Species Account for Hybomitra expollicata

Species text
This horsefly is recorded from rather few sites since 1900 in Dorset, Sussex, Kent and Essex. The status has been revised from RDB1 (Shirt 1987). Most of the records are recent and there is no doubt that this species is very local within high grade sites. Its habitat is brackish coastal levels with ditches; possibly saltmarsh at Studland (Dorset) and some Essex sites. The larvae probably develop in damp soil and the marginal zones of saline ponds and ditches. Its Essex populations are under particular threat from rising sea levels. Falk (1991a) states that a high, stable water level should be maintained and rotational ditch management employed on coastal levels if necessary, to ensure a continuous supply of potential breeding sites. Maintain the presence and salinity levels of any brackish pools or ditches on the seaward side of the marsh, which may possibly support the larvae, and maintain any transition of salinity across the marsh. Retain animal grazing in the vicinity of potential breeding sites. There are few known sites in Essex including Hadleigh (1969), Langenhoe Marsh (1983), Tollesbury Wick Marshes (1983; 2004), Copthall Saltings (1988), Old Hall Marshes (1983), Fobbing Marshes (2005 and West Canvey Marshes (2006). References

Habitats

Recorded management for locations with Hybomitra expollicata

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Hybomitra expollicata

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