Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms

Female Northern February Red (Brachyptera putata) © David Pryce

The Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms partnership project worked to improve the conservation fortunes of some of the Cairngorms National Park’s rarest invertebrate species. The focus species of the project included Kentish Glory (Endromis versicolor), Dark-bordered Beauty (Epione vespertaria), Northern February Red Stonefly (Brachyptera putata), Northern Damselfly (Coenagrion hastulatum), Northern Silver-stiletto Fly (Spiriverpa lunulata), Pine Hoverfly (Blera fallax), Small Scabious Mining Bee (Andrena marginata) and Shining Guest Ant (Formicoxenus nitidulus).

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Quick Facts:

The Cairngorms National Park is a unique and special place supporting a wide range of invertebrates. ‘Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms’ aimed to improve the conservation fortunes of several very rare insect species in the Cairngorms National Park. The focus species are: Kentish Glory (Endromis versicolor), Dark-bordered Beauty (Epione vespertaria), Northern February Red Stonefly (Brachyptera putata), Northern Damselfly (Coenagrion hastulatum), Northern Silver-Stiletto Fly (Spiriverpa lunulata), Pine Hoverfly (Blera fallax)Small Scabious Mining Bee (Andrena marginata) and Shining Guest Ant (Formicoxenus nitidulus).

This project increased our understanding of the distribution and habitat needs of each focus species through surveys and observations with the help of local volunteers. We worked  with landowners to promote land management which enables these species to thrive and spread.

The six focus species were selected due to their rarity and as histroically, they were under-recorded and poorly understood. The Cairngorms National Park is one of, if not the main, stronghold in the UK for the species, with each being included in the park’s biodiversity action plan. Additionally, each of these species serves as a flagship for the habitat in which they reside. For example, the Small Scabious Mining Bee resides in wildflower-rich grasslands and bare ground habitat; Pine Hoverfly in ancient Caledonian pinewoods; and Northern Silver Stiletto fly in river shingle.

The project continues to have a team of dedicated volunteers who help to carry out training and monitor the focus species of this project. If you would like to get involved, please contact RSPB.

You can see project updates on the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms Facebook Group.

Northern February Red Stonefly – Survey Training Webinar

Genevive Tompkins surveying Pine Hoverfly in wild © Josie Slade Genevive Tompkins surveying Pine Hoverfly (Blera fallax) in wild © Josie Slade

The Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms partnership project was part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community LEADER 2014-2020 programme between 2017-2019. During 2020-2021, the project is being funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, RSPB Scotland, Cairngorms Connect (via the Endangered Landscapes Programme) and the Cairngorms Trust Green Recovery Fund and is led by five partners: Buglife, RSPB Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Butterfly Conservation Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

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