The UK is home to 60 butterfly species, including 58 residents and 2 regular migrants.
For many of us, they are among our first memories of the natural world. Their beauty and magical stories of transformation bring us joy and inspire lifelong connections to nature. But they’re more than just a pretty addition to our surroundings. They also play a vital role in our ecosystems, as pollinators, pruners and even food for other animals. Sadly, more than three-quarters of UK butterfly species are now in decline.
Britain’s Favourite Butterfly, by Butterfly Conservation, is here to celebrate the incredible variety of butterflies we share our home with. We hope it will help you discover more about these wonderful creatures, and inspire you to notice the butterflies where you live. In time, you may even want to help us in our mission to recover the UK’s butterflies and, in turn, create a beautiful butterfly effect for nature.
The UK has 60 butterfly species - 58 residents and two regular migrants.
Butterflies and moths have been around for at least 50 million years, and probably closer to 150 million.
Species of butterfly have become extinct in the last 150 years, with two of these now successfully re-established.
Of butterfly species in the UK have decreased in either abundance, distribution, or both since the 1970s.
While their distinctive shapes and sizes are often the first thing you notice, each species has their own unique quirks, from unusual snack choices to internal ‘anti-freeze’ to help them survive winter. Every butterfly has vibes that make them… well, themselves!
We have looked at what makes each species unique and scored them across a set of vibes, to help you explore what makes them all so fascinating.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Whether you’re a dedicated butterfly spotter or just starting to catch the bug, meet the kaleidoscope (yes, that’s really what a group of butterflies are called) and help crown your favourite.
Butterfly Conservation is a UK charity dedicated to protecting butterflies, moths, and their habitats.
We work to raise awareness of the dramatic declines in butterfly and moth populations and take action to conserve them.
Butterfly Conservation runs three of the world’s largest butterfly and moth recording schemes, which have together gathered over 46 million records. Through this work, we’ve begun to reverse the decline of several of Britain’s most threatened species, and we hope to strengthen these numbers even further.
Find out moreBritain’s Favourite Butterfly will be revealed on Thursday, 11th June 2026.
