Mire Pill Beetle
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Description
Confusion Species:
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Distribution:
Three sites are known to support the species, all of which are in the Humberhead Levels of south Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Thorne and Hatfield Moors are the largest sites, and each support many small and fragmented populations. A small isolated population was found in a tiny patch of suitable habitat at Haxey Grange Fen
Habitat:
As the common name suggests, this species inhabits lowland raised mires, which take the form of raised mounds of peat, the surfaces of which are above the water table. This beetle seems to prefer damp, open peat where plenty of mosses grow
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Status:
Classified as Endangered in Great Britain and protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, with respect to disturbance or damage to its habitat. This beetle faces a number of threats, including drainage of the mire habitat in order to allow peat extraction, fire, drought, shading resulting from scrub growth, and a decrease in the level of ground water, caused by water abstraction and general land drainage. Since 1970, the area of available habitat has been reduced by 80% on Hatfield Moor and 30% on Thorne Moors, largely as a result of peat extraction for use in horticulture.