The painted lady is one of the UK's most remarkable butterflies. Unlike many British butterflies, painted ladies are long-distance migrants, travelling thousands of miles from North Africa and southern Europe to reach the UK each year.

Their arrival can vary from year to year, but August is often a fantastic time to spot them as they feed on late-summer flowers and continue their incredible journey. With their striking orange wings, black markings and distinctive eye spots, painted ladies are a welcome sight in gardens, parks and nature reserves across Essex.

What to look for

Painted ladies have bright orange-brown wings decorated with black, white and cream markings. The underside of the hindwing features a series of small eye spots, helping to distinguish them from other butterflies.

Where to look

Look for painted ladies in flower-rich meadows, grasslands, coastal habitats, gardens and nature reserves. They are particularly attracted to nectar-rich flowers such as buddleia, knapweed, thistles and lavender.

When to look

August is one of the best months to see painted ladies, especially on warm, sunny days when they are actively feeding and basking in the sunshine.

Jersey tiger moth

Once considered a rarity in Britain, the Jersey tiger moth has become increasingly common and is now being recorded in more areas of Essex.

This striking species is easy to recognise. At rest, its wings appear dark brown with creamy white stripes, but when it flies, it reveals vivid orange hindwings that make it stand out from other moths.

What to look for

Dark wings with pale cream stripes and bright orange hindwings visible during flight.

Where to look

Gardens, parks, urban green spaces and coastal areas, particularly where flowering plants provide a good source of nectar.

When to look

Adults are most active during July and August and can often be seen feeding during the daytime as well as at dusk.

Hummingbird hawk-moth

One of the most unusual insects you'll encounter in Essex, the hummingbird hawk-moth is often mistaken for a tiny bird. This fast-flying migrant moth hovers in front of flowers, feeding through a long proboscis, much like a hummingbird.

Its rapid wingbeats and ability to hover make it a fascinating species to watch and a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts.

What to look for

A plump-bodied moth with brown and orange colouring that hovers while feeding from flowers. Its wings move so quickly that they often appear blurred.

Where to look

Gardens, nature reserves and flower-rich habitats. Buddleia, red valerian and petunias are particularly attractive to this species.

When to look

Most commonly seen between July and September, particularly during warm weather.

If you spot a painted lady, Jersey tiger moth or hummingbird hawk-moth, please report your sighting through the Nature Counts website.

Every record is valuable. By recording wildlife sightings, you're helping Essex Wildlife Trust monitor species trends, identify important habitats and make informed conservation decisions that benefit wildlife across the county.

Whether you're exploring one of our nature reserves, enjoying your garden or taking a walk along the Essex coast, keep your eyes open this August. You never know what remarkable species you might discover. 

Record your sightings