Arenophilus peregrinus Jones, 1989

Arenophilus peregrinus was described new to science by BMIG's Dick Jones in 1989 following his discovery of several specimens there in the mid 1980s. Although subsequently found at two sites on the Cornish mainland, in 1998 and again in 2007, it was never refound on the Isles of Scilly. 

Interestingly it was also found in northern Portugal during BMIG's expedition there in 2004, and most recently in north west France in 2022. These finds indicate a more widespread western European distribution. 

However, it was not until spring 2026 (a wait of 40 years!) before A. peregrinus was finally refound on the Isles of Scilly by Finley Hutchinson. This is the 8th ever specimen of this species found (globally!) and the first ever photographed live! 

Read the full species account here.  

Image © Finley Hutchinson