Distribution:
The common blue is one of the most widespread butterflies in the UK, found throughout the U.K. including Orkney and the Western Isles (and occasionally Shetland), and on many of the smaller islands. It survives at altitudes up to about 500m, and can be found in a variety of habitats where its main larval foodplant, bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) occurs. Sadly the common blue is no longer “common” in many parts of the UK. The loss of wild flower grasslands through agricultural improvement has led to vast declines. Recent research has indicated that in some rural areas, the number of colonies may have declined by more than 75% over the last 50 years.
Habitat:
It occurs in a range of grassy places where its foodplants grow in
sunny, sheltered situations on downland, coastal dunes and undercliffs,
road verges, acid grassland, and woodland clearings. It is also found
in waste ground, disused pits and quarries, golf courses, and urban
habitats such as cemeteries
Diet:
Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (<i>Lotus corniculatus</i>) is the main foodplant. Other plants used include: Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil (<i>L. pedunculatus</i>), Black Medick (<i>Medicago lupulina</i>), Common Restharrow (<i>Ononis repens</i>), White Clover (<i>Trifolium repens</i>), and Lesser Trefoil (<i>T. dubium</i>).
