We have discovered a rare - nationally scarce - Hoverfly - Callicera rufa - at Dovestone.
But it wasn't luck (well a bit) as this was planned. How?
The wardens have felled a lot of Conifers to create new habitat and a path through an old dark plantation - Pennyworth Wood.
It was realised this was an opportunity to create some new habitats for birds, insects and fungi - so following guidance from The Malloch Society in Scotland and The Hoverfly Recording Scheme, holes were cut in stumps, with chainsaws, to create artificial rot holes, which would fill with rainwater and act as small ponds for Hoverflies and other insects to lay eggs.
These are then part covered and some small wood offcuts are put back in, with bark, to help form a more natural place for egg laying and growth.
That started around October 2016 - we kept a check on the holes in the numbered stumps every few weeks and found some life in them such as Biting Midge larvae.......
Eventually on 4th August 2017, a Hoverfly larva at an early stage was found (photo below), which was distinctively marked and was identified by national experts as Callicera rufa.
This rare Hoverfly is normally only found in Scotland in Caledonian Pine forests where there is abundant rotting wood - but has also been found in some locations in England.
The adult has foxy dark brownish fur and yellow legs, with white tipped antennae - its about the same size as the commonly known Dronefly, Eristalis tenax.
It largely lives in the tree canopy so isn't easily seen, the best way of finding it is by searching for larvae.
It is probably under-recorded because of this lifestyle, but even so, there are only 22 records nationally on NBN of this insect, although more are known from Scotland but not yet recorded on there.
The underlying message here is that we should always keep a lookout for wildlife, you never know what you may see - and also keep diverse habitats in your garden or local patch if you can - anything may turn up!
Oh, and of course its a terrific example of creativity, conservation in action and forward thinking habitat management by the RSPB staff to enable biodiversity.
My thanks to Jon and particularly Kate who cut the stump holes (referred to as Hoverfly swimming pools) and took on board the germ of an idea.
A fantastic result for Dovestone reserve.
It brings the total number of Hoverfly species at the reserve to 26 - which is quite good for an upland situation, but there are many more to discover .........so let us know what you find!