The Peacock butterfly has been named Britain’s Favourite Butterfly after beating 59 other species in a nationwide poll that attracted more than 20,000 votes.
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation launched the first-ever vote to find the nation’s favourite butterfly, with voting taking place between 15th May and 7th June.
The colourful Peacock topped the poll ahead of the Orange-tip in second place, Red Admiral in third, Holly Blue in fourth and Brimstone in fifth.
Butterfly Conservation says the winning species is one of the UK’s most recognisable butterflies, known for its striking colours and distinctive eye-spots, which help deter predators.
Kate Merry, Head of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation, said:
“The response to Britain’s Favourite Butterfly has been absolutely wonderful, and we’re not surprised. It’s clear that people up and down the country love butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colours, and voted in their thousands for their favourites.
“The Peacock is a worthy winner, it’s a true showstopper and a species that I bet a lot of us picture when we think of butterflies. It’s been really special seeing people get so passionate about their favourites and throw their support behind them.”
The result comes as Butterfly Conservation continues to raise concerns about declining butterfly numbers.
In 2024, the charity declared a butterfly emergency after results from its annual Big Butterfly Count recorded the lowest numbers since the survey began.
Conservationists are now encouraging people across the Isle of Wight and the rest of the UK to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, which runs from Friday (17th July) until Sunday (9th August).
Participants are asked to spend 15 minutes in an outdoor space recording the butterflies and day-flying moths they see.
The Peacock, Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Brimstone are among the species that can be recorded as part of the survey.
Kate went on to say:
“Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn’t be easier, simply spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map.
“This information will help conservationists to see how some of our more-common species are faring, which in turn helps to build a wider picture of how all butterflies and moths are doing.
“It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies.”
The Big Butterfly Count is described as the world’s largest butterfly survey and aims to help conservationists monitor the health of butterfly populations across the UK.
More information can be found at www.bigbutterflycount.org.
