In pictures: 'Magnificent seven'

A survey suggests that climate change has allowed seven species of butterfly that are normally found in southern parts of the UK to move northwards, such as the comma butterfly.

The speckled wood was another southern species seen on National Trust properties around the limestone hills of Arnside and Silverdale, which straddle the Lancashire/Cumbria border.

Butterfly Conservation co-ordinator Richard Fox said the creatures, such as the silver-washed fritillary, were hyper-sensitive to temperature changes.

National Trust butterfly specialist Matthew Oates said the influx of seven species, including the white-letter hairstreak, into the area was "unprecendented".

The ringlet gets its name from the small circles on its underwings. As well as Cumbria, the species has ventured even further north and has been recorded in Scotland.

Organisations, including the RSPB and Natural England, have been involved in land management projects to create habitat suitable for butterflies like the small skipper.

While butterflies like this gatekeeper have moved northwards, species that prefer cooler conditions, such as the Scotch Argus, are becoming more scarce on the area's limestone hills.

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