New effort to conserve bug life

A garden spider, one of the many invertebrates found in Scotland

A strategy on how to better conserve Scotland's bugs and insects is to be drawn up for the first time.

Conservation trust Buglife and entomologists will meet near Perth to discuss the issues affecting everything from bees to snails.

Craig Macadam of Buglife said a strategy specific to invertebrates would be a first - not just in Scottish terms but possibly the UK.

The conference will be held in Battleby on 25 October.

Mr Macadam said a number of invertebrates were found only, or in significantly large numbers, in Scotland.

They include a stonefly called the North February Red and two thirds of the world's fresh water pearl mussels.

There is also the great yellow bumblebee, which clings to survival in areas of the Highlands and Islands.

Mr Macadam said: "When people think about wildlife they think about cuddly and feathered things such as birds and foxes. But they are only the tip of the iceberg.

"Many people don't realise the services invertebrates play in the environment. They are a food source, waste disposal and recycle garden waste."