Soldier Fly comes over the border

Experts said the Soldier Fly had previously only been recorded as far north as Cumbria

A rare species of fly previously only found south of the border has been recorded for the first time in Scotland this summer.

The Soldier Fly - Chorisops tibialis - was spotted by naturalists at the National Trust for Scotland's Rockcliffe reserve near Dalbeattie.

Conservation adviser Lindsay Mackinlay said it had previously only been found as far north as Cumbria.

The NTS said it could indicate other rare species may live on the reserve.

The Soldier Fly was discovered during an audit of insect life in the area.

"This fly has been recorded a few times as far north as Cumbria before, but never in Scotland as far as we know," Mr Mackinlay said.

"It's a lovely insect not to mention an exciting find and we'll continue to keep an eye out for it in the future."

'Remarkable site'

The small, slender fly with a metallic green head and thorax is most commonly found in wetland areas.

The team of professional entomologists which found the fly believes it may find other species new to Scotland when it returns to Rockcliffe to complete the audit next summer.

Team member Dr Graham Rotheray said: "Rockcliffe is a remarkable site for insects due to its warmer southern climate and wide variety of habitats."

"Finding this specimen so early in our study is a strong indication that we will find other rare and significant species there in due course."

The study, part funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, is designed to help NTS to manage Rockcliffe for insects as well as other wildlife species.