Peacock Butterfly Named Britain's Favourite in 2026 Poll by Butterfly Conservation

The colourful Peacock butterfly has been crowned as Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in a recent poll conducted by Butterfly Conservation. This exciting news comes as the charity reveals that over 20,000 votes were cast across the UK between 15 May and 7 June 2026, showcasing the nation’s love for these beautiful insects.

Peacock Takes the Crown

Peacock butterfly perched on a wildflower in a meadow

Peacock butterfly perched on vibrant pink thistle flower

In a competitive race against 59 other butterfly species, the Peacock emerged victorious, capturing the hearts of many with its striking appearance. Known for its vibrant colours and distinctive eye-spots, the Peacock butterfly is a familiar sight in gardens and parks throughout the UK.

Kate Merry, Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Engagement, expressed her delight at the poll results:

“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.”

The top five butterflies in the poll included:

• Peacock (1st place)

• Orange-tip (2nd place)

• Red Admiral (3rd place)

• Holly Blue (4th place)

• Brimstone (5th place)

Why Butterflies Matter

Butterflies play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are not just beautiful to look at; they also help pollinate plants, which is essential for growing fruits and vegetables. However, butterfly populations have been declining in recent years, prompting Butterfly Conservation to declare a butterfly emergency in 2024 after witnessing the lowest numbers ever recorded during its Big Butterfly Count. This year, the charity is encouraging everyone to participate in the upcoming Big Butterfly Count, which runs from Friday 17 July to Sunday 9 August. This event aims to gather data on butterfly populations across the UK, helping conservationists understand how these species are faring in changing environmental conditions.

The Top Five Butterflies

The top five butterflies in the poll highlight the diversity of these creatures and their appeal to the public:

• Peacock: Instantly recognisable with its stunning eye-spots, this butterfly is often found in gardens where nettles, its caterpillar's favourite food, are present.

• Orange-tip: With its bright white wings and orange tips on the males, this butterfly is often seen as a sign that spring is here and warmer weather is on the way.

• Red Admiral: Famous for its striking black wings with red bands, this butterfly migrates from North Africa each year. It is now often seen throughout the winter months, a change linked to the UK's warming climate.

• Holly Blue: This fairy-like butterfly, admired by many, boasts delicate powder-blue wings and has been spreading further north in recent years.

• Brimstone: Known as the original "butter" fly, this species is easily recognised by its bright yellow wings and is often one of the first butterflies to appear in spring.

Participate in the Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, and this year, it is more important than ever. Participants are encouraged to spend just 15 minutes in any outdoor space, counting the butterflies they see and submitting their findings. This simple act can significantly contribute to understanding butterfly populations and supporting conservation efforts.

Merry emphasised the ease of participation:

“Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn’t be easier. It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies.”

To take part, download the free app, find a sunny spot, and start counting. The data collected will help create an interactive map showing how common different butterfly species are and how they are doing over time.