Europe – Insects and Arachnids, Short Stories

Photographs and words Nick Sidle

Photograph – Larghe Emerald Moth, Geometra papilionaria, Glen Convinth, Highland Scotland

Bumblebee, Great Yellow

Illustration – Great Yellow Bumblebee, Bombus distinguendus

One of the rarest bumblebees in Britain, only found in the far North of Scotland, they used to be far more numerous and far more widely distributed. Seen on flower rich grasslands and in wildflower meadows they are active from mid May onwards through to September. The nests are smaller colonies than many bees and wasps having 50 to 80 worker bees, and are often found in abandoned vole, rat and mouse excavations or unused rabbit burrows. Basically, identified on their appearance of a yellow thorax with a black band and an essentially yellow abdomen, a further clue can be that they are said to have a deeper toned buzz than other bee species. They have a long tongue and feed on a wide variety of flowers although, they do appear to have favourites. The Great Yellow Bumblebee is frequently found on exposed sites so is comparatively unaffected by wind and weather but is usually found only on low ground, so may be relatively sensitive to cold temperatures.

Dragonfly, Southern Hawker

Photograph – Southern Hawker Dragonfly, Aeshna cyan, Glen Convinth, Inverness-shire, Highland Scotland

A large dragonfly found around water and woodland glades just, not really till recently, in Scotland. In the last few years, they have moved much further North including the Highlands and that is because the climate is changing, they like it now it’s warmer. They are known for being inquisitive and will often come close to check you out. If you follow the Japanese view, this is good since dragonflies are seen as bringers of good fortune but in Europe, they are often thought of as aligned with darker forces or in Sweden as an omen of tragedy and seekers of bad souls, so if one hovers near you it is to weigh your soul in judgement. In Scotland, one Gaelic name is Tarbh-nathair-neimh, which translates as ‘venomous bull-serpent’ which is a bit harsh, they don’t sting, they have no venom and don’t look like a snake. We don’t have to worry about them and can see them as a new friend but why they are here now is a different question.

Moth, Alder

Photograph – Alder Moth, Acronicta alni, Glen Convinth, Inverness-shire, Highland Scotland

Not a Highland Scottish species but spreading slowly North with rising average temperatures. Seen on 17th June in Glen Convinth, confirmed as one of the very few sightings this far North.

Moth, Dark Bordered Beauty

Photograph – Dark Bordered Beauty Moth, Epione vespertaria, Cairngorms National Park, Highland Scotland

The Dark Bordered Beauty Moth, one of the rarest in Britain and at risk of extinction in Scotland and England. Insects have evolved over 480 million years, we never know what the loss of even one species will mean. Now found in a new site in Scotland thanks to a captive breeding programme.

Moth, Saxon

Photograph – Saxon Moth, Hyppa rectilinear, Glen Convinth, Inverness-shire, Highland Scotland

Now you don’t see me, now you don’t…..see me. Saxon Moth, Hyppa rectilinea. Scarce in the UK, more widespread in the Highlands. Master of camouflage.