The scarce lime bark beetle (Ernoporus tiliae (Panzer)), is a dead wood specialist that in Britain is believed to feed almost exclusively on small- leaved lime (Tilia cordata L). It has Red Data Book Category 1 (Endangered) designation and has been included on the priority UKBAP list due to its apparent decline in post-war years.
The Species Action Plan (SAP)
Understanding the current status and distribution of the scarce lime bark beetle in England was necessary to meet the SAP target of providing advice to landowners and managers on the presence and conservation management of the species.
This was tackled through an extensive survey of small leaf lime woodlands, carried out over two seasons by consultant Tony Drane, an expert under contract to the Forestry Commission.
Past records of E. tiliae were gathered to establish sites from which the beetle was once known and these, along with the remaining major small-leaved lime areas, were then targeted. Lime stands were assessed for beetle presence and colony size and the structure of their deadwood habitat was recorded.
Based on these findings a change in species status has been proposed and the information gathered will allow site management guidance to be targeted to the key locations of E. tiliae (Drane 2003; Broome, Drane et al. submitted):
Scarce lime bark beetle (Ernoporus tiliae) distribution
References
Drane, A. B. (2003). The current status, distribution and conservation of the scarce lime bark beetle, Ernoporus tiliae (Panzer), including a review of Ernoporus caucasicus (Lindemann), in England: implementing the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Forestry Commission Internal Report.
Broome, A., Drane, A. B. and Currie, F. (Submitted). Et - not an extra- terrestrial but an interesting boring beetle. British Wildlife.
The Forestry Commission is Lead Partner for the Species Action Plan.
