While the Flow Country may look flat, it is complex and diverse ecosystem. The array of different mosses and other plants, and the various bodies of water provide habitats for many different types of invertebrates. The best time to see invertebrates in the Flow Country is between June and August.
The information here is far from exhaustive, but should give an impression of the diversity of invertebrates found within the Flow Country.
Moths and Butterflies
From the instantly recognisable peacock butterfly to tiny tortrix moths, the Flow Country has an abundance of butterflies and moths. Moths and butterflies are likely under-recorded in the Flow Country, but throughout Caithness, over 500 species have been recorded, and these numbers are similar in West Sutherland.
Dragonflies and Damselflies
Did you know?
Ten of the Highland’s 18 dragonfly and damselfly species can be regularly seen in the Flow Country. The bog’s pools are excellent habitat for their larvae. Dragonfly larvae can grow several centimetres long and are voracious predators of other invertebrates, and even small vertebrates like tadpoles!
Dùthaich nam boglaichean
Freshwater Pearl Mussel
One of the Flow Country’s rarest animals is the freshwater pearl mussel. It was once the most abundant bivalve across all of the world’s rivers, but due to a range of human activities it is now an endangered species.
Did you know?
Freshwater pearl mussels have a fascinating life-cycle. Their larvae spend their first year living on the gills of salmonid fish.
Did you know?
The freshwater pearl mussel is one of the world’s longest living invertebrates. The oldest recorded specimen was 134 years old!
Did you know?
Half of all recruiting freshwater pearl mussel populations are found in Scotland, mainly in the Highlands. Places like the Flow Country are vital for the survival of this species.
Related content
You may also be interested in...
July 23, 2024
Plants
In the winter, the grey-brown hues of the Flow Country disguise the incredible range of plant life it is home to. In spring and summer this living landscape explodes in colour, with lots of fascinating plants to discover. By far the most significant plants in the Flow Country are the Sphagnum mosses, which are integral […]
July 18, 2024
Reptiles and Amphibians
The cold far north of Scotland might not be the what comes to mind as ideal amphibian and reptile habitat. However, there are 6 different species of amphibian and reptile which can be found throughout the Flow Country!
July 23, 2024
Ecosystem Services
The Flow Country is excellent habitat for wildlife, but this ecosystem is valuable for people too! Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions ecosystems make for human wellbeing. The Flow Country provides several important services for people.
July 12, 2024
Birds
July 17, 2024
Cultural Heritage
The Flow Country is covered in archaeological sites, from prehistoric burial chambers to medieval forts
July 17, 2024
Mammals
From water voles to red deer, The Flow Country is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic mammal species. While herds of red deer are not easy to miss, many more elusive species can be found in this vast landscape.