A new species of insect not previously recorded in Ireland has been found in a Co Galway bog along with another species not recorded here for over 100 years.
The bug, Psallus confusus, not previously recorded here, was discovered by Irish Peatland Conservation Council field workers at Clochar na gCon bog near Spiddal.
Also recorded was a pool insect, Salda morio, which was last recorded here in 1898, in the survey work being carried out to prepare a sustainable development plan for the bog.
According to the IPCC statement the bog is a proposed Natural Heritage Area and a Special Area of Conservation because of its unique, undisturbed character and its world heritage importance.
The bog is jointly owned by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Udaras na Gaeltachta and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and private individuals.
It said the 13-week survey, co-ordinated by the IPCC, was carried out by two Dutch specialists who also counted 192 plant, animal and bird species. Eleven pairs of breeding bird species were logged and a pair of Merlin, considered the rarest bird of prey in Ireland, were found to be breeding on a lake island in the bog.
