The Cairngorms Up-Close: Gallery
[CAIRNGORMS UP-CLOSE] [DEEPGREEN.EARTH]
Group: INSECTS OF EXPOSED RIVER SEDIMENT
Bracteon litorale
Where and when encountered: Sluggan (Carrbridge) on 15 June 2025
About: Ground beetles of the species Bracteon litorale are at home on the sand of river banks and shingle bars. They are predominantly a beetle of the uplands.
Date range for live (non-diapausing) adult records: 10 May to 15 June (37 days)
Years with at least one adult record: 2025 (1)
Five-spot ladybird [larva] (Coccinella quinquepunctata)
Where and when encountered: Sluggan (Carrbridge) on 15 June 2025
About: While encountered in various habitats in continental Europe, five-spot ladybirds in Great Britain have a strong association with low-growing herbs on unstable river shingle. Eastern Scotland and mid- and southern Wales are the comparative strongholds for the species.
Date range for live (non-diapausing) adult records: 15 to 29 June (15 days)
Years with at least one adult record: 2025 (1)
Fleutiauxellus maritimus
Where and when encountered: Sluggan (Carrbridge) on 15 June 2025
About: Click beetles of the species Fleutiauxellus maritimus are associated with exposed riverine sediments, especially in the uplands. They are uncommon, or at least under-recorded, in Great Britain.
Date range for live (non-diapausing) adult records: 15 to 29 June (15 days)
Years with at least one adult record: 2025 (1)
Macrosaldula scotica
Where and when encountered: Sluggan (Carrbridge) on 27 June 2024
About: The shorebug Macrosaldula scotica may be encountered running over riverside pebbles, stones, and boulders in the uplands of Great Britain.
Date range for live (non-diapausing) adult records: 27 to 29 June (3 days)
Years with at least one adult record: 2024, 2025 (2)
Morychus aeneus
Where and when encountered: Glenfeshie on 29 June 2025
About: Pill beetles of the species Morychus aeneus typically live in the vicinity of streams and rivers. They may be encountered from northern England up to the far reaches of mainland Scotland.
Date range for live (non-diapausing) adult records: 10 May to 29 June (51 days)
Years with at least one adult record: 2025 (1)
Northern silver-stiletto (Spiriverpa lunulata)
Where and when encountered: Sluggan (Carrbridge) on 27 June 2024
About: The northern silver-stiletto is a fly associated with exposed sediment along sandy or stony watercourses. The majority of this species' Great British population is found in the Scottish Highlands, with Strathspey being a particularly important area, but the fly has also been found elsewhere in western and northern areas.
Years with at least one adult record: 2024 (1)
Selected galleries
[ALL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS] [ARCTIC ALPINE PLANTS] [BUTTERFLIES] [COLOURFUL MOTHS] [DRAGONFLIES] [FORBS] [GALLS] [GRASSLAND ORCHIDS] [HOVERFLIES] [INSECTS OF EXPOSED RIVER SEDIMENT] [LONGHORN BEETLES] [PINE-ASSOCIATED FUNGI] [PLANT BUGS] [SHIELDBUGS] [UNCOMMON PINEWOOD HERBS] [WOODY PLANTS]