Metal content in insects associated with ultramafic and non-ultramafic sites in the Scottish Highlands

1. Concentrations of magnesium, manganese, chromium, and cadmium were measured in Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera captured at ultramafic and non-ultramafic sites in the Highlands of Scotland. 2. The Hemiptera showed the greatest concentration differences between the ultramafic and non-ultramafic sites in manganese, magnesium, and chromium, with greatly increased levels in ultramafic sites. 3. The Coleoptera and Hymenoptera had lower levels of manganese, magnesium, and chromiun at the ultramafic site: than at the non-ultramafic sites. The Diptera had increased levels of manganese and magnesium at the ultramafic site, but showed no difference in chromium levels from any site. 4. Cadmium occurred at lower levels in all insect orders at the ultramafic site.