Paracymus aeneus
(Germar, 1824)
Bronze Paracymus
Aquatic Coleoptera
Conservation Trust
OVERVIEW
Paracymus aeneus, known as the "Bronze Paracymus," is a small water scavenger beetle designated as a UK BAP priority species. This distinctive beetle is characterised by its metallic bronze coloration and specialised adaptation to marginal zones of still or slow-flowing water bodies where organic detritus accumulates, making it an important indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
CLASSIFICATION
DISTRIBUTION
Current Range: UK BAP priority species recorded in England with scattered distribution, primarily from sites that maintain high water quality and natural marginal habitats with abundant organic detritus.
Habitat Distribution: Found in marginal zones of still or slow-flowing water bodies, particularly those with soft substrates rich in organic detritus, including pond edges, lake margins, and slow river backwaters.
ECOLOGY & HABITAT
Still Waters
Ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing water margins
Organic Detritus
Soft substrates rich in decomposing organic matter
Marginal Vegetation
Vegetated margins providing shelter and food sources
Life Cycle: Complete metamorphosis with larvae and adults both utilizing marginal detritus-rich environments
Diet: Detritivorous, feeding on decomposing organic matter, algae, and microorganisms in soft substrates
Detritus Dependence: Requires abundant organic detritus and associated microbial communities for both feeding and reproduction
CONSERVATION STATUS
Key Threats:
- Habitat degradation and pollution
- Loss of natural marginal habitats
- Water level management changes
- Eutrophication and sedimentation
- Climate change impacts
Population Trend:
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
Margin Protection
Protect and restore natural soft marginal habitats
Water Quality
Maintain clean water conditions and prevent eutrophication
Natural Processes
Allow natural detritus accumulation and organic cycling
Survey & Research
Systematic surveys and ecological research on habitat needs