Saving the small things that run the planet
The Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle (Psylliodes luridipennis) is only found on the Island of Lundy, 18km off the coast of north Devon. It is an endemic beetle, which means that it can only be found here and nowhere else in the world. It is Nationally Rare and has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a global conservation priority. Parts of Lundy have been identified as an Important Invertebrate Area for the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle.
Quick Facts:
- Name of Project: Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle Project
- Duration of Project : June 2024
- Location of Project: Island of Lundy
- Species benefiting from Project: Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle (Psylliodes luridipennis)
The beetle is associated with a single species of plant – Lundy Cabbage (Coincya wrightii) – itself also an endemic species only found on Lundy. It is also unique in the UK as it is the only endemic plant known to also support an endemic invertebrate. The main threats to the beetle are from inappropriate land management, or lack of – grazing pressure limits the extent of the foodplant, as does the invasion of Rhododendron and dense grasses.
What did the project do?
Buglife worked with Lundy Island to undertake surveys of the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle to help us learn more about its abundance and distribution on the island, and what specific actions we may be able to take to help secure its future.
Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle (Psylliodes luridipennis) © John Walters