• National Status: Widespread in England and Wales, range expanding northwards. Population trend 10 years -61%; since 1976 +37%
• West Midlands Status: Throughout the region but fewer records from west Herefordshire and north-east Staffordshire, range stable. Population trend 10 years – slight decrease.

• Hotspots In almost any of its preferred habitats. 

• Habitat: Woodland rides and edges, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Prefers shrubby vegetation unlike the other blue butterflies.

• Wingspan 26–34 mm.

Caterpillar Food Plant – The main foodplants are Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Ivy (Hedera helix). Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Dogwoods (various) (Cornus spp.), Gorses (various) (Ulex spp.), Snowberries (various) (Symphoricarpos spp.) and Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) are also used.

Life Cycle:

• The charts show the distribution over the last 5 years – Shows complete coverage
• The Population Trend from Transect Records – considered significant increase. 2019 to 2025
• Phenology from Casual Records