35 of 283 leaf beetle species found in the UK have been assessed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable to extinction

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Dozens of species of insects have been put on a “Red List” over fears they could become extinct in Britain.



Research into two groups of scarce and threatened insects has led to 35 out of 283 species collectively known as leaf beetles being placed on the Red List as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable to extinction.

Three have already become extinct in Britain in the last 100 years, while seven are considered critically endangered and possibly extinct in Britain as they have not been seen since 1950, the analysis showed.

The second group of insects assessed, stoneflies, which are aquatic species found in rivers and streams, fared slightly better, according to the research by government agency Natural England in collaboration with invertebrate charity Buglife.

Out of 34 species found in Britain, one is extinct, one is vulnerable to extinction and another joins the red list as critically endangered.

Conservationists said both groups of insects are very sensitive to their environment, with leaf beetles often found only on certain plants in particular places while stonefly larvae are affected by types of pollution.

As a result, their conservation status is a good indicator of the health of the natural environment.

Jon Webb, senior entomologist at Natural England, said: “These reviews further build on our knowledge of the status of these species, helping us to focus our attention on managing our protected sites appropriately to support those most in need.”

Examples of the threatened insects include the iridescent green tansy beetle, a once widespread wetland species which is now listed as critically endangered not just in Britain but worldwide.

Work is being done to improve the bug’s stronghold in the UK, on the river Ouse in York, while another population was discovered at Woodwalton Fen in East Anglia last year.

New habitat is being created around the Woodwalton nature reserve and a reintroduction has also taken place at Wicken Fen.

Buglife’s Steve Falk said: “The recently published State of Nature report showed that at least two out of three species of British wildlife are declining, and we know that many species of invertebrate have already become extinct in Britain.

“These reports will put a strong spotlight on those species that will become extinct over the next few decades unless we take positive action and try to reduce the many threats facing them.”