Common Blue

2025 target

Monitored via the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme transect system and through casual recording. This will provide data on the distribution and abundance of the butterfly and this can also be compared with national trends.

Status

Widespread across Kent and most of the UK. Its Conservation status is Low.

Rationale

A widespread butterfly found in a variety of habitats. The caterpillar feeds on widespread plants, primarily Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), but also Greater Bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), Black Medick (Medicago lupulina), Common Restharrow (Ononis repens), and White Clover. This butterfly is therefore a good indicator of the health of the wider countryside and also abundance/connectivity/isolation of flower-rich habitats, particularly within towns.