Ever seen a rare Scotch argus butterfly? Now's your chance...

Thousands of rare butterflies that can only be seen in two places in England are being spotted in a nature reserve in Cumbria.

The Scotch Argus butterflies have taken to the air at the Smardale Nature Reserve, near Kirkby Stephen.

Visitors have come from as far South as Cornwall to see them.

Credit: Andrew Walter

What is a Scotch Argus?

  • a small, dark brown or blackish butterfly

  • distinctive reddish eyespots on the forewing

  • wingspan of 42mm - 46mm

  • fly from June to early September

  • eggs are laid on grass leaves

  • found in Scotland

  • found in two locations in Northern England

Credit: Andrew Walter

The butterflies can be seen for around two miles of a walk through ancient woodland.

They are likely to be around in good numbers until early September, depending on the weather.

Credit: ITV News