TEN butterfly species have significantly increased in Scotland over the last 40 years.

The Scottish Biodiversity Indicator, published by NatureScot, reveals a 35% increase in butterfly populations across 20 species from 1979 to 2023.

According to the research, climate change could be causing these species to migrate northwards.

The study highlights that generalist species, which thrive in a variety of habitats, have increased by half.

This includes red admiral, orange tip, and speckled wood butterflies, which have seen the greatest increases.

Red Admiral butterflies have seen a huge increase since 1979 (Image: Andrew Cooper) Simon Foster, NatureScot's trends and indicators analyst, said: "In recent decades, we’ve seen the damaging effects of climate change on butterflies, with species that fly in the spring emerging progressively earlier.

"But an earlier start to the butterfly season doesn’t necessarily benefit the insects if the plants and flowers they feed on die earlier than they used to."

"One way people can help is by joining the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) and getting involved with surveys. 

"It’s easy, fun and can help us improve our knowledge of what is happening where, giving us the best chance of targeting conservation measures most effectively."

Red admiral populations are nearly 10 times larger than in 1979, while orange tip and speckled wood species have tripled.

The Speckled Wood species has tripled in population (Image: Keith Warmington) However, the research also highlights the dramatic declines of grayling and small tortoiseshell species.

Grayling have decreased by 90%, and small tortoiseshell by over 60%, with climate change, habitat loss, and parasites identified as key factors.

Tom Prescott, head of conservation for Scotland at Butterfly Conservation, said: "We are delighted that generalist butterflies like the red admiral are doing so well in Scotland, but it's deeply worrying that specialists like the grayling are not doing any better than 40 years ago –and some are doing much worse."

The report also acknowledges the important role of butterflies and moths in pollination, natural pest control, and as a food source for birds, bats, and other animals.

Grayling butterflies have decreased by 90 per cent (Image: Iain H Leach) In line with the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland, efforts are ongoing across the country to improve habitats for pollinating insects.

This includes creating nature networks to help wildlife move through a series of connected nature-rich areas and encouraging nature-friendly practices among Scottish farmers.