The status and distribution of the ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus at Stackpole Warren in 2017

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.

Identification

Identifier
NRW_DS121121
Metadata Language
English
Lineage

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.
Additional Information

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.
Dataset Reference Date (Publication)
2018-01-01

Temporal Extent

Begin date
2017-08-22
End date
2017-08-23
 
Topic category
  • Biota
Owner
  Natural Resources Wales (NRW) -
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en
Originator
  Telfer -
10 Northall Road, Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2DQ
 

Extent

Extent

Geographic Extent
Wales (WLS)
N
W
E
S
Map representing the geographic extent of the dataset


 
 

Distribution

Distribution

Format Type and Description
  • Documents ( Unknown )

    Specification

    Report in pdf format

  • Database ( Unknown )

    Specification

    Species records: Recorder 6

 

Quality

Data quality

Quality Scope
Dataset
Conformity
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
Explanation

This dataset has not been assessed for conformance to the referenced INSPIRE regulation.
Degree
false
Lineage

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.
 

Keywords

Keywords

GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0
Type
Theme

Citation

Date (Publication)
2008-06-01
Code
geonetwork.thesaurus.external.theme.httpinspireeceuropaeutheme-theme

Keywords

NRW Thesaurus
  • ecological surveys
  • invertebrate surveys
Type
Theme

Citation

Date (Publication)
2026-08-27
Code
geonetwork.thesaurus.local.theme.converted_nrw-keywords
 

Spatial Reference System

Code
British National Grid (EPSG::27700)
 

Content

Content Information

NRW Profile

Custom Elements

NRW Related Title

The status and distribution of the ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus at Stackpole Warren in 2017
 

Constraints

Constraints

Limitations on Public Access and Use

Restriction type
Other restrictions
 

Access Constraints Directive

Limitations
no limitations
 

Access Constraints Text

Other constraints

There are no access restrictions on this data. NRW may release, publish or disseminate it freely.
 

Use Constraints

Use constraints type
Other restrictions
Other constraints

© 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.
 

Attribution Statement

Other constraints

Contains Natural Resources Wales information © Natural Resources Wales and Database Right. All rights Reserved.
 

Licence

Other constraints
Open Government Licence
 
 
 

Metadata

Metadata

File Identifier
4f4c4942-4343-5764-6473-313231313231 XML
Metadata Language
English
Resource type
Dataset
Metadata Date
2026-09-29T15:08:03.902Z
Metadata Standard Name
NRW
Metadata Standard Version

1.0

pointOfContact
  Natural Resources Wales (NRW) -
Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW, Wales
http://naturalresources.wales/?lang=en
 
 

Publishing Body

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