There have been few sightings of the orange tip in the far north

Butterfly Conservation Scotland said the peacock, speckled wood and ringlet may be benefiting from warmer winters.

A survey of the orange tip, another species now being found in greater numbers in the Highlands, will be carried out this spring.

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

Tom Prescott, Highlands and Islands project officer, said the latest survey will be conducted Scotland-wide. However, recordings from the region he covers will be important.

He said: "The Highlands was the very edge of the range for the orange tip.

THE ORANGE TIP Males identified by colour on ends of wings Females spotted by green colour on wing underside Butterflies usually seen between April and May

"Up until 2004, the orange tip was found to be coming into the south end of Sutherland, the Great Glen, also Inverness and there were a few in Kyle and Lochaber.

"Further north there were very, very few sightings."

Mr Prescott said the survey may find that the orange tip has moved deeper into the Highlands following a warm, wet winter.

Its caterpillars feed on cuckoo flower and garlic mustard - plants which grow in damp areas - and pupate over winter.

Mr Prescott said: "The warmer winter may mean more pupae are surviving the winter.

"It is difficult to be really sure how the butterflies are benefiting from climate change.

Public appeal

"Other butterfly such as the peacock, speckled wood and ringlet are moving further north."

He added: "It is a more exciting survey for the Highlands because so little is known of butterflies in this region."

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.