In pictures: Painted lady butterflies spotted across the UK

Image source, Olive D McInnes

Image caption, Sr Gabriel thinks this butterfly has stronger colours than previous sightings at this garden in Dysart, Fife.

Huge numbers of painted lady butterflies have been seen in the UK and Ireland.

Experts say we are witnessing a once-a-decade growth in numbers of the species that migrate here each year from sub-Saharan Africa.

About 11 million of the butterflies were seen in the UK during the last "painted lady year" in 2009.

Sightings of painted ladies have prompted the posting of countless pictures and videos. Here are a selection of the images you have sent us.

Image source, Anne Anderson

Image caption, Anne Anderson says painted ladies have been regular visitors to her garden in Scousburgh, Shetland.

Image source, Cheryl Franklin

Image caption, Cheryl Franklin saw this one at Hengistbury Head near Bournemouth.

Image source, Anne Anderson

Image source, Gina Lethaby

Image caption, Gina Lethaby sent in this picture of a painted lady she spotted in Doughton, Gloucestershire.

Image source, Gordon Robertson

Image caption, The species also known as 'Vanessa cardui' or the thistle butterfly. Photo by Gordon Robertson from Loch Laggan in the Highlands.

Image source, Mhairi Paterson

Image caption, Mhairi Paterson from Kinghorn, Fife, says this butterfly sat on her hand for 30 seconds.

Image source, Eileen and Tony Kerr

Image caption, Eileen and Tony Kerr were on holiday in the Campbeltown area and said they had "not seen as many butterflies in a long time".

Image source, Stanley Martin

Image caption, Stanley Martin saw these painted ladies in his garden in Portadown, Co. Armagh.

Image source, Anne Anderson

Image source, Robert Brady

Image caption, Robert Brady sent in this photo of a painted lady butterfly.

Image source, Roger Berrett

Image caption, Roger Berrett said he saw lots of butterflies in a garden in Kelso.

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