This beetle was discovered by Russell Robertson in his garden in Lochinver on 24th March 2012.
It was susequently identified by Ian Evans, thanks Ian, as Oiceoptoma thoracicum, a carrion beetle which not only eats carrion but is also fond of stinkhorn fungi. It’s a bit early for the fungi!
This beetle, which is fairly widespread in Assynt, is unmistakable from its colour pattern and the strong ribbing on its wing-cases.
Eleven birds feeding on margins of frozen Loch an Aigeil (AS) (22/01)
Flock of 29 feeding on Stoer Green (AS) (21/01)
c20 birds on garden trees, Drumbeg (Nancy Millar) (17/01)
Two separate reports of birds using peanut and fat ball feeders in gardens at almost opposite ends of Assynt. Single bird on peanut feeder, Elphin (Rosie Christmas) Single bird on fat ball feeder, Culkein Drumbeg (Carol Langford) (17/01)
26 birds at Split Rock, Clachtoll (AS) (16/01)
Small flock of 20 at Clachtoll (AS) (16/01)
Single bird foraging under garden feeders, Torbreck (Jack Wright) (14/01)
Three birds on River Inver opposite Little Assynt Tree Nursery (DAH). At least one of these birds was singing. (12/01)
