cocoons which may be found in the
web or on or beneath adjacent bark. Adults recorded in May
to July. Larvae have been found in May (becoming adult in
June) and in September (becoming adult in October).
Status A widespread though local Scottish species with
about fifteen of the eighteen recorded sites post 1960. It
may prove to be present at most major Scottish Birch
woods. Status revised from RDB 3 (Shirt 1987).
Threats Clearance of Birch woodland for intensive forestry
or agriculture. Overgrazing precluding regeneration on
some sites. Removal of dead wood and old or diseased trees
which support the host fungus.
Management and conservation Maintain Birch woods in a
natural state, retaining any old or decayed trees especially
where Fomes is present. Ensure continuity of this habitat by
preventing or limiting grazing.
Published sources Chandler (1992d); Edwards (1913);
Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980); Kidd & Ackland (1970).
SCIOPHILA THORACICA
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Nationally Scarce)
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Sciophila thoracica Staeger, 1840
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980) as
Sciophila quadriterga Hutson, 1979. Chandler (2000a)
placed this name in synonymy with S. thoracica.
Distribution Ten scattered records in southern England and
one in Wales: Arne, Dorset (1997); Savernake Forest,
Wiltshire (1990, 1991); Leckford, Hampshire (1974);
Fryent Country Park (1990) and Buckingham Palace Garden
(1997), Middlesex; Burnham Beeches NNR,
Buckinghamshire (1995); Frithsden Beeches, Hertfordshire
(1997); Barton Mills, Suffolk (1989); Cherry Hill,
Herefordshire (1977); Wyre Forest, Worcestershire (1987);
Llanover Park, Monmouthshire (1996).
Habitat Broad-leaved woodland.
Ecology There is a Russian record indicating association
with the terrestrial bolete fungus Suillus luteus. Where
known most members of this genus are associated with
tougher lignicolous fungi, on which they form webs and are
considered to be spore feeders. Some other species,
including the commoner ones known to be polyphagous
also develop on terrestrial fungi and this may be the case
with S. thoracica. Adults recorded from June to August.
Status A poorly known species with all records post 1970
and may prove to be more widespread. Status revised from
RDB 1 (Shirt 1987 and Falk 1991), where it was included as
Sciophila quadriterga.
Threats Clearance of woodland for intensive forestry or
agriculture.
Management and conservation Maintain woodlands in a
natural state, retaining any old trees and dead wood and
avoid damage to litter layer or soil structure, which could
adversely affect mycorrhizal and other terrestrial fungi.
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