Cosnard's Net-winged Beetle Brooch

Hand crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver with wire and oxidised detail.  Sterling silver brooch back. 

Thriving on decaying wood, it's almost inevitable that this net-winged beetle is struggling.  Severe habitat loss, and improperly managed wooded areas are seeing a massive reduction in UK numbers.

Woodland Trusts are beginning a program of tree veteranisation, where younger trees are deliberately 'aged' to encourage species that need older trees.  It's hoped this will recover some numbers, as in the meantime, the lack of suitable habitat is impacting them at every life stage.

Exact numbers are difficult to ascertain, but they are considered critically endangered - only two populations are known to remain in the UK - in South Downs and Wye Gorge - although efforts are being made to move them to suitable sites where they can be found.

Fun fact: Cosnards have been witnessed using 'speed dating' tactics, where males congregated on sunny stumps and vetted the females in line as and when they arrived.