The Highland Biological Recording Group

Species of the month: Before and After
Where we began, and where we are now (blue - old records; green - records added)

Species	Current map	Species	Current map
Robin's Pincushion Diplolepis rosae October 2010 A few records have extended the known range to the east, but there is still a lot of scope for filling in gaps in the map.		Common Spangle Gall Neuroterus quercusbaccarum September 2010 Despite being the commonest of the spangle-galls, several new dots have been added, notably in Strathspey.
Smooth Spangle Gall Neuroterus albipes September 2010 Again it is good to have the presence of this species confirmed in Strathspey.		Silk-button Gall Neuroterus numismalis September 2010 The most attractive of the galls we targeted, there is significant extension to the known range in Strathspey.
Spiked Shieldbug Picromerus bidens August 2010 This rather scarce species is under-recorded all over Scotland. Perhaps it has spread recently. The record from Kildonan, obtained on the HBRG 'square-bashing' trip is a very significant northern extension.		Forest Bug Pentatoma rufipes August 2010 Our records have revealed this fairly common insect to occur widely in our area, though it would be good to know whether it really is absent from Caithness and SW Lochaber.
Heather Fly Bibio pomonae August 2010 Several new records from NW Sutherland have extended its known range significantly.		Bee Beetle Trichius fasciatus June-July 2010 Not many around this year, possibly because of the cool wet weather. Few new dots, but all reports contribute to our knowledge of ecology and phenology.
Nettle Rust Fungus Puccinia urticata June-July 2010 We had to succeed with this one, as there was only one Highland record before. The west is probably still well under-recorded, as it was very common in S Harris in June.		Noon Fly Mesembrina meridiana June-July 2010 This very distinctive and handsome fly may be restricted to the east of the area.
Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil Orchestes fagi June 2010 A lesson in under-recording! A very common beetle, in contrast to the picture we had at the start.		St Mark's Fly Bibio marci May 2010 Another sure-fire winner which had no records at all when we began. We would surely have had more records if the weather had been a bit better.
Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula May 2010. The records that were submitted will be used in the national Dragonfly atlas and provide information on phenology.		New Zealand Flatworm Arthurdendyus triangulata April 2010 A few of our contributors had a nasty surprise when this pest turned up in their gardens.
Bramble Rust Fungus Phragmidium violaceum March 2010 Records submitted have shown this to be a very widespread and common parasite.		Bramble Rust Fungus Phragmidium bulbosum March 2010 This was a very valuable target, as it revealed the presence of rare forms of Bramble - easier to identify from the fungus than from the plant itself!
Holly Leaf Miner Phytomyza ilicis Dec 2009-Feb 2010 Another very common, but previously ignored fly, and like many gall-causers is far more easily recognised by its signs than as the insect itself.		Beech Leaf-gall Midge Hartigiola annulipes November 2009 Beech becomes very scattered in the north, but it does occur. Is this gall-midge really absent from some of these 'white holes'?
Thanks to all who submitted records of these species!