Scientists: Fukushima caused mutant butterflies

An undated handout photograph released by Joji Otaki, an associate professor of biology at the University of the Ryukyus on 14 August 2012, shows a mutated adult pale grass blue (Zizeeria maha) butterfly from Fukushima prefecture, Japan. -EPA/Joji Otaki

TOKYO: Genetic mutations have been found in three generations of butterflies from near Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, scientists said Tuesday, raising fears radiation could affect other species.

Around 12 percent of pale grass blue butterflies that were exposed to nuclear fallout as larvae immediately after the tsunami-sparked disaster had abnormalities, including smaller wings and damaged eyes, researchers said.