'Climate change' butterfly survey

Orange tips should start emerging from this week

A survey of a species of butterfly that may emerge as an indicator of climate change has started.

Butterfly Conservation Scotland said people would be able to see orange tips from this week.

The group believes the butterfly is being found in greater numbers in the Highlands because of warmer weather.

Tom Prescott, Highlands and Islands project officer, said an orange tip had already been spotted in Nethybridge, Inverness-shire.

Public appeal

The last in-depth study of the butterfly was done in 1997.

Butterfly Conservation Scotland has appealed to the public to help record sightings of the orange tip.

Postcards with a picture of it are available from Highland Council libraries.

Observations can be sent in writing to: Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Balallan House, 24 Allan Park, Stirling, FK8 2QG.