Sightings of One of the UK’s Rarest Insects Triple

A remarkable increase in sightings of one of the United Kingdom’s rarest insects has delighted conservationists and nature lovers across the country, offering a rare piece of good news in an era of widespread insect declines. The insect in question, the green forest hoverfly (Caliprobola speciosa), has seen recorded observations treble in recent years, prompting hope that dedicated conservation work and habitat protection measures may be paying off.
The green forest hoverfly is a striking species, known for its metallic green and golden body adorned with bright orange wings and legs. It is extremely uncommon and has historically only been reliably recorded in two parts of southern England: the New Forest in Hampshire and Windsor Great Park in Berkshire.
Soaring Sightings: What the Data Shows
According to a four‑year study supported by Forestry England, sightings of the green forest hoverfly have increased from around 150 recorded observations before 2022 to more than 450 in recent counts — a threefold jump in documented appearances. Volunteers dedicated thousands of hours to data collection, using standardized survey methods to track individual hoverflies across the hoverfly’s short spring flight period.
The insect emerges for only a few weeks each spring and is highly dependent on specific habitat features. Ancient beech trees and decaying stumps provide essential breeding sites where females lay their eggs, and the larvae develop in the decomposing wood. These microhabitats are increasingly rare across much of the UK due to forest fragmentation and historical woodland management practices that removed deadwood from managed forests.
Despite its rarity, the species has long fascinated naturalists because of its striking appearance and elusive behaviour. Its distinctive green sheen makes it unmistakable to trained observers, but its overall scarcity has made population trends difficult to monitor consistently until volunteer survey efforts were established.
Conservation in Action
The rise in sightings has not happened by accident. Conservation groups have been working for years to protect and manage suitable habitats, particularly in the New Forest — one of the UK’s most biodiverse woodland landscapes. Forestry England has used data from hoverfly surveys to adjust habitat management plans, including removing excessive holly and undergrowth that can shade out deadwood resources and disrupt the fine ecological balance required by these insects.
Leanne Sargeant, a senior ecologist with Forestry England, described the New Forest as a “haven for nature,” emphasizing that the recent findings illustrate how targeted conservation and community involvement can make a difference for even the most cryptic species.
Sargeant said the survey results have helped improve understanding of the hoverfly’s distribution and habitat needs, allowing managers to fine‑tune practices that encourage biodiversity rather than suppress it. For example, some areas previously cleared for visitor access or aesthetic reasons are now being managed to retain deadwood and older trees, which are vital for insect life cycles.
Volunteers and Citizen Science Play a Key Role
The surge in sightings would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteer naturalists. These citizen scientists conducted more than 2,700 hours of field observations, recording not only green forest hoverflies but also a range of other rare and scarce insects that benefit from improved woodland habitats. Their observations contribute to long‑term species databases used by conservation bodies across the UK.
One survey volunteer, Andy Murdock, noted that the renewed understanding of the hoverfly’s presence has helped highlight the importance of protecting ancient woodland features that many casual visitors might overlook. “With the right habitat, this species can continue to thrive,” he said, reflecting the optimism among enthusiasts.
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Why It Matters
The green forest hoverfly’s rebound is particularly significant in the context of broader declines in insect populations worldwide. Recent global studies have shown that insect abundance and diversity are under threat due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and land‑use change — making any sign of recovery noteworthy.
For the UK, where many insect species are in long‑term decline, the hoverfly’s success demonstrates that focused conservation action, supported by scientific data and public involvement, can yield measurable improvements. It also serves as a reminder that protecting biodiversity requires preserving the natural processes and habitats that underpin complex ecological webs.
Looking Ahead
Researchers and volunteers plan to continue monitoring the green forest hoverfly in coming years to determine whether the upward trend is sustained. They also hope that similar efforts in other parts of the UK can shed light on the status of other rare insects, helping to ensure that these small but vital species are not lost to future generations.