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

Cambridgeshire; Thorne Moors NNR, Yorkshire;
Llangstone Meadows, Monmouthshire; Portheiddy Moor,
Pembrokeshire; Llyn Coethlyn, Montgomeryshire; Cors
Graianog, Caernarvonshire; Cors Bodeilio NNR, Anglesey.
Habitat Recent records are mainly from wetlands,
including ungrazed fen (e.g. Wicken and Spartum), grazed
fens and water meadows.
Ecology Biology unknown. The larvae may be web forming
predators on terrestrial substrates as are some other
Keroplatinae. Adults recorded from June to August.
Status Becoming better known, with twelve of the fourteen
records post 1980; it is evidently widespread in this type of
habitat although always found in small numbers. The wide
extent of occurrence indicates Nationally Scarce. This
species was included under Orfelia by Shirt (1987). Status
revised from RDB 1 (Shirt 1987 and Falk 1991).
Threats Drainage of wetlands and encroachment of
intensive agriculture. Over grazing or non-rotational cutting
of fen vegetation.
Management and conservation Maintain existing
vegetation structure of wetlands; grazing should be at a low
level where it is practised and any cutting should take place
on rotation.
Published sources Chandler (1992b); Edwards (1913,
1925); Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980); Perry & Langton
(2000).
URYTALPA ATRICEPS
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Near Threatened)
Order DIPTERA
Family KEROPLATIDAE
Urytalpa atriceps (Edwards, 1913)
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution Mainly recorded from southern England:
Chudleigh Rocks (1978), Edge Barton (1937) and Rousden
(1937), Devon; Clouts Wood, Wiltshire (2004); Goathorn,
Dorset (1907); Farringford, Isle of Wight (1921); Leckford,
Hampshire (1972); Wychwood NNR, Oxfordshire (1969,
1978, 1979) and a rather isolated record for Colt Park,
Yorkshire (1930).
Habitat Woodland edge habitats, particularly on chalk and
limestone.
Ecology Biology unknown. Larvae may be web forming
predators on terrestrial substrates as are some other
Keroplatinae. Adults recorded in May and June.
Status A very local southern species with four known post
1960 sites, with only the Wiltshire (2004) record since
1979. This was listed in Orfelia by Shirt (1987).
Threats Clearance of woodland or woodland edge habitats
for agriculture or intensive forestry. Removal of any dead
wood or old trees which might provide breeding sites.
Management and conservation Retain any dead wood or
old trees, but also ensure that a diverse structure to
vegetation is maintained to avoid loss of possible larval
breeding sites.
Published sources Chandler (1978a); Edwards (1913,
1925); Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
URYTALPA MACROCERA
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Near Threatened)
Order DIPTERA
Family KEROPLATIDAE
Urytalpa macrocera (Edwards, 1913)
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution Known in Scotland from two old records in
the Spey Valley and three more recent sites in other areas:
Castle Loch, Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire (July 1979, A.E.
Stubbs); Allanaquoich, Mar Lodge Estate, Aberdeenshire
(23 August 2000, A. Godfrey); Aviemore (10 August 1911,
J.W. Yerbury), Nethy Bridge (19 July 1905, J.W. Yerbury)
and Bridge of Brown (28 August 1990, A.E. Stubbs), Elgin.
It was also recently found at an English site: Esthwaite
North Fen, Westmorland (20 June 1999, P.J. Chandler).
Habitat Probably damp woodland. Bridge of Brown is a
Birch (Betula) wood on a steep slope by an upland stream.
Allanaquoich is an open Betula woodland with a high water
table in the flood plain of the River Dee. The Castle Loch
site is wet broad-leaved woodland.
Ecology Biology unknown. Larvae may be web forming
predators on terrestrial substrates like other Keroplatinae.
Adults recorded from late June to August.
Status This species is evidently rare. However, it should be
noted that the flight period in Scotland falls between the
periods of most intensive recent recording in the central
Highlands. Several more recent visits to the Castle Loch site
failed to locate further adults or give any clue to the larval
development habitat. This was included in Orfelia by Shirt
(1987).
Threats Uncertain other than clearance of damp woodland
for intensive forestry or agriculture. Removal of any dead
wood or old trees which might support breeding sites.
Management and conservation Retain any dead wood and
old or diseased trees, ensuring their continuity in the future;
also ensure the maintenance of any marshy areas or streams
within woodland.
Published sources Chandler (1992b); Edwards (1913);
Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
ACNEMIA AMOENA
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Near Threatened)
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Acnemia amoena Winnertz, 1863
Identification Keyed by Hutson, Ackland & Kidd (1980).
Distribution Known sites are in southern England and
Wales: Kenton, Devon (1978); New Forest, Hampshire
(1897, 1908, 1909; Great Huntly Bank, 1986; Eyeworth
Wood, 2000); Reigate, Surrey (1872); Wychwood NNR,
Oxfordshire (1989, 1990); Ivinghoe (1928) and Burnham
Beeches NNR (1995, 1999), Buckinghamshire; Cambridge,
Cambridgeshire (1916); Dinefwr Deer Park,
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