The two new populations - at Coleton Barton, Kingswear and Little Dartmouth near Dartmouth on the South Devon Coast - were discovered by local volunteers and project trainees on a night-time survey run by multi partner project Life on the Edge led by South Devon National Landscape Partnership, and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Mediterranean Oil Beetle is vulnerable to extinction and is the rarest of the five UK oil beetle species. It was thought to be extinct for over a hundred years until it was rediscovered in South Devon in 2012. Until these recent discoveries it was only known in two UK sites, the stretch of the South Devon coast between Bolt Tail and Start Point, and in a site in East Sussex.

The best way to survey for these beetles is to search at night with torches, local Life on the Edge volunteer Valerie Hall was part of the team who discovered the beetles:

“Small things are so easily lost, perhaps forever, unless we know they are there in the first place. It was quite an adventure hunting for the beetles in the dark and exciting to find them”.

The Mediterranean Oil Beetle in only found in areas of wildflower-rich coastal grassland that have large populations of solitary bees. The beetles are brood parasites, and their larvae develop in the nests of the bees. The presence of oil beetles is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.     

Sam Skevington, Buglife Life on the Edge Conservation Officer said 

‘We are working with landowners and communities across South Devon to restore vital wildflower-rich habitats which in turn support healthy populations of solitary bees and other threatened invertebrates. It is incredible working with such dedicated and enthusiastic local people who are really keen to learn more about our native wildlife and help to make a real difference to its future.'

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Life on the Edge partners are working to restore populations of over 30 of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants living along the South Devon coast.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 

“Discovering new populations of such a rare species is a remarkable milestone for the Life on the Edge project. This exciting discovery highlights the real impact that community-led conservation can have, making meaningful long-term impact for our natural heritage. These findings highlight the importance of sustained investment in habitat restoration and nature across the South Devon coast.” 

More on the South Devon National Landscape website.