Species Account for Megalonotus sabulicola

Species text
Megalonotus sabulicola is a groundbug of dry sandy places. The species was listed in Red Data Book category 3 (Rare) in Shirt (1987). Kirby (1992) noted however that this would seem to over-estimate its rarity and placed the species in the Notable category. Records are quite widely scattered in the south of England, and the insect does not seem to be unduly restricted in its habitat requirements. Since M. sabulicola has only been certainly recognised as a full species in Britain since 1963, it may still be under-recorded. However, a number of past authors have listed sabulicola separately, either as a full species or as a named variety, and the records of these authors make it clear that it has always been relatively sparse and local. It is likely to be particularly under-recorded in East Anglia and the south-west. The majority of known sites are coastal, but it also occurs in the East Anglian brecks, and there are records for inland sites in Kent. It is a ground-dwelling insect found amongst moss or low plants in areas of short or sparse vegetation. Management of known or likely sites should aim to maintain a wide range of vegetation structure, including some very short or sparse vegetation with some bare ground. Rabbit grazing will provide an ideal small-scale mosaic of short and tall vegetation, and rabbit populations should be encouraged wherever possible. References

Habitats

Recorded management for locations with Megalonotus sabulicola

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Megalonotus sabulicola

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Interpretation of distribution maps