'Woolly bear' in rare canal finds

The stripes on the woolly bear are said to be an indicator of winter conditions

The caterpillar of a moth is among rare species recorded on Scotland's 137 mile long canal network during a British Waterways' wildlife survey.

The garden tiger moth caterpillar was spotted by lock keeper Sandy Paton on the Forth and Clyde Canal near Grangemouth.

Also listed was a beaver on the Crinan Canal.

The woolly bear and comma butterfly were among the rarest invertebrates spotted.

According to folklore, how many brown or orange stripes the caterpillar has predicts how severe winter will be.

The one seen by Mr Paton suggests a mild winter this year.

The beaver may have been a male that left a reintroduction project on a loch in Knapdale, Argyll.

Squirrel swimming

More than 14,000 wildlife sightings were recorded in Scotland - a third of all records posted from across Britain.

As well as a beaver, mammals spotted on the Forth and Clyde included a squirrel swimming across the canal in Glasgow.

Sightings on the Caledonian Canal included swans, mallards, robins and a kingfisher.

British Waterways Scotland said kingfishers were regarded as an indicator of good water quality and a healthy eco-system.

Twice as many water voles were recorded.

Sticklebacks, pike, perch, roach, carp and trout and freshwater shrimps are also on the list.

Dr Olivia Lassiere, heritage and environment manager for British Waterways Scotland, thanked staff and the public for helping to monitor the canals.

She said: "With over 14,000 sightings, this year, our snapshot of life on the Scottish canals was richer and broader than ever and proof that these waterways are excellent green corridors supporting a vast array of wildlife."