The study for SNH suggested there was a 'lack of consideration' for invertebrates
Planners and developers need to give greater consideration to Scotland's insects, a new report has suggested.
Scientists examined 19 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), including designated areas on Ben Lomond, Flanders Moss and Cairngorms.
Rare species they recorded included sawflies and swamp lookout spiders.
But "a lack of appropriate consideration" of such creatures during development near the sites was a "common problem", the researchers said.
The study was commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage.
SSSIs on Earlshall Muir in Fife and River Spey were also examined.
'Potential impacts'
Scientists looked at the condition of SSSIs across Scotland and the rare insects and molluscs they are known for, such as pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, wood ants and spiders like the Caledonian balloon-head and Soereson's grasper.
Flanders Moss near Stirling, which holds one of the largest areas of near-natural raised bog in Britain, is one of the few places a spider called a bog sun-jumper can be found, they said.
However, their report suggests the needs of these scarce mini beasts were being overlooked.
They said: "A common problem encountered throughout this project has been the lack of appropriate consideration of invertebrates during development or management activities.
"Developments should undertake pre-application surveys for invertebrates, and provide an assessment of potential impacts.
"Appropriate mitigation or compensation should be detailed and set out in conditions of consent, if the application is successful.
"If translocations are required, these should follow a structured approach based on species ecology, and be monitored for several years after consent."
