News: November 2010
Rare bug found on Common
Last seen in Gloucestershire in 1944
A survey of parts of the Common last July by GIG (Gloucestershire Invertebrate Group) yielded a very rare find. David Haigh found a small ‘bug’ near the Washpool which was identified by John Widgery as Hallodapus montandoni (it’s so rare it doesn’t have an English name). This bug was recorded at Colesbourne in 1899 and 1901, then on Rodborough Common in 1944 – and there are no recorded sightings in Gloucestershire for the past 66 years. This is also believed to be the most northerly find in the country.
Hallodapus montandoni measures about 3.5mm. It’s found in areas of sparse vegetation on dry ground, in particular chalk or sand, so the Common is ideal. In its normal form it has shortened wings and therefore does not fly. Only rarely has a long winged form been recorded which means it’s a species which does not readily colonise new areas. No wonder it's rare!