173
The Millennial Status in Essex of Nationally Scarce and Threatened
Species of Coleoptera: further data and summary
P.M. HAMMOND
Dept of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Abstract
Following a recent account in which data on the occurrence in Essex of beetle species of high U.K.
conservation status were summarised (Hammond, 1999), a similar summary in relation to species
of lower conservation status (Na, Nb and N) is presented here. Some additions and amendments to
the previous list of higher status (RDB1, RDB2, RDB3, RDBI, RDBK and Extinct) species are included,
and an overall summary of the recorded occurrence in Essex of all beetle species that have been
accorded a rarity/threat status of any kind is also provided. The implications of the pattern of records
over time for current and future conservation efforts of rare beetle species and their habitats are
briefly discussed.
Introduction
In a recent account (Hammond, 1999) available data on the occurrence in Essex of Coleoptera
(beetle) species categorised in the reviews of Hyman & Parsons (1992, 1994) as being of high
conservation significance (i.e. listed as RDB1, RDB2, RDB3, RDBI, RDBK or Extinct in the U.K.)
were summarised (see Hyman & Parsons, 1994, for definitions) of each category). Employing four
date-classes (pre-1900, 1900-1949, 1950-1969 and post-1969) the recorded occurrence in Essex of
these high status species was detailed. The object of the present paper is to provide a similar account
for the greater number of species also of conservation significance but accorded a lower status,
namely Notable A, Notable B and Notable (again see Hyman & Parsons, 1994, for definitions). For
background information on the history of beetle recording in Essex see the previous paper by
Hammond (l.c). The nomenclature employed in this account follows that of Hyman & Parsons
(1992, 1994), except for Ilyobates bennetii Donisthorpe, previously known as /. subopacus Palm
(its junior synonym), and a few species of Elateridae, for which the names of Mendel & Clarke
(1996) are followed.
Additions and emendments to data presented by Hammond (1999)
Some high status (i.e. RDBI, RDB2, RDB3, RDBI, RDBK or Extinct) species for which there are
Essex records were overlooked in the previous account (Hammond, l.c), and for some additional
high status species first Essex records have become newly available (e.g. from Plant & Harvey,
1997; Hammond, 2000). These number sixteen in all, and details are included in Table 1.
Table 1. Coleoptera species of high U.K. conservation status recorded
from the county of Essex but not listed by Hammond (1999).
Column 1: Current U.K. conservation status as listed by Hyman & Parsons (1992,1994)
Column 2: Recorded from the vice-county of North Essex.
Column 3: Recorded from the vice-county of South Essex.
Column 4: Recorded from Essex pre-1900.
Column 5: Recorded from Essex 1900-1949.
Column 6: Recorded from Essex 1950-1969.
Column 7: Recorded from Essex post-1969.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 17 (2000)