Threats to Tansy Beetles

There are a number of threats which are causing a decline in the population of Tansy beetles along the River Ouse.

  • The non-native Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is rapidly expanding along river banks and out-competing the resident tansy plants.
  • Proliferation of riverside trees such as willow, cast dense shade which tansy plants will not tolerate.
  • Changes in agricultural practices such as an increase in stock numbers lead to the loss of the tansy clumps through overgrazing. Likewise use of herbicides and insecticides can affect tansy clumps.
  • Eggs and larvae of the Tansy beetle are vulnerable to summer flooding. The adult beetle is less severely affected, as they use the air trapped under their wing cases to float. This may enable beetles to colonise new tansy plant clumps when they are washed downstream.
  • Research has shown that Tansy beetles do not fly regularly. They have been reported flying once in the Netherlands. Furthermore they will only walk approximately 200 metres. Under these circumstances, losses in tansy plant clumps could lead to greater losses amongst exploring Tansy beetles.

Help us to stop the extinction of invertebrate species

Become a member

Join a community of invertebrate champions and access exclusive member benefits from just £3 a month, all whilst supporting our vital conservation work.

Membership

Donate to support us

Every contribution helps us to save the small things that run the planet by restoring vital habitats and rebuilding strong invertebrate populations in the UK.

Make a donation today

Engage with our work

Stay up to date with our work and help spread the word by following us on our socials and signing up to our monthly BugBytes email newsletter.