Jewels of Lough Erne

Reed Beetle habitat at Upper Lough Erne © Anna Hart

Northern Ireland is a stronghold for several rare and threatened species of reed beetle, in particular the Zircon Reed Beetle (Donacia aquatica) and Two-tone Reed Beetle (Donacia bicolora), with Upper Lough Erne being a vital site for these species. This species focused project helped raise awareness of these rare beetles and the need for conservation action through surveys, training and workshops.

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  • Name of Project:  Jewels of Lough Erne
  • Duration of Project: 2021
  • Location of Project: Lough Erne, Northern Ireland
  • Species benefiting from Project: Zircon Reed Beetle (Donacia aquatica) and Two-tone Reed Beetle (Donacia bicolora)
  • Project funded by: Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Reed beetles, the “jewels amongst the reeds” (Nelson, B., 2007) are brightly metallic species associated with waterside habitats, being found on reeds and other emergent marginal vegetation. The Northern Ireland population of Two-tone Reed Beetle is seen as the stronghold of both the Irish and UK populations. The Zircon Reed Beetle has greatly declined, having been lost from over 81% of its UK range. Both of these beetles are UK and Northern Ireland Priority Species for conservation action.

Buglife worked in partnership with the National Trust, RSPB, Ulster Wildlife, Share Discovery Village and others to complete a pilot study of Lough Erne’s reed beetles, undertaking essential survey work to gather population and distribution data and develop a local species recovery plan for the Zircon and Two-tone Reed Beetles.

Two-tone Reed Beetle (Donacia bicolora) © Roger Key

This exciting species focused project raised awareness of these rare beetles and the need for conservation action through surveys, training and workshops. Opportunities to create new pond habitat to boost the populations of the Zircon and Two-toned Reed Beetles were identified.

How can you stay involved?

If you have come across reed beetles, we would encourage you to submit your records via iRecord.

Students from St Kevins College on the hunt for the elusive Zircon reed beetle at Crom Estate © Anna Hart

Our thanks to the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership  (LELP) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund who funded this project.

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