A rare species of hoverfly, unseen in Belgium for over a century, has been discovered in Averbode (Flemish Brabant), according to an announcement by Natuurpunt on Friday.
The species, known as the ‘disappeared heidedwerg,’ was previously believed to exist only in Normandy, France, approximately 500 kilometres away.
The remarkable discovery is further underscored by the simultaneous identification of two related species, the ‘bijlsprietje’ and the ‘duinheidedwerg,’ in the same area.
Frank Van de Meutter, a hoverfly expert at Natuurpunt, noted that it is exceptionally rare for these three species to coexist in one location.
“These insects have highly specific habitat requirements, making their simultaneous presence here extraordinary,” Van de Meutter explained.
“They depend on old pine forests growing on land dunes with undisturbed soil composition. Averbode happens to provide these exact conditions.”
A Habitat Under Threat
The hoverflies were found just outside the protected nature reserve of Averbode Bos en Heide. This location raises concerns for their long-term survival, as the area is susceptible to subdivision and recreational development. Environmentalists warn that the lack of official protection could put the rediscovered species at risk.
Natuurpunt has urged authorities to take conservation efforts beyond the boundaries of designated parks.
“Protecting biodiversity solely within defined reserves is not enough,” the organisation stated. “Rare species often rely on interconnected ecosystems that extend beyond park limits.”
An Elusive Species Resurfaces
The ‘disappeared heidedwerg’ was last recorded in the Netherlands in the 19th century and had not been observed in the Benelux region since. Its sudden reappearance in Belgium suggests that small, isolated populations may have persisted unnoticed in suitable habitats.
The larvae of these hoverflies play a unique ecological role, living within underground mushrooms, specifically fibrous truffles, which have a symbiotic relationship with pine trees.
These truffles thrive in undisturbed soil, making the preservation of their habitat crucial for the hoverflies’ continued existence.
A Call for Conservation
The discovery in Averbode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the importance of safeguarding even the smallest species. Experts stress that preserving natural landscapes, particularly undisturbed pine forests, is vital for maintaining biodiversity.
Natuurpunt plans to monitor the newly found hoverfly population closely and is calling for stricter conservation measures in the surrounding areas. Without immediate action, experts fear that these rare species could once again disappear from Belgium’s natural environment.
“The rediscovery of the ‘disappeared heidedwerg’ is a beacon of hope, showing that nature has the potential to surprise us,” Van de Meutter said. “But it also highlights the urgent need to protect these fragile ecosystems before they are lost forever.”
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