The chequered skipper butterfly is an endangered species
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Scottish Natural Heritage is targeting 12 endangered species of butterfly and moth as part of a �260,000 safety drive.
SNH has awarded the funding to the charity Butterfly Conservation Scotland in an effort to halt "alarming declines" in the population.
The three-year grant continues work carried out by the charity to protect butterfly numbers north of the border.
The marsh fritillary and chequered skipper butterflies are most at risk.
Many butterflies and moths have suffered due to the spread of intensive agriculture, urban and industrial development.
Advice is being given to land managers on how to best to protect endangered species, such as by creating woodland clearings or changing grazing patterns.
The chequered skipper butterfly, which became extinct in England in the 1970s, is now mostly confined to oak woods in the west of Scotland.
SNH's Athayde Tonhasca said: "There have been alarming declines of butterflies and moths in recent years and the Butterfly Conservation has been at the forefront of work to protect them.
"We're delighted to be able to confirm the funding, which will help to spread the word on favourable land management for butterflies and moths, as well as raise the profile of these colourful and well-loved species."
Butterfly Conservation Scotland director Paul Kirkland said the funding would help to protect the endangered species.
He added: "These delicate species are indicators of the changes to our wildlife being brought about by habitat loss and climate change.
"By conserving them we believe we are also helping to safeguard the future of other wildlife."
The project will also focus on promoting tourism related to butterflies in the Cairngorms, and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National parks.
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These delicate species are indicators of the changes to our wildlife being brought about by habitat loss and climate change
