Unusual fly found in Scotland for the first time

Soldier fly lands in Scotland

November 2009. A rare species of fly that has only been found south of the border until now was recorded for the first time in Scotland this summer. Naturalists carrying out a survey of insect life at National Trust for Scotland's Rockcliffe nature reserve near Dalbeattie on the Solway Firth have come across an unusual species of Soldier Fly - Chorisops tibialis - which is found occasionally in more Southerly areas of the UK.

Chorisops tibialisis is a small, slender fly with a metallic green head and thorax. It is most commonly found in wetland areas.

"This fly has been recorded a few times as far North as Cumbria before, but never in Scotland as far as we know," said the Trust nature conservation adviser Mr Lindsay Mackinlay. "It's a lovely insect not to mention an exciting find and we'll continue to keep an eye out for it in the future."

The team of professional entomologists which found the fly believes it may find other species new to Scotland when it returns to Rockcliffe to complete the audit next summer.

"Rockcliffe is a remarkable site for insects due to its warmer southern climate and wide variety of habitats," said team member Dr Graham Rotheray. "Finding this specimen so early in our study is a strong indication that we will find other rare and significant species there in due course."

The study, which has been part funded by Scottish Natural Heritage will help the National Trust for Scotland to manage Rockcliffe for insects as well as other wildlife species.

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