Common Blue

National Status

Widely distributed throughout the UK, range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 +1%; since 1976 -17%.

West Midlands Status

Found throughout the region in varying numbers, range stable. Population trend 10 years to 2016 – stable after large increase in 2010.

Habitat

Sunny, open areas particularly flowery meadows and waste ground. Brownfield sites can support good numbers.

Flight Period

Generally two generations in the West Midlands. Adults fly from late April to mid-June and mid-July to September.

Hotspots

Trench Wood, The Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve and St. Wulstan's Local Nature Reserve (Worcestershire); Common Hill Nature Reserve, The Doward, Ewyas Harold and Shobdon Hill Wood (Herefordshire); Prees Heath Common Reserve (Shropshire), and  Woodgate Valley (Birmingham and the Black Country).

Caterpillar Food Plant

The main foodplant is Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Black Medick (Medicago lupulina), Common Restharrow (Ononis repens), Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium) and White Clover (Trifolium repens) are also used.