Butterfly Seekers
Become a Butterfly Seeker
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Thank you to everyone who submitted observations in 2024. Over the last two years, we have received over 18,500 butterfly observations across Essex which will help us learn about and help our fluttery friends.
The top 10 butterfly species recorded in 2024 through Butterfly Seekers.
Your butterfly observations
Peacock butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Marbled white butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Painted lady butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Comma butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Red admiral butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Ringlet butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Purple hairstreak - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Common blue butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Heath fritillary butterfly - Butterfly Seekers 2024
Why do we need to help butterflies?
Butterflies are indicators of the health of the environment for wildlife in general. If there are good numbers of butterflies, we know that other insects, birds and mammals will be doing well too. Butterflies are important pollinators and an essential part of the foodchain, providing food for nesting birds and many other animals. Their colourful and intricately patterned wings and joyful flight pattern brightens gardens, woodlands and wildflower meadows.
Butterfly Conservation’s recent report announced that 80% of the UK’s butterfly species have declined in abundance and/or distribution since the 1970s – this is of great concern.
Your data will help us understand which butterflies are where across Essex and will enable us to target conservation actions to help them thrive and recover.
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