Rare ladybird found at homes site

The five-spot ladybird is among colourful and unusual invertebrates BSCG have found In pictures

A rare five-spot ladybird has been found at the location of a proposed housing development in the Highlands, conservationists have said.

Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group (BSCG) has been recording wildlife at the site in Carrbridge.

Red squirrels, wood ants and crested tits have also been found.

The application by construction firm Tulloch for 117 homes has still to be considered by Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).

BSCG said the ladybird was found in July outside of its normal habitat and argue that any site with such a rare species should be protected.

The find is to be reported in a forthcoming wildlife publication.

The group has also been recording invertebrates at locations of other proposed housing developments, including those at Grantown-on-Spey and Boat of Garten.

The two communities along with Carrbridge are within the national park boundaries. A greater provision of affordable housing in the area is a key issue for the park authority.

In a statement, it said: "The CNPA takes a number of considerations into account when determining planning applications, including the potential impacts on natural heritage.

"Where it is deemed necessary applicants are also required to carry out an environmental survey.

"At present the Boat of Garten, Carrbridge and Grantown-on-Spey applications have been called in and are under consideration. No dates have been set for determination in any of the cases."