Rare beetle seen in Highlands for the first time

A rare species of beetle has been recorded in the Highlands for the first time, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has said.

The Curculio betulae weevil was spotted on an alder tree at the trust’s Talich Wildlife Reserve, near Tain, by moth recorder and naturalist Nigel Richards.

He said the beetle had only been recorded a “handful of times” in central Scotland. They are most commonly spotted in England and Wales.