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Launched in 2010, the Big Butterfly Count has become the world’s biggest survey of its type – with over 125,000 citizen scientists taking part in 2025.
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation organise the science event, which is backed by the likes of David Attenborough (who is president of the charity), naturalists Chris Packham and Nick Baker (who are vice presidents), actress Joanna Lumley and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh.
This year’s event took place from July 18-August 10, with people taking 15 minutes out of their day to report on the health of the butterly population in their area.
They counted an average of 10.3 butterflies in each 15-minute count in parks, gardens and green spaces across Britain - up on the record low of just seven butterflies per count in 2024, but still well down on previous years.
Here are the 10 insects spotted in greatest numbers - and where you can see them in Scotland.
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9. Common Blue
The Common Blue bucked a trend of falling numbers in the Big Butterfly Count this year, with numbers up over 200 per cent to 39,602 sightings. By far the most widespread of Scotland's blue butterflies (as the name would suggest), the Common Blue can be seen on grassland and heath from June to August. Some females lack the blue colour, appearing dark brown. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. Green-Veined White
Completing our list of the top 10 most common UK butterflies for 2025 is the Green-Veined White. Widespread across Scotland, it is more likely to be seen in meadows or at the edge of woodland, rather than gardens. Their distinctive yellow-green underwing makes them easy to identify. There tend to be two separate broods of the green-veined white each year, flying between May and August. | Canva/Getty Images