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

Stubbs); Wokefield Common (4 October 1970, female, E.
Burtt) and near Cothill NNR (11 September 1989 and 18
May 1994, females, J.W. Ismay), Berkshire; Kidlington
(female, 26 November 2002), Eynsham Park (56 females,
51 males reared, emerged from 25 October 2004) and
Marston (60 females and 1 male reared, emerged from 15
October 2004), Oxfordshire (all J.A. Webb); Bressingham,
Norfolk (female, 9 October 2002, P.J. Chandler).
Habitat Exact requirements are unclear; probably broadleaved
woodland.
Ecology Larvae attributed to this species found in an
unidentified Polyporus species at two sites were not
successfully reared. However, Ševčík (2001a) recorded
rearings from Polyporus durus (as P. badius) and P. varius
in the Czech Republic, confirming the identity of these early
stages. Adults have now been reared from P. durus in
Britain (Webb 2004), suggesting that this is a regular host.
Adults recorded only in September and October.
Status A poorly known species with all records post 1970;
older examples could not be located in collections, but it is
of undistinguished appearance and could have been
overlooked. However, the recent records from parks and a
garden in the Oxford area suggest that this species may be
less threatened than had previously been thought. Status
revised from RDB 2 (Shirt 1987 and Falk 1991).
Threats Clearance of woodland for agriculture or intensive
forestry; removal of dead wood and old or diseased trees
which might support the fungus food plants.
Management and conservation Retain any dead wood and
old or diseased trees, with their associated fungi, ensuring
their continuity into the future.
Published sources Chandler (1974, 2002b); Webb (2004).
AENIGMATIAS BREVIFRONS
A scuttle fly
Order DIPTERA
Aenigmatias brevifrons (Schmitz, 1955)
Identification Keyed by Disney (1983).
DATA DEFICIENT
Family PHORIDAE
Distribution Only a single record: the type locality,
Weybridge, Surrey (found in an observation nest of
Formica sanguinea Latreille on 26 July 1913, but believed
to have emerged from cocoons of other Formica species
obtained from Weybridge).
Habitat Exact details unclear; the site is principally
heathland and dry woodland.
Ecology Larvae of this genus are parasitoids of ant pupae,
especially of wood ants (Formica species). As A. dorni had
been reared from Formica rufibarbis Fabricius, Donisthorpe
(1914) considered cocoons of F. rufibarbis to be the source,
although he had previously (1913b) cited F. fusca Linnaeus
of which cocoons had also been placed in the nest. The host
of A. brevifrons thus requires confirmation.
Status A poorly known species in a group that has low
levels of recording. Status revised from RDB 1 (Shirt 1987).
This was recorded by Donisthorpe (1913b, in part) as
Platyphora lubbocki Verrall and by Donisthorpe (1914) as
Platyphora dorni Enderlein, both misidentifications.
Currently there is inadequate information to assess the risk
of extinction. Status revised from RDB 1 in Shirt (1987) and
from RDB K in Falk (1991).
Threats The loss of wood ant colonies through invasion of
Birch (Betula) or Pine (Pinus) onto heathland and the
formation of dense shaded woodland which is less favoured
for nesting sites by these ants.
Management and conservation Maintain open heathland
and open structured woodland, to provide suitable habitats
for wood ants.
Published sources Disney (1983); Donisthorpe (1913b,
1914, 1927); Schmitz (1955).
AENIGMATIAS FRANZI
A scuttle fly
Order DIPTERA
Aenigmatias franzi Schmitz, 1950
Identification Keyed by Disney (1983).
DATA DEFICIENT
Family PHORIDAE
Distribution Four known sites are in northern England and
Scotland: Delamere Forest, Cheshire (16 July 1939, C.N.
Colyer); Thorne Moors NNR, Yorkshire (29 June to 14 July
1987, W.A. Taylor); Deer Dyke Moss, Westmorland (5
August 1977, J. Coulson); Aviemore, Elgin (July 1982, H.
Disney).
Habitat Possibly associated with moorland or boggy areas.
Ecology Larvae of this genus are said to be parasitoids of
ant pupae, especially wood ants (Formica species). The
Delamere Forest record, however, was of two males flying
on a bank containing colonies of Myrmica ruginodis and
Lasius niger). Adults recorded from June to August
Status Poorly known although it may prove to be
widespread in moorland habitats in the north and west.
Status revised from RDB 1 (Shirt 1987) and RDB K (Falk
1991).
Threats Loss of moorland to afforestation or intensive
agriculture; other vegetation changes due to increase or
reduction in grazing levels.
Management and conservation Maintain moorland with
existing vegetation structure, avoiding invasion of scrub or
other coarse vegetation.
Published sources Disney (1983); Smith (1977).
AENIGMATIAS LUBBOCKII
A scuttle fly
Order DIPTERA
Aenigmatias lubbockii (Verrall, 1877)
Identification Keyed by Disney (1983).
DATA DEFICIENT
Family PHORIDAE
Distribution Five widely scattered localities known: New
Forest (6 August 1907, J.J.F.X. King; 4 July 1914, reared
July to August 1917 and puparia numerous in nests of
Formica transkaucasica Nasonov on 18 July 1918, H.St
J.K. Donisthorpe) and Matley Bog, New Forest (reared July
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