SINGAPORE - One butterfly has red and white colours on its wing, like Singapore's national flag. Another is a threatened species named after the tiger-like stripes on its wings.

Both butterflies, together with four other species, are vying for the title of Singapore's National Butterfly.

The Nature Society (Singapore) launched a campaign on Saturday, in conjunction with Singapore's World Water Day, for Singaporeans to vote for the butterfly which they think best represents the Singapore spirit.

The six nominees were short-listed by a panel of experts. The butterflies are the Painted Jezebel, Common Birdwing, Common Tiger, Knight, Common Rose and Common Tree Nymph.

Mr Anuj Jain, 30, chairman of the society's Butterfly and Insect Group, said the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of how butterflies enhance the environment, and the need to protect these butterflies and their natural habitats.

The public can vote for their chosen butterfly species on www.nationalbutterfly.org.sg. Voting ends on April 30.