Rare snakefly insect spotted in north-east Scotland

A rarely seen insect has been spotted in a garden in the Scottish city of Inverness.

The snakefly gets its name because it can move its head and upper body like a snake. They are predatory, feeding on aphids and other small insects.

They usually live at the top of trees and aren't usually seen at lower levels.

Even though there are more than 200 known species of snakefly in the world, only four have ever been recorded in the UK.

Snakeflies can be found in many countries across the northern hemisphere, mainly living in mountainous areas, as well as as places with temperate climates - meaning it isn't too hot or too cold.

There are thought to be around 200 different species of snakeflies on our planet.

Invertebrates charity Buglife Scotland said just one of the four species - called Atlantoraphidia maculicollis - had been recorded in Scotland.

"It is associated with pine trees where it lives right up in the top of the canopy," a spokesperson said.

As a result, experts say that it can be difficult to spot and calculate numbers of the insects.

Buglife Scotland added: "It's the only species of snakefly that has been found in Scotland and is probably under-recorded due to its tree-topping habit."

Adult snakeflies spend their time hunting high in the foliage, while their larvae can usually be found living on or under loose tree bark.

However, the insects can sometimes be blown down to lower levels by high winds.