Blera fallax (Linnaeus, 1758)

Nomenclature:

Cynorrhina fallax (Linnaeus 1758) in Coe (1953).

Biology & ecology:

Larvae occur in wet pockets of decay in large Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris stumps (minimum surface diameter about 40 cm). The natural breeding site is probably wet decaying pine tree roots. Larvae of several different size classes have been found occupying the same cavity, suggesting that they develop over 2 or more years. Adults appear to have rather a short flight period and have been found around pine stumps or visiting flowers such as Wild Raspberry Rubus idaeus.

Distribution:

Once known from a number of localities in Aberdeenshire, Moray and Inverness-shire. This species is now restricted to Strathspey, between Kingussie in the south and Grantown in the north. Recent surveys (2003-2005) by the Malloch Society have confirmed its presence at only two sites. This species is under active conservation, see the Malloch Society website.

Status & conservation:

Endangered (RDB1) according to Shirt (1987) and Falk (1991), CRITICALLY ENDANGERED accoding to Ball & Morris (2014). This is a Biodiversity Action Plan species and was proposed for addition to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 by the 5th Quinquennial Review in 2008 but after consultation, was rejected by the Scottish Government in 2012.