About 59 Butterflies
59 Butterflies helps nature-conscious gardeners attract butterflies and moths by identifying the right caterpillar foodplants to grow, because a garden full of adult butterflies starts with caterpillars.
Based on the Big Butterfly Count
This site is based on the Big Butterfly Count, a UK-wide annual survey run by the charity Butterfly Conservation. The UK is home to around 60 species of butterfly (59, until the Large Tortoiseshell returned as a resident in 2026) and some 2,500 species of moth. Rather than asking you to identify all of them, the Big Butterfly Count focuses on 20 target species: butterflies and day-flying moths that are easy to recognise and commonly seen in gardens and open spaces across the UK.
By focusing on these 20 species, this website helps you create a garden that supports the exact butterflies and moths being monitored in the survey.
Take part in the Big Butterfly Count
The Big Butterfly Count takes place every year in July and August. All you need to do is spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot counting any butterflies and moths you see. Your records help scientists track how butterfly populations are doing across the UK.
Count nowHow to use this site
- 1On the select page, pick the butterflies and moths you've seen in your garden, or the ones you'd like to attract.
- 2Tap "Show my plants" to see the caterpillar foodplants you need to grow.
- 3We also show you the best nectar plants to feed adult butterflies visiting your garden.
- 4Plant up your garden and start counting!
Plant data sourced from Butterfly Conservation guidance. This app is an independent project inspired by the Big Butterfly Count and is not affiliated with Butterfly Conservation.