Rare beetle is first for Wales

The autumnal oil beetle - a rare species on the Red Data Book list - has been confirmed as new to Wales, following a discovery near Monmouth.

Gwent Wildlife Trust member Ian Rabjohns took this photograph, of a heavily-pregnant beetle, on the edge of his smallholding.

Last year there was a flurry of excitement when what was thought to be an autumnal oil beetle was found at Gwent Wildlife Trust Springdale Farm reserve near Usk.

However, a survey of the site funded by the Countryside Council for Wales in Autumn 2006 failed to confirm that record.

"This is an incredible find, and we're all really pleased to find that this rare species is enjoying one of our favourite nature reserves," said GWT Chief Executive, Julian Branscombe.

"Another surprise we had last year was finding the great silver beetle at our Magor Marsh reserve, near Newport.

"This monster – which is two inches long – is a speciality of the reens there. It is found in so few places that, like the autumnal oil beetle, it is listed as "rare" in the UK Red Data Book. It is Britain’s largest beetle – much chunkier than the stag beetle, and slightly longer, too."

More information from Julian Branscombe, GWT Chief Executive on 01600 740358 or email jbranscombe@gwentwildlife.cix.co.uk

GWT website: www.gwentwildlife.org