Not seen in Scotland for 30 years … rare insect makes a comeback
Once plentiful in England, the cow wheat shieldbug has started to head north as habitats improve, reports
CONSERVATIONISTS are celebrating the rediscovery of a rare bug not seen in Scotland for more than 30 years.
The cow wheat shieldbug was spotted in woodland in Strathspey by a field worker from the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms partnership project.
The discovery was only the eighth ever record of the insect in Scotland, with all previous sightings made between 1866 and 1989.
Four of the historic records have come from Strathspey, one from Perthshire (1879), one from Garelochhead in Argyll and Bute
(1890) and one from Loch Rannoch (1989).
The 5mm long bug, Latin name Adomerus biguttatus, is described as “an attractive little insect”, with a black body featuring two distinctive white spots.
Considered to be Nationally Scarce across the UK, the bug has suffered a worrying decline in the south-east of England over recent years, linked to neglect of traditional woodland management practices that create suitable cleared areas.
As the name suggests, this bug relies on cow wheat as a food plant.
Although cow wheat is common in many parts of Scotland, the warmthloving bug needs it to grow in a sheltered, warm microclimate, usually on sunny rides and glades in woodlands.
These warm microclimates rely on traditionally managed woodlands with diverse structures, creating sheltered open areas.
Genevieve Tompkins, who discovered the insect, said: “One of the great things about this project is that, while looking for the focus species, our volunteers come across other rare insects too.
“Insects are hugely under-recorded, but give us vital clues as to the health of our habitats.
“It is sad that this bug has suffered from a decline in traditional woodland management.
“However, there is hope, with diverse woodlands once more becoming a key feature of the Cairngorms National Park.
“It would be brilliant if more people could look out for the bug, submitting their records through the irecord website.”
The Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms is a partnership project between RSPB Scotland, Buglife Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Butterfly Conservation Scotland, British Dragonfly Society and Naturescot.
Part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community LEADER 2014-2020 programme between 2017-2019, the project is currently funded by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, RSPB Scotland, Cairngorms Connect (via the Endangered Landscapes Programme) and the Cairngorms Trust Green Recovery Fund.