Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)
Cheshire local information
When to see: May-September
Where to see: Variety of habitats
Behaviour: Perch/Patrol
Wingspan: 29-36mm
Caterpillar food plant: Common Birds-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
Cheshire status: Still a relatively widespread resident, but survey work has revealed significant losses over a number of years. Reductions at lowland sites can be attributed to loss of habitat caused by modern farming methods, but this does not explain why the butterfly has also almost disappeared in the Pennine foothills. Double-brooded at most sites with breeding occurring in a range of habitats.
