Protected species: invertebrates
Protected invertebrates found in Scotland include the extremely rare freshwater pearl mussel, plus other molluscs, insects and crustaceans.
Protected invertebrates found in Scotland include the extremely rare freshwater pearl mussel, plus other molluscs, insects and crustaceans.
Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) gives full protection to:
Further invertebrate species listed on Schedule 5 receive only partial protection.
Read the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Schedules 5 and 6
You can see our summary of offences in relation to these protected species below. For the definitive list of offences, you should consult the actual legislation.
Discover more about invertebrates found in Scotland.
For fully protected Schedule 5 invertebrates, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly:
It is also an offence to:
Knowingly causing or permitting any of the above acts to be carried out is also an offence.
Partial protection of a species under Schedule 5 generally prohibits the sale of animals.
Licensing allows named individuals to carry out actions that could otherwise constitute an offence. If you’re planning any activities that could affect protected invertebrates or the places they use, you must make sure you stay within the law.
Find out about protected invertebrate species and licensing and learn more about licensing.
Protected species known to occur naturally in Scotland and their protection