Free

Details

Released
July 5, 2013
Updated
July 21, 2026

Features

Big Butterfly Count screenshot #1 for iPhone
Big Butterfly Count screenshot #2 for iPhone
Big Butterfly Count screenshot #3 for iPhone
Big Butterfly Count screenshot #4 for iPhone
Big Butterfly Count screenshot #5 for iPhone
Big Butterfly Count screenshot #6 for iPhone
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About

Participate in a national butterfly and moth survey by identifying and counting species in your local environment. Your observations contribute to understanding the health of UK wildlife. Features an identification guide and a map to view submitted sightings.

✓Butterfly and moth identification guide
✓Count and submit sightings
✓View submitted records on a map
✓Contribute to wildlife research
✓15-minute nature observation
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What's New in Big Butterfly Count

8.6.2

July 21, 2026

* Bug fixes and improvements

User reviews

Fun but some glitches for IOS26

Finding the geolocation not mobile friendly and also since many of the places I visit are satellite only, the app doesn't always save the data I have collected out and about so I have gone back to analog notebooks and attempted logging later (again geolocation issues). It would also be great to have a space to add other species recorded at specific sites like RsPB bird count offers. It would probably provide a fuller picture overall especially in SSSIs etc. Just something that would make it better for me.
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Annoying

It isn’t letting me to count the butterflies

Great butterfly id app

I used this app for the last 3 Big Butterfly Counts, one improvement I would like to see is the ability to save a profile including location, number of counters, as filling it out each time is tedious. Otherwise great app.

Working again 2025!

After not working at the start of the count (on my phone anyway!), when the version said it should work, I deleted and then downloaded the version available from just a few days ago! Now off to count those butterflies. Yay!
Thanks to those who fixed things, really good!

Broken 16 July 2025

App freezes on launch. iOS 15.8.4 Removing and reinstalling makes no difference. This is very disappointing as I make many recorded counts over the years. Edit: app update version 8.5.2 posted on the 23rd of July has fixed the app and it is now working on iOS 15.8.4

FAQ

What is the Big Butterfly Count app?

The Big Butterfly Count app allows users to participate in the UK's annual survey of butterflies and moths. You can spend 15 minutes in nature, identify and count the species you see, and submit your sightings to help monitor the health of wildlife.

How do I identify butterflies with the app?

The app includes a beautiful identification guide that helps you identify and learn about the 21 butterfly and moth species that are the focus of the study. This guide is designed to be easy to use for all skill levels.

Is the Big Butterfly Count app free to use?

Yes, the app is free to download and use. It is supported by advertisements, which are displayed within the application.

What kind of data does the app collect?

The app collects data on the types and numbers of butterflies and moths you identify and count during your 15-minute observation period. These submitted records are then used to help understand how butterflies are faring across the UK.

Can I see where other people have submitted sightings?

Yes, the app features a map where you can view all submitted counts from other users. This allows you to see the distribution of sightings and contribute to a collective understanding of butterfly populations.