Local Biodiversity Action Plan for the Aspen Hoverfly (Hammerschmidtia ferruginea)

Summary

The aspen hoverfly is recognised as endangered in the Red Data Book, it is a priority species listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and is an indicator of forests of national importance. The fly is known to occur in only 12 locations in Scotland. It is found in large mature aspen woods and requires sufficient dead and standing dead timber to house and feed the larvae and sufficient ground vegetation to provide nectar for adults.

A number of factors threaten the fly. Aspen stands are crucial for the fly's survival. Existing stands have been damaged in the past by a variety of developments, including road building and conifer planting. Removal of dead timber (eg for firewood) deprives the fly of an essential habitat for larvae. Some aspen woods are too small to support the fly and others lack an appropriate age structure including saplings, mature trees and dead timber. There is also some risk of specimens being taken for private collections.

The Malloch Society has carried out an extensive survey of the aspen hoverfly. From this, 10 recommendations have been proposed to ensure population survival. Objectives for conservation include legislation, management, advice and surveying.

Newly identified sites should be protected by suitable designation and management. Land managers should be made aware of the presence of the fly. Conservation measures include retention of dead timber and ground flora. Continued surveying is important to monitor population numbers and to identify future suitable woodlands.

The full report is available as a PDF file, which can be downloaded here.

For further information about aspen, please go to our Aspen Information Resource.

Last updated: 26 January 2010