Rare 'skin-eating' beetle found in Wales for the first time
Scientists say the tiny beetle is "not for the squeamish" - but an island off the coast of Cardiff could be the last stronghold of the species in the UK.
Tuesday 10 October 2023 13:33, UK
A rare "skin-eating" beetle has been found on an island near the Cardiff coast.
The dermestes undulatus beetle was discovered on Flat Holm island a few miles off the coast of South Wales - which scientists believe could be the last stronghold of the species in the UK.
It's the first time the species has been sighted in Wales and it hasn't been seen in England since 2020.
The rare species was spotted by a team of ecologists visiting the island from the South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre.
Flat Holm's community engagement officer, Sarah Morgan, said how the beetle made it onto the island remained a "mystery".
"They appear to be completely absent from the mainland now, but it's possible they were brought by gulls carrying scavenged remains," she said.
Ms Morgan explained how the species got its name.
"It's not for the squeamish, but these tiny beetles feed on the skin, fur and bones of dead animals - dermestes literally means skin eater," she said.
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Cardiff Council cabinet member for culture, parks and events Jennifer Burke said it was already known Flat Holm island was a "haven for nature".
"It was the first island in Wales to achieve bee-friendly status. It's home to a colony of protected lesser black-backed gulls, as well as slow worms, wild leeks and much more," she said.
"With recent research showing that one in six species is at risk of extinction, this new find makes it even more important that we continue our work to protect and conserve the island's unique habitat."