Rare Highland beetle found in major Cairngorms search

A months-long search led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has confirmed new sightings of one of Britain’s rarest insects, the blood-red longhorn beetle, in the Cairngorms National Park.

The species had not been officially recorded for more than 50 years and there have been fewer than nine verified sightings since the early 1900s. The wildlife conservation charity launched the survey in May with a team based at Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig and support from citizen scientists across Strathspey.

Volunteers have now helped locate more than 140 beetles close to fragments of the ancient Caledonian pine forest, offering new hope for the critically endangered pollinator.

Georgina Lindsay, conservation manager at RZSS, said: “These new records show the species is still hanging on in the Cairngorms, which is very welcome news. The beetles spend up to three years as larvae in deadwood before emerging as adults in summer, so finding them is a real challenge.

“It has been fantastic to work with so many local volunteers. Their time and dedication have made this the most successful survey for the species in decades.”

RZSS has now started a conservation breeding programme with the aim of releasing beetles into suitable Highland habitats in the future.

Dr Helen Taylor, deputy head of conservation at RZSS, said: “Small species like longhorn beetles keep our ecosystems healthy. If we want to restore nature and bring back threatened animals, we need thriving habitats full of species like these. Anyone can help support our projects by getting involved.”