National Status

True migrant and regular visitor to the UK and West Midlands. Population trend 10 years -57%; since 1976 +734%

West Midlands Status

Widely distributed throughout the area. Population trend 10 years - decreasing.

Habitat

Lucerne and clover fields including improved grasslands.

Flight Period

Migrants from North Africa and Southern Europe can arrive as early as April although May is more typical. The first offspring emerge in June and July and in exceptional years there is a further brood

Hotspots

Anywhere food plants are present.

Caterpillar Food Plant

Clovers Trifolium spp., Lucerne Medicago sativa and occasionally Common Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus.