Ground beetle  (Bembidion testaceum)

Classified as Nationally Scarce in Great Britain (2).

Bembidion testaceum is a predatory ground beetle that is very similar in appearances to other related Bembidion species (2). This is a genus of small beetles that often have markings on the wing cases (elytra). This species has a dark head and pronotum with a greenish reflection, and the wing cases are reddish brown with hardly a trace of discrete reddish spots (3).

Although this species is easily confused with other members of the genus and old records may not be reliable, it is clear that Bembidion testaceum once had a wide, yet scattered distribution in England and Wales, reaching up into southern Scotland. This beetle has undergone a decline, however, and is now known only from 4 areas. Two of these occur in northern England, with one in south Wales and the fourth on the Welsh Borders (2). In the rest of Europe, this beetle has a wide range; Britain represents the north western limit of this distribution (2).

This species is known as a river shingle beetle, as it is found amongst sand and gravel beside slow-flowing or still water (2).

Very little is known of the biology of this predatory species. It is able to fly, and breeds in spring and early summer (3).

The habitat of this species is likely to be damaged by a range of factors, including river straightening and dredging, control of river flow rate caused by damming or flood reduction schemes, trampling by livestock, and the spread of the invasive plant Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) (2).

A number of beetles sharing this river shingle habitat have been highlighted as priorities under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). A Group Action Plan has been produced to coordinate efforts to conserve these species. This plan aims to maintain current populations. The Environment Agency, English Nature and the Countryside Council for Wales have joint-funded studies aiming to improve understanding of these species, in order to better guide their conservation (2).

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK BAP.