Genetic variability within the Aspen Hoverfly
Investigate the genetics of the population of Aspen Hoverflies in Strathspey
Overview
The Aspen Hoverfly, Hammerschmidtia ferruginea, has a very limited population distribution. It is present at only eight sites in Strathspey, most of which are likely to be genetically isolated from each other.
In an attempt to restore it to its historic range, which included Deeside, a trial translocation of eight larvae from two sites was carried out in 2019. Despite the small number of founders, this population has persisted.
Before supplementation is carried out it is important to know what level of genetic diversity exists within the Strathspey populations. It also provides an opportunity to study the development of a new population from a small number of founders.
Project type: PhD.
Contact: Genevieve Tompkins and Annie Ives: rare.invertebrates@rspb.org.uk.
Closing date: Ongoing.
Timescale: Field work in mid-May to late June, for adult flight-period .
Location: Cairngorms, Scotland.
Resources available: Data, training and access to RSPB reserves.
Key requirements: Driving licence and own transport essential.
Background
The Aspen Hoverfly is one of the UK's most threatened species, restricted to the mature Aspen woodland in the Scottish Highlands where it breeds in the rotting cambium of large decaying Aspen trees (see Rotheray et al. 2009. Journal of Insect Conservation 13, 569–574).
Conservation efforts to expand its population, made by a long-standing partnership of organisations, are concentrating on maintaining a continuous supply of suitable breeding habitat and restoring it to its former range in Deeside, through translocation.
A previous Masters study investigated dispersal distances and found a maximum of 5km, which suggests that many of the populations are likely to be isolated.
A study of its genetics would inform just how genetically isolated these populations are and whether they have undergone a bottleneck. It would also inform further translocation and supplementation methods.
Methods and aims:
The proposed project aims to investigate the genetics of the population of Aspen Hoverflies in Strathspey, comparing different populations, to better understand the degree of genetic isolation between the existing populations and to determine the best approach to further translocation and supplementation.
Material may be sourced through the sacrifice of adults late in the breeding season, or by extracting DNA from empty puparial cases if possible.