A conservation project in Wales is working to protect the rare clam aphid and other species that depend on similar coastal habitats. The species is found in only a handful of locations in the UK, with the Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire currently its only known site in Wales.
Habitat and distribution
Clam aphids are typically found in flower-rich coastal grassland and dune habitats between March and June. They are most active on warm, sunny days.
Adults can grow to 24 mm (0.9 in) in length, and their lifespan is about one year.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said that the species’ habitat requirements meant only a handful of locations were suitable for it in the UK.
The species was rediscovered in Devon in 2006 and on Scotland’s Isle of Coll in 2009. Since then, populations have also been found on Tiree, Islay, Barra and Uist.
Conservation work in Wales
The Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire are currently the only place in Wales where the species is found. Conservationists continually survey the site.
NRW said the project forms part of Wales’ “Iconic Species Recovery Programme”, which aims to conserve clam aphids and other species that share similar habitats.
Hobbs described clam aphids as “amazing creatures” and said the research needed to consider “the need for multiple species to be effective.”
She thanked partners and volunteers for their continued support, despite the fact that no larvae had been seen for two years.
“We look forward to the continued management of the site to ensure the survival of this amazing species now and into the future.”
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
