The comma butterfly returned to Scotland in 1999

The comma (polygonia c-album) butterfly was found by insect expert Stuart Gordon in his garden near Inchture.

It is believed to be one of the most northerly sightings of the creature, which has previously only ventured as far as the central belt.

The entomologist believes the presence of the butterfly in Tayside could be a sign of climate change.

Another comma butterfly was spotted in Scone Palace earlier this year.

Warmer summers

Mr Gordon said other species, such as peacocks and orange tips had become more abundant in recent years, while numbers of small tortoiseshell butterflies had fallen.

He said: "I have been looking at changes in the number of butterflies in my garden for a number of years as part of my general interest in how climate change is affecting insects.

"Over the last four to five years there has been a significant change in the species found, culminating with the sighting of the adult comma butterfly.

Climate change will mean the slow move northwards to Scotland of some insects and plant diseases that we have not seen before Professor Peter Gregory Scottish Crop Research Institute

"There seems to be a correlation between the generally warmer summers and springs and the diversity of butterflies found.

"Climate change seems to be affecting both the numbers and diversity of butterflies."

The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), where Mr Gordon is employed, said it expected even more new insect and plant species to spread to Scotland.

It said weather data collected over the past 40 years showed average temperatures had risen 1C and continued to climb.

SCRI director Professor Peter Gregory said: "We have been advising for some time that climate change will mean the slow move northwards to Scotland of some insects and plant diseases that we have not seen before.

"Some of these, like the comma butterfly, will be welcome guests; however others will be pests that we have not had to cope with in the past."

The comma butterfly is now widespread in southern Britain after suffering a severe decline during the 20th Century.

It first returned to Scotland in1999 after an absence of more than 100 years.