Water beetle species rediscovered after 86 years

With the species having been in decline, Mr Stanier said its return “is a very positive move” for the nature reserve.

Despite never seeing one in the Great Fen before he knew exactly what the beetle was from the film of silver air cloaking its underside.

Like other freshwater invertebrates, it faced environmental threats, which make its appearance all the more exciting.

Mr Stanier said they had heard many sad stories about the loss of wildlife in the area and it was nice to hear this species had reached one of many wetland restoration sites in the region.

“They have conservation importance because invertebrates are part of the mosaic of life within reserves,” he said.

“They make them function effectively, so having a new species, or rather species, return to the Great Fen is a very positive move.”

He added: “It’s possible that with climate change and warmer temperatures in certain cases they started to fly more readily and move inland.

“We are hopeful it is just one of a number of stepping stones for them to start colonising other areas as well.”