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

Management and conservation Maintain woodlands in a
natural state and avoid drainage or damage to soil structure
which could adversely affect mycorrhizal fungi.
Published sources Chandler (1988).
MYCETOPHILA DEFLEXA
A fungus gnat
DATA DEFICIENT
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Mycetophila deflexa Chandler, 2001
Identification This species was figured by Chandler (1988),
who identified it as Mycetophila gratiosa Winnertz, 1863 by
comparison with the figures by Dziedzicki (1915).
However, A.I. Zaitzev (in litt.) pointed out that this was a
misidentification and the species was described as new by
Chandler (2001a).
Distribution Only known as British from males found at
seven sites in southern England: Blackmoor Copse,
Wiltshire (2004); Gracious Pond, Chobham Common,
Surrey (1984); Sandford Copse, Dinton Pastures Country
Park (1998) and Windsor Forest (1991), Berkshire; Weston
Turville Reservoir, a BBOWT Reserve (2002) and the Moat
(1990), Bog (1995) and Nile (1998) areas, Burnham
Beeches NNR, Buckinghamshire; Midger Wood,
Gloucestershire (2003). Possible females have been found at
a few other sites but their characters have not yet been
confirmed.
Habitat Damp broad-leaved woodland.
Ecology Biology unknown. The larvae probably develop in
lignicolous fungi. Adults recorded from April to July and in
October.
Status A poorly known species, only recently recognised to
occur in Britain and it may yet prove to be more
widespread. Currently there is inadequate information to
assess the risk of extinction. Not listed in Shirt (1987);
status revised from RDB 1 (Falk 1991).
Threats Clearance of native woodland for agriculture or
intensive forestry. Removal of any dead wood and old or
diseased trees which may support fungus hosts.
Management and conservation Maintain woodland in a
natural state, retaining old or diseased trees and dead wood,
especially in damp shaded situations suitable for fungal
growth. Ensure that marshy areas are retained and woodland
streams left undisturbed and shaded.
Published sources Chandler (1988, 2001a).
MYCETOPHILA DZIEDZICKII
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Near Threatened)
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Mycetophila dziedzickii Chandler, 1977
Identification Chandler (1977a) figured the genitalia of
both sexes.
Distribution Records widely dispersed; most are for southeast
England, but there are English records extending north
to Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Staffordshire. There are also
isolated Scottish records from Aviemore, Elgin (1903);
Rothiemurchus (1998, 2004) and Loch an Eilein (2004),
Easterness; Migdale Wood, East Sutherland (1999).
Habitat Broad-leaved woodland.
Ecology Biology unknown. The larvae probably develop in
lignicolous fungi like those of the related species
Mycetophila lunata Meigen. Adults recorded from May to
October. At Leckford, Hampshire it was found on ivy
(Hedera) flowers.
Status Of 24 recorded sites, only nine are post 1960:
Leckford (1975) and Brockenhurst Wood (1991),
Hampshire; Witley Common, Surrey (1992); Westleton
Heath and Scotland Fen (1996) and King’s Forest (2003),
Suffolk; the Scottish records cited above. This suggests that
a decline has occurred, while M. lunata, confused with it
before 1977, is recorded with increasing frequency. Not
listed in Shirt (1987). This was the Mycetophila obscura
Dziedzicki of the earlier British literature.
Threats Clearance of woodland for agriculture or intensive
forestry. Removal of any dead wood or old trees which may
support fungus hosts.
Management and conservation Maintain woodland in a
natural state, retaining any old or diseased trees and dead
wood, especially where it is in damp shaded situations
conducive to fungal growth. Avoid drainage of marshy
areas or disturbance of woodland streams.
Published sources Chandler (1977a); Edwards (1925);
Emley (1992).
MYCETOPHILA IMMACULATA
A fungus gnat LOWER RISK (Nationally Scarce)
Order DIPTERA
Family MYCETOPHILIDAE
Mycetophila immaculata (Dziedzicki, 1884)
Identification Keyed by Edwards (1925); male genitalia
figured by Dziedzicki (1884).
Distribution Scattered records throughout Britain:
Sheviock, Cornwall (1912); Yarner Wood NNR (1978),
Dendles Wood NNR (1979) and Buck’s Mills (1988),
Devon; New Forest, Hampshire (1904, 1986); Blean Woods
NNR, Kent (1983); Nicholaston Wood, Glamorgan (1994);
Coed Tremadog NNR, Caernarvonshire (1975); River Tay
at Caputh and Methven Wood, Perthshire (1992).
Habitat Old broad-leaved woodland.
Ecology Biology unknown. The larvae probably develop in
fungi. Adults recorded from June to October.
Status A widespread but very local species with only eight
recorded post 1960 sites. Status revised from RDB 3 (Shirt
1987).
Threats Clearance of woodland for agriculture or intensive
forestry. Removal of any dead wood and old or diseased
trees which may support development sites.
Management and conservation Maintain native woodland
in a natural state, retaining any old or diseased trees and
dead wood, especially in damp shaded situations, ensuring
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