The peacock butterfly, with its stunning lavender, yellow, and maroon eye spots, has been named Britain’s favorite butterfly in a national poll conducted by Butterfly Conservation. The charity received over 20,000 votes from across the UK, with the peacock butterfly emerging as the clear winner.
The poll, which aimed to find the nation’s favorite butterfly, saw a diverse range of species vying for the top spot. The peacock butterfly’s victory is a testament to its widespread appeal and the joy it brings to people across the country. The orange-tip butterfly secured second place, followed by the red admiral in third, the holly blue in fourth, and the brimstone in fifth.
The peacock butterfly’s triumph
The peacock butterfly, known for its eye-catching colors and patterns, is a common sight in gardens and green spaces throughout the British Isles. Its caterpillars thrive on nettles, making it a regular visitor to areas where these plants are abundant. The butterfly’s striking appearance and familiar presence have made it a beloved symbol of British wildlife.
Kate Merryhead of engagement at Butterfly Conservation, expressed her delight at the poll’s outcome. “The response to Britain’s favorite butterfly has been absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s clear that people up and down the country love butterflies of all shapes, sizes, and colors, and voted in their thousands for their favorites.”
A rainbow of favorites
The top five butterflies in the poll represent a vibrant array of colors and patterns, showcasing the diversity of Britain’s butterfly population. The orange-tip butterfly, with its glowing white wings and vivid tangerine tips, is a sure sign of spring. The red admiral, with its striking jet-black wings and bold red bands, is a long-distance migrant that travels from North Africa to the UK each year.
The holly blue butterfly, with its powder-blue wings, is a shimmering delight that has been steadily spreading northwards in recent decades. The brimstone butterfly, with its sunshine-yellow wings, is often heralded as the first sign of spring. These butterflies, along with the peacock, are regular visitors to gardens and green spaces across the UK.
The Big Butterfly Count
The peacock butterfly’s victory comes as Butterfly Conservation prepares for its annual Big Butterfly Countwhich takes place from July 17 to August 9, 2026. The count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, with participants spending 15 minutes in any outdoor space counting the butterflies and day-flying moths they see. The data collected helps conservationists monitor the health of butterfly populations and identify areas for conservation efforts.
This year’s count is particularly important, as Butterfly Conservation declared a butterfly emergency in 2026 due to record low numbers. The charity is calling on everyone to take part in the count and help build a more accurate picture of how Britain’s butterflies are faring. “Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn’t be easier,” said Kate Merry. “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.”
To participate in the Big Butterfly Count, visit for more information and to download the free app.
