Nature lovers are being asked to look out for a blue butterfly in Wiltshire this summer following concerns that it may be struggling, Butterfly Conservation (BC) can reveal.

The Common Blue, one of the UK’s most widely distributed butterflies, has been seen in unusually low numbers across the county so far.

The wildlife charity counted around 100 Common Blue butterflies at Pewsey Downs in Wiltshire last year between May and the end of June.

This May and June, BC volunteers have only recorded 10 butterflies at the same location.

Around 57 Common Blues were seen at another site just north-east of Salisbury - Figsbury Ring - last May and June, but only 13 have been seen there so far this year.

BC’s Wiltshire Branch is holding a free public event at Iford Manor in Bradford-on-Avon on Sunday 3 July, where it’s hoped people might see the butterfly.

Branch Chair, Hugo Brooke, said: “I think the wet summer last year has had an effect on their numbers this year, so we really want people to look out for the Common Blue and to report any sightings to us so we can keep an eye on the situation.

“This event will be a great opportunity for families to join us in trying to find this lovely butterfly, as we will be holding guided butterfly walks around the site all day.

“We will be helping people to ID the butterflies they see and hopefully someone will spot a Common Blue.”

The Common Blue has two broods each year, with the first flying between May and early July and the second emerging right at the end of July or in early August and lasting right through until October.

Males have unmarked, bright blue upperwings, but females have orange crescents and dark spots near the outer edges on a ground colour that varies from purple-blue, to dark brown with a mere tinge of blue near to the body.

The underwings of both sexes have numerous black spots, with white halos and orange marks around the edges.

Hugo added: “The event will include children’s activities like face-painting, story-telling and arts and crafts. Visitors will be able to examine moths on display and an infra-red camera will reveal views of a bat roost. It’s a fantastic chance to learn more about wildlife in Wiltshire.”

To find out more about the event, please visit www.butterfly-conservation.org/IfordManor