Peacock Butterfly Wins Britain's Favourite in 20K Votes

The peacock butterfly just won Britain's heart, and it's easy to see why.

More than 20,000 people across the UK voted in a nationwide poll by Butterfly Conservation, crowning the vibrant peacock as the nation's favorite butterfly out of 60 British species. With distinctive eye-spots and striking colors that help ward off predators, this garden regular beat out fierce competition to claim the top spot.

The orange-tip butterfly came in a close second, followed by the red admiral in third place. The holly blue took fourth, while the bright yellow brimstone butterfly rounded out the top five.

"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," said Kate Merry, Butterfly Conservation's head of engagement. "It's been really special seeing people get so passionate about their favorites and throw their support behind them."

Peacock butterflies are regular visitors to gardens and green spaces throughout the UK. Their caterpillars have a special love for nettles, so anywhere these plants grow becomes prime peacock territory.

Why This Inspires

The overwhelming response to the poll shows how much people care about these delicate creatures. In a time when butterfly numbers hit record lows during last year's Big Butterfly Count, seeing thousands rally to celebrate their favorites reminds us that awareness is the first step toward protection.

The poll wasn't just about picking favorites. Butterfly Conservation declared a "butterfly emergency" in 2024 as butterfly counts fell to their lowest levels ever recorded, making citizen science more important than ever.

This summer's Big Butterfly Count runs from July 17 to August 9. Taking part is simple: spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space, count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see, and submit your findings online.

"Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn't be easier," Merry explained. "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."

Every sighting helps scientists understand butterfly populations better and guides conservation efforts to protect these beloved insects for generations to come.