A BUTTERFLY once missing from large swathes of Scotland could now be one of the most widespread, according to conservationists.
The Orange-tip butterfly was once found throughout England and Wales, but only in patches across Scotland.
While the distinctive white butterfly with bright orange-tipped wings has declined down south, its numbers and distribution north of the Border have increased.
The charity Butterfly Conservation (BC) Scotland is now asking nature lovers to report sightings of the springtime insects in May and June.
Project officer Anthony McCluskey, said: “Many UK butterfly species have declined in the past 40 years, but the Orange-tip has bucked the trend and increased in numbers. Much of this increase has been due to its spread in Scotland, however, as it has recently moved in to more areas of the Highlands and other rural locations. The increases in Scotland have offset the decreases in England and Wales.”
It is thought the Orange-tip could now be present across almost all of Scotland, from the Borders to Orkney.
BC Scotland believes its survey could reveal new areas the species has colonised, and help the charity uncover the reason for its expansion. One explanation is that climate change is helping the species spread.
Mr McCluskey added: “Twenty years ago when the first survey of this species was carried out, the Orange-tip was a rarity in most of Scotland. It is now being found in almost all of the country, but there are still a few gaps, in the Highlands and the Borders. It is possible this is because nobody has looked in these areas, and this survey could fill in those gaps.”
The survey is part of the Urban Butterfly Project, a three-year initiative funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Butterfly Conservation Scotland want anyone who sees an orange-tip to let them know by visiting www.butterfly-conservation.org/scottishorangetip.
The male butterfly has white wings with bright orange tips, which give the species its name. Females don’t have the orange tips, but the underside of the wings in both sexes has a mottled green appearance.
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