FOR THE first time in more than 200 years a rare beetle has been spotted in Dorset.

The great silver water beetle (Hydrophilus piceus), the heaviest beetle species in the UK, was recently discovered in the county by Wren Franklin, a master’s student at Bournemouth University.

Wren, who was conducting field research on local ponds in the Blackmore Vale for his Biodiversity Conservation course, found two of the beetles while surveying animal and plant life.

Measuring up to five centimetres long, the great silver water beetle is a striking creature that has previously been recorded in the UK only in limited areas, such as the Somerset Levels.

Wren checked his discovery using Dorset’s county recorder for beetles.

However, its last confirmed sighting in Dorset dates back to 1821, when it was documented by JC Dale, one of Britain's pioneering entomologists.

“It was a really exciting discovery,” said Wren, who immediately recognised the significance of his find.

He continued: “Great silver water beetles are rarely seen in this area, so we don’t know whether they’ve been hiding here undetected or have recently recolonised this region.”

Despite its large size, the beetle is known for its gentle nature.

It is a scavenger that feeds mainly on plant material and spends most of its time in water and reed beds, although it can also fly between water bodies.

Wren is eager to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and encourage the public to pay more attention to the wildlife around them.

“People often think of endangered species as being far away, but we have fascinating and threatened species right here in our own backyards,” he said.

He also urges individuals to participate in citizen science by documenting and reporting wildlife sightings in order to help wildlife conservation efforts.

Wren said: “You might be surprised at what you find, and every record can contribute to conservation efforts, so take a photo of what you find and show your friends.”

For those interested in contributing to conservation, Wren recommends reaching out to local organisations like the Dorset Wildlife Trust or the Dorset Environmental Records Centre for guidance.