Big Butterfly Count 2026 launches, runs July 17 to August 9

natureJul 17, 202621289

The Big Butterfly Count 2026 is a UK citizen science survey running from 17 July to 9 August that asks people to spend 15 minutes outside counting butterflies and submit sightings via the app or web form. Participants are sharing recent sightings and small tallies, including single-day totals like 11 or 14 butterflies and species lists from local outings. Reported species and subjects in the gallery include Gatekeeper, Small White, and six-spot Burnet, notes that two Grayling were not on one identification list, plus colorful peacock-shade butterflies described from pinky lilac to electric blue. Look for posts showing short timed counts, local species lists, and bright peacock variations under the Big Butterfly Count hashtag.

Butterfly Conservation

@savebutterflies.bsky.social

The Big Butterfly Count 2026 is here and butterflies need our help! 🦋 From now until 9 August, spend just 15 minutes outside counting the butterflies you see and help us take nature's pulse. The best part? Anyone, anywhere can take part. Count yourself in 👉 https://butrfli.es/3SVFepj

10945d ago

Butterfly Conservation4

Do you have a question about the Big Butterfly Count? Check out our FAQs here: butterfly-conservation.org/bigbutterfly...

Levon Dymond2

I like to count! 🦋

Charlotte Rose1

I would lose count in the wild thing that is my garden. Over 20 at any given moment from at least four different species. Usually have at least six on this little thing.

Quoting this

ROWAN13

First count of this year in the garden. Like last year the weather has resulted in an amazing amount of insects even though the overall trends are worrying.

Sussex Wildlife Trust10

Who will be counting butterflies with @savebutterflies.bsky.social this summer? #BigButterflyCount

Jordan Collver4

KICK OFF THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS ʷᶦᵗʰ ᵃ ᵍᵉⁿᵗˡᵉ ᶠˡᵘᵗᵗᵉʳ

Dr Marcus Rhodes

@marcusrhodes.bsky.social

#BigButterflyCount is here! Between now and the 9th August: - spend 15 mins in a sunny spot - count the butterflies you see - submit your sightings Find out more at bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org Happy counting folks! 🦋🦋🦋

Butterfly Conservation Big Butterfly Count

Get out for the count. Spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot and gather vital data to save butterflies and moths.

17 July to 9 August

Take part. Identify and record your sightings at bigbutterflycount.org or scan the QR code to download our free app.

Exclusive media partner BBC Gardeners' World magazine

#BigButterflyCount

Image: Peacock butterfly by Gundula Vogel

3145d ago

Paul Litchfield

@paullitchfield.bsky.social

Got an early start on the Big Butterfly Count. Spotted so far… Gypsy Spasm. Pointless Gareth. Red Tena Lady. Saggy Madrigal Ass Moth Deluxe.

2945d ago

Soapy Pitts2

Any sign of a One Toe Mary?

Martin1

I did capture this Smeared Bland this morning:

@s4r4h-l

@s4r4h-l.bsky.social

#FlutterbyFriday Shades of peacock #butterfly, how will they fare in this year's #BigButterflyCount? These seen in the last few days, love the range from pinky lilac to electric blue. #Lancashire @savebutterflies.bsky.social #vitaminN

Lots of fresh peacock butterflies have emerged in Lancashire, top two are out and about, bottom one is in my garden

2745d ago

Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)

@bbs-birds.bsky.social

(1/) The #BigButterflyCount starts today! This is a great way of monitoring the butterfly numbers in your local area, and it is an opportunity to improve your ID skills: bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/about @btobirds.bsky.social @ukbms.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social

The caption says: 'Butterfly Monitoring'. A Small Copper butterfly is shown. It has coppery red upper wings and black lowe wings.

1445d ago

Rebecca's Butterfly Farm (BCyA)

@beccasbutterfli.bsky.social

LETS START COUNTING BUTTERFLIES!!! See this link how to take part in @savebutterflies Big Butterfly Count share.google/O2cK7RLsiR6y... 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

1245d ago

Royal Entomological Society

@royentsoc.bsky.social

Today Butterfly Conservation’s #BigButterflyCount takes flight! 🦋 Butterflies and moths are important indicators of how well the biodiversity in your area is doing 📈 Help take nature’s pulse by getting out for the Count 🔽 buff.ly/TW84hiI @savebutterflies.bsky.social

1145d ago

Cornwall Butterfly Conservation

@bc-cornwall.bsky.social

One more sleep until the #BigButterflyCount! Did you hear Cornwall Butterfly Conservation's Sue Allen talking about the count on BBC Radio Cornwall today? Catch-up at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... (interview starts at 10:43).

645d ago

Butterfly Conservation Norfolk

@norfolkbutterflies.bsky.social

We hope many of you will be taking part in the Big Butterfly Count starting today. An extra ask from us, please be an ambassador for butterflies. Get your children, grandchildren or friends to take part. Open new eyes to the wonders of our butterflies. bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

445d ago

Jackie Hull

@jackiedh.bsky.social

Did my first “big butterfly count” this morning and very disappointed that my 2 Grayling don’t count, not on their list! I did have 9 Gatekeeper, 1 Small White & 6 spot Burnet as well. @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social

845d ago

observethedate.bsky.social

@observethedate.bsky.social

Today is Friday 17 July 2026 It is World Emoji Day 😃 also 🎶 Mamma Mia Day 🇸🇰 Slovakia Independence Day ⚓ Tattoo Day ➕ Yellow Pig Day (mathematics) French Republican Calendar: WHEAT Roman Festivals: Honos, Victoria and Virtus Begins today: 17 - 9 August - Big Butterfly Count 2026 Cont.../

445d ago

Helen

@helenintgarden.bsky.social

I've just done my first #BigButterflyCount of the year... and I actually saw 11 butterflies... which is more than usual... they're not hiding yet... 🦋 www.bigbutterflycount.org

845d ago

Natur Cymru

@naturcymru.bsky.social

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count runs from today until 9th August. Could you help protect butterflies and moths by taking part in this important citizen science project? Find out more: bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org @savebutterflies.bsky.social