Assessment Rationale:

Dolichopus anacrostichus is an endemic species of the Azores (Portugal), known from S. Jorge, Terceira and S. Miguel islands. This species has been described from several wet and moist habitats in the aforementioned islands (Frey 1945). From the historical data, this species potentially has a limited Extent of Occurrence (4,665 km2) and a small Area of Occupancy (44 km2). The present situation of this species needs to be further assessed, and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history. Conservation of native wet and boggy areas and natural streams and other water bodies could potentially aid this species' conservation. Based upon the lack of recent data regarding this species' population, distribution, threats and ecology, it is not possible to accurately estimate the extinction risk of the species and it could theoretically fall into any category. Therefore, this species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Geographic Range:

Dolichopus anacrostichus is an Azorean-endemic fly species that was described from the islands of S. Jorge, Terceira and S. Miguel (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010). It is known from wet and swampy habitats. Based on the historical data (Frey 1945), the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) could be ca. 4,665 km² and the Area of Occupancy (AOO) could be ca. 44 km². However, there is no recent information regarding the distribution of this species, and the actual full distribution of the species is unknown.

Population:

No current population size estimates exist for this species, and the overall population size and trend are essentially unknown. Current Population Trend: Unknown. 

Habitat and Ecology

The ecology and traits of this species are unknown. Adults and most larvae of other species of Dolichopodidae are predators, feeding on other arthropods, with the adults of some species being notable predators of Culicidae (McAlpine et al. 1987). The larvae occupy a wide range of habitats, living generally in moist environments such as soil, moist sand, or rotting organic matter. The larvae pupate in cocoons made of cemented soil particles. Dolichopodidae, in general, inhabit lightly shaded areas near swamps and streams, or in meadows and woodlands (McAlpine et al. 1987). Systems: Terrestrial.

Major Threat(s):

A lack of information regarding the present status of this species precludes an assessment of potential threats. Nevertheless, the ecology of other members of the Dolichopodidae family suggests that this species might be affected by future habitat declines as a consequence of climate change (Ferreira et al. 2016) and increased droughts. Past human disturbance and land use changes might have also affected this species. 

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law. The present situation of this species needs to be further assessed, and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history. From what is known of habitat its preferences, conservation of native wet and boggy areas, natural streams and other water bodies could potentially aid this species' conservation. Historically at least, this species was present in areas that are currently disturbed, but included in the Natural Parks of Terceira and S. Miguel.