Fonah Bog, which forms part of our Balgavies Loch Wildlife Reserve, remains the only site in Scotland where a tiny 2 mm in size water beetle Hydroporus scalesianus has been found. It was first discovered within the fen carr woodland of Fonah Bog in 2004 by Prof. Garth Foster of the Aquatic Coleoptera Conservation Trust.

This miniscule Dytiscidae (diving beetle) is a distinctive ochre colour with antennae that darken towards the tips. It is associated with ancient sites, relict fen and kettleholes with acidic conditions. It’s classified as a Red Data Book 2 Vulnerable species, due to its extremely localised and peculiar distribution.

In 2022, Prof. Foster and Rachel Mackay-Austin (RiverWood Ecology Ltd.), started surveying Fonah Bog, to determine whether Hydroporus scalesianus was still present. In addition to traditional sweep sampling, eDNA samples were taken to see whether their presence could be detected within the water.

On the third survey visit, two specimens were found confirming that this enigmatic little beetle was still present. The site will continue to be monitored to increase our understanding of the beetle’s fragmented distribution and best site management practices.

Thank you to Rachel Whatmore, Director of RiverWood Ecology Ltd and a Teacher Naturalist with our Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre for sharing the latest survey findings.