Wales is home to some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and holds nationally-important populations of many species. There are over 200 species of terrestrial, freshwater and marine invertebrates listed on Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 – these species have been identified as being the most threatened and require conservation action.

Wales is considered to be a stronghold for many species – this means that it covers the majority or a considerable proportion of the UK’s distribution for the species. Some examples of these are Yellow Mayfly (Potamanthus luteus), Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius), Blue Ground Beetle (Carabeus intricatus), Bog Sun Jumper (Heliophanus dampfi), Pink Sea Fan (Eunicella verrucosa) and Shrill Carder Bee (Bombus sylvarum). And there is still more to discover! In 2015, one of Britain’s largest beetles – the gorgeous Blue Ground Beetle (Carabus intricatus) was discovered for the first time in Wales – in a woodland near Neath!

The Large Mason Bee (Osmia xanthomelana) is a very rare bee, it has gone extinct in England and the only remaining UK populations are in two locations on the Llyn Peninsula! After a 22-year absence the critically endangered Rare Medium Stonefly (Isogenus nubecula) was recorded in the River Dee in North Wales – the only known population in Western Europe.

Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius) © Steven Falk

Hornet Robberfly (Asilus crabroniformis) © Claudia Watts

Scarce Yellow Sally (sogenus nubecula) © Mike Hammett

Help us to stop the extinction of invertebrate species

Engage with our work

Stay up to date with our work and help spread the word by following us on our socials and signing up to our monthly BugBytes email newsletter.

Donate to support us

Every contribution helps us to save the small things that run the planet by restoring vital habitats and rebuilding strong invertebrate populations in the UK.

Make a donation

Become a member

Join a community of invertebrate champions and access exclusive member benefits from just £3 a month, all whilst supporting our vital conservation work.

Join us