
Silver-studded Blue
The Common Blue is the most widespread blue butterfly in Britain and Ireland and is found in a variety of grassy habitats.
The brightly coloured males are conspicuous but females are more secretive. The colour of the upperwings of females varies from almost completely brown in southern England to predominantly blue in western Ireland and Scotland, but the colour is variable within local populations with some striking examples. Unlike Adonis and Chalkhill Blues, the dark veins do not extend into white fringes of wing margins.
It remains widespread but there have been local declines within its range.
Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is the main foodplant. Other plants used include: Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil (L. pedunculatus), Black Medick (Medicago lupulina), Common Restharrow (Ononis repens), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Lesser Trefoil (T. dubium).
Very common and found in a variety of habitats especially sunny sheltered spots. Examples of habitats include; downland, coastal dunes, undercliffs, road verges, acid grass and woodland clearings
It is also found on waste ground, disused pits and quarries, golf courses, and urban habitats such as cemeteries.
Common Blue (male/upperwing) - Peter Withers
Peter Withers
Common Blue (male/upperwing) - Ivan Lynas
Ivan Lynas
Common Blue (female/upperwing) - Iain Leach
Iain Leach
Common Blue (female/upperwing) - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Ivan Lynas
Ivan Lynas
Common Blue (female/underwing) - Matt Berry
Matt Berry
Common Blue (male/underwing) - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Common Blue (male/underwing) - Andrew Cooper
Andrew Cooper
Common Blue (egg) - Gilles San Martin
Gilles San Martin
Common Blue (caterpillar) - Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles