Common Blue

National Status

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

West Midlands Status

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

Habitat

Sunny, open areas particularly flowery meadows and waste ground.

Flight Period

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

Hotspots

Knapp and Papermill and St Wulstan’s in Worcestershire, Common Hill in Herefordshire. Brownfield sites can also support good numbers. Sites: Prees Heath, Shobdon Hill, Ewyas Harold, Doward, Trench Wood, Woodgate Valley.

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.