Peacock butterfly wins Britain's favourite butterfly poll with over 20,000 votes
The peacock butterfly has been voted Britain's favourite butterfly in a poll conducted by the charity Butterfly Conservation, beating 59 other native species with over 20,000 votes cast. The top five most popular butterflies are all common garden species: peacock, orange-tip, red admiral, holly blue, and brimstone. The result reflects public preference for colourful, commonly-seen species, with more elusive and endangered butterflies ranking lower in the poll.
Butterfly Conservation conducted a nationwide poll to determine Britain's favourite butterfly, attracting more than 20,000 votes across 60 native species. The peacock butterfly emerged as the clear winner, prized for its distinctive lavender, yellow and maroon eye spots combined with rusty red and black colouration. The top five finalists are all widespread garden species found throughout the British Isles during spring, summer and autumn. Notably, more exotic or elusive species performed poorly: the swallowtail, Britain's largest butterfly, finished ninth, likely because it is primarily found in wild Norfolk Broads habitats. The purple emperor, despite being charismatic and iridescent, unexpectedly ranked 15th. The bottom ten species were predominantly grey, brown, golden-brown or black-winged insects, suggesting voters favoured more colourful butterflies. Butterfly Conservation plans to use the results to encourage participation in the Big Butterfly Count, the world's largest butterfly survey, which begins on 17 July.
What different sources said
- The GuardianLeft
Britain’s favourite butterfly revealed – and it’s a familiar backyard beauty
Britain’s favourite butterfly revealed – and it’s a familiar backyard beauty
Related
NATO to Gradually Reduce Troop Levels in Kosovo Over Next Year
NATO announced plans to reduce troop numbers in its Kosovo peacekeeping mission (KFOR) over the next year, citing improved security conditions and increased capability of local security forces. The mission, which has operated since 1999 with approximately 4,600 soldiers, will implement calibrated reductions that can be reversed if security conditions deteriorate. The drawdown reflects NATO's assessment that stability has improved sufficiently to allow for optimization of force posture.
Ukrainian Drone Attacks Target Russian Industrial Facilities on Russia Day
Ukrainian drones struck major petrochemical and oil refining facilities in Russia's Tatarstan and Samara regions on June 12, Russia Day, with at least four people hospitalized after a residential building was hit in Nizhnekamsk. The attacks targeted key industrial infrastructure including Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Taneco refineries, prompting the cancellation of public events in affected cities. The strikes represent continued Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Russian energy and chemical production capacity amid the ongoing conflict.
U.S. faces Paraguay in World Cup opener as Americans seek to advance from group stage
The U.S. men's national soccer team plays Paraguay on Friday in its opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Inglewood, California, marking the tournament's return to American soil for the first time in over 30 years. Paraguay is returning to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, while the U.S. aims to improve on its historically weak World Cup performance with what many consider its most talented generation of players. The match is significant for both teams—Paraguay seeks to prove it belongs on the world stage, while the U.S. hopes to capitalize on home-field advantage and its players' experience in Europe's top leagues.