Southern iron blue
The Southern iron blue is one of the eight rare and threatened riverflies which have been designated as conservation priorities by the UK Government and are listed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). This webpage gives details of the Southern iron blue and has links to more detailed documents.
Southern iron blue (Baetis (Nigrobaetis) niger)
This is a widespread mayfly which lives among plants in chalk streams, but this species has declined massively in recent years. This species has a fairly  |
| Southern iron blue mayfly (Baetis (Nigrobaetis) niger) © Stuart Croft |
long flight period, with adults in flight between April and October.The decline of this species has been linked to poor water quality due to pollution and inappropriate weed-cutting. Other factors effecting the species include: damage to bank-side and river vegetation, high levels of silt and dredging.
To see the Southern iron blue (Baetis niger) Species Dossier click here.
To see the Southern iron blue (Baetis niger) Summary Sheet click here (for the Welsh version click here and for the Scottish version click here).
To find out more about the Riverfly Partnership and the Riverfly BAP Project click here.
