Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, is today calling on people across the Capital to spot the tigers on the loose in London this summer as part of the Big Butterfly Count, which ends this Sunday (6 August).

Jersey Tigers, a species of day-flying moth, are more commonly seen on the south coast of England but are being increasingly spotted further north, with sightings being reported in Central London.

So far, 26,295 Jersey Tigers have been recorded during the 2023 Big Butterfly Count, with more than 5,500 spotted inside the M25. Scientists are hoping even more people will take part to help find out what’s happening with the region’s butterflies and moths before the Count ends on Sunday 6 August.

With a distinct striped pattern, just like that of its big cat counterpart, the day-flying moth likes herbaceous plants including nettles, borage and bramble, and is most commonly found in wild spaces in gardens, hedgerows and rough ground, although one was spotted last year resting on a London bus!

The Jersey Tiger’s range is likely to be expanding north as a result of climate change and rising temperatures. This year’s early results show why the Big Butterfly Count is so important in helping scientists to understand how the weather and changing climate are affecting butterflies and moths.

Ele Johstone, Big City Butterflies Engagement Officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: ‘We really need people across London to get out for the Count to help us understand the impact of climate change on our most-loved butterflies and day-flying moths, like the Jersey Tiger.

“Butterflies and moths are key indicators of environmental health, and with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, we need to take action now to protect them. We need you to help us.”

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes in a sunny spot. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small – a back garden, a small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.

Last year almost 100,000 Counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined 2.5 years counting butterflies in their gardens, local parks and in the countryside. The information gathered helps to inform conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.

This year’s Big Butterfly Count is now in its final week, ending on Sunday 6 August. For more information and to take part simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.