SNH Invertebrate Site Condition Monitoring of Invertebrate Assemblages at ten SSSIs, 2011-12

Quality Control

We have a very high level of confidence in this dataset. The recorder and/or determiner is a highly experienced ecologist. Where necessary, rare specimens were compared against reference collections, those held in the National Museums Scotland collection and identities confirmed with experts.

Method steps

1. Surveys targeted the invertebrate assemblage feature of ten SSSIs (Barry Links, Beinn Eighe, Caenlochan, Cleghorn Glen, Endrick Mouth & Islands, Fannich Hills, Inverpolly, Ochtertyre Moss, Rum and Torridon Forest); however, other invertebrate taxa were also sampled. Where Coleoptera species were part of the notified invertebrate assemblage of a site, these were sampled using pitfall taps and/or active searches. (Barry Links, Cleghorn Glen, Endrick Mouth & Islands and Fannich Hills). These survey methods were also used at sites where Aranae species were part of the notified invertebrate assemblage (Barry Links, Caenlochan, Ochtertyre Moss and Torridon Forest) these were sampled using pitfall taps, and/or active searches. In addition, bugvac sampling (for Heliophanus dampfi) was undertaken at one site (Ochtertyre Moss). Pitfall traps were usually installed along a transect, along which traps were separated by at least 2 m. Each trap consisted of a plastic cup dug into the ground such that the lip was flush with the substrate surface. Chicken wire was attached to cover the traps in order to exclude small vertebrates. A mixture of 70% propylene glycol antifreeze and 30% water was added to a depth of 2.5 cm in each trap, and a drop of washing-up liquid was used to break surface tension antifreeze. Catches were transferred to a container and preserved in a mixture of 70% isopropanol alcohol and 30% water for subsequent identification. Pitfall traps were used for Aranae and Coleoptera species at Barry Links; Aranae species at Caenlochan, Ochtertyre Moss and Torridon Forest; and Coleptera species at Endrick Mouth & Islands. Active searches involved a variety of methods as appropriate for the site, including collecting specimens from the ground surface and underneath overturned stones, through grubbing in vegetation, through tree searching and via sweep netting vegetation. Specimens were caught using a pooter or large forceps dipped in a 70% isopropanol alcohol mixture, and were then preserved in 70% isopropanol for subsequent identification. Active searches were used for Aranae and Coleoptera species at Barry Links; Aranae species at Caenlochan, Ochtertyre Moss and Torridon Forest; and Coleptera species at Cleghorn Glen, Fannich Hills and Endrick Mouth & Islands. Bugvac sampling for Heliophanus dampfi at Ochtertyre Moss involved the use of a modified leaf blower (or bugvac) held flush with the surface vegetation for a second before moving on to a new location within reach of where the surveyor is standing. This is repeated for a duration of 10 seconds. Invertebrates are suc

Barry Links SSSI, Beinn Eighe SSSI, Caenlochan SSSI, Cleghorn Glen SSSI, Endrick Mouth & Islands SSSI, Fannich Hills SSSI, Inverpolly SSSI, Ochtertyre Moss SSSI, Rum and Torridon Forest SSSI