Peacock Butterfly Voted Britain's Favourite in Historic Poll

The peacock butterfly has been crowned Britain's favourite butterfly in a historic poll conducted by Butterfly Conservation. With its striking lavender, yellow, and maroon eye spots set against rich rusty red and black wings, this familiar backyard beauty secured the top spot among 60 native species.

Poll Results

More than 20,000 votes were cast in the charity's first-ever nationwide survey to determine the nation's most beloved butterfly. The peacock, which flies throughout spring, summer, and autumn across all corners of the British Isles, beat 59 other native species to claim victory.

The top five were rounded out by the orange-tip in second place, the red admiral in third, followed by the holly blue and the sulphur-yellow brimstone. All five are common species widely seen in gardens, parks, and suburbs across most of the country.

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Less Common Species Fare Poorly

More elusive and endangered species did not perform as well. Britain's largest butterfly, the swallowtail, finished ninth, likely because it is usually seen only in the wild of the Norfolk Broads. The iridescent purple emperor, adored by a vibrant subculture of enthusiasts, finished in an unexpectedly lowly 15th position.

Moth-like skippers and less colourful butterflies received little support. All of the bottom 10 were grey, brown, golden-brown, or black-winged insects, with the small pearl-bordered fritillary coming in last.

Expert Reaction

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."

She added: "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! Now we can't wait to see how many peacocks are spotted up and down the country in this summer's Big Butterfly Count."

Big Butterfly Count 2023

The peacock is expected to be the most-seen insect in this year's Big Butterfly Count, as enthusiasts report large numbers of its caterpillars on nettles, which should lead to a big emergence in mid-July. The count, the world's largest butterfly survey, starts on 17 July. Participants spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space counting butterflies and day-flying moths, submitting sightings via a free app or website.

Another butterfly expected in large numbers this summer is the painted lady, which finished 10th in the poll. A long-distance migrant from Africa, it has arrived in large numbers in recent weeks, with caterpillars set to devour thousands of thistles before the emergence of a British-born generation.