4f4c4942-4343-5764-6473-313231313231 English Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en 2026-09-29T15:08:03.902Z NRW 1.0 wel utf8 British National Grid (EPSG::27700) The status and distribution of the ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus at Stackpole Warren in 2017 The status and distribution of the ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus at Stackpole Warren in 2017 Statws a dosbarthiad y chwilen ddaear Harpalus melancholicus yng Nghwningar Ystagbwll yn 2017 2018-01-01 NRW_DS121121 http://naturalresources.wales/ Stackpole Warren supports the only known British population of the Endangered ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus (the Stackpole Seed-eater). This survey was commissioned to assess the current status and distribution of the species within Stackpole Warren and to improve understanding of its ecological requirements. Surveys undertaken in August 2017 recorded between eight and ten individuals, representing a notable increase in observations compared with previous records. The survey identified H. melancholicus in two small habitat patches where vegetated sand dunes encroach onto exposed limestone and provided evidence that the species feeds on the seeds of Lesser Hawkbit (Leontodon saxatilis) and probably thyme (Thymus spp.). The findings suggest that H. melancholicus is a highly specialised species with a restricted and patchy distribution, although additional occupied habitat patches may remain undiscovered. Stackpole Warren supports the only known British population of the Endangered ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus (the Stackpole Seed-eater). This survey was commissioned to assess the current status and distribution of the species within Stackpole Warren and to improve understanding of its ecological requirements. Surveys undertaken in August 2017 recorded between eight and ten individuals, representing a notable increase in observations compared with previous records. The survey identified H. melancholicus in two small habitat patches where vegetated sand dunes encroach onto exposed limestone and provided evidence that the species feeds on the seeds of Lesser Hawkbit (Leontodon saxatilis) and probably thyme (Thymus spp.). The findings suggest that H. melancholicus is a highly specialised species with a restricted and patchy distribution, although additional occupied habitat patches may remain undiscovered. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en Telfer 10 Northall Road, Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2DQ mark.g.telfer@btinternet.com Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en Protected sites Species distribution Habitats and biotopes GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 2008-06-01 geonetwork.thesaurus.external.theme.httpinspireeceuropaeutheme-theme ecological surveys invertebrate surveys NRW Thesaurus 2026-08-27 geonetwork.thesaurus.local.theme.converted_nrw-keywords There are no access restrictions on this data. NRW may release, publish or disseminate it freely. no limitations © CNC/NRW Data may be re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence providing it is done so, acknowledging both the source and NRW's copyright. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure the data is fit for the intended purpose. Contains Natural Resources Wales information © Natural Resources Wales and Database Right. All rights Reserved. Open Government Licence English biota SeaVoX Vertical Co-ordinate Coverages 2021-01-06 Wales (WLS) -5.16410914 -4.58197077 51.48722038 51.87608787 2017-08-22 2017-08-23 Telfer, M.G. 2018. The status and distribution of the ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus at Stackpole Warren in 2017. NRW Evidence Report No: 247, 26 pp, Natural Resources Wales, Bangor. The status and distribution of the ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus at Stackpole Warren in 2017 Documents Unknown Report in pdf format Database Unknown Species records: Recorder 6 Commission Regulation (EU) No 1089/2010 of 23 November 2010 implementing Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards interoperability of spatial data sets and services 2010-12-08 This dataset has not been assessed for conformance to the referenced INSPIRE regulation. false Survey work was undertaken at Stackpole Warren on 22 and 23 August 2017 to assess the status and distribution of Harpalus melancholicus. Data were collected through targeted visual searches carried out during both daytime and night-time periods, with diurnal and nocturnal ground searches focused on suitable habitat. Records of adult beetles and associated habitat characteristics were collected, including observations of potential food plants and habitat conditions. Between eight and ten individuals were recorded, all during nocturnal surveys. Survey results were used to assess the distribution, habitat associations and conservation status of the species within its only known British locality. Survey work was undertaken at Stackpole Warren on 22 and 23 August 2017 to assess the status and distribution of Harpalus melancholicus. Data were collected through targeted visual searches carried out during both daytime and night-time periods, with diurnal and nocturnal ground searches focused on suitable habitat. Records of adult beetles and associated habitat characteristics were collected, including observations of potential food plants and habitat conditions. Between eight and ten individuals were recorded, all during nocturnal surveys. Survey results were used to assess the distribution, habitat associations and conservation status of the species within its only known British locality.