This summer many of us are keeping an eye out for butterflies to count their numbers. The Country Life Picture Library has a growing selection of images of the natural world – here we showcase a selection of some of their images of butterflies you could spot if you keep your eyes peeled – although they’re not all British native species.

Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) butterfly on lilac bloom, Verfeil in the Midi Pyrenees.

A painted lady butterfly on Buddleja Wind Tor at Longstock Park Nursery Garden

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) on flower

Silver studded blue (Plebeius argus) butterflies mating at Higher Hyde Heath Reserve. 

Poplar Admiral (Limenitis populi) on foliage in Bulgaria

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) butterfly on flower.