Small Blue
Cupido minimus
National Status
The Small Blue has suffered a significant long-term decline in distribution, especially in the northern half of England, and is now confined to a handful of colonies in many regions. The long-term trend shows a moderate decline in distribution and a stable abundance.
West Midlands Status
Recorded In Worcestershire in 2020 (previously last known to be breeding in the region 1998), with other records since. Small colonies at two sites in the Black Country, where it has probably been introduced.
Small Blue was recorded in 9 squares in 2026
10 Year Trend Analysis
Habitat
Sparse vegetation with disturbed ground supporting Kidney Vetch and plentiful nectar sources.
Caterpillar Food Plant
Kidney Vetch
Life Cycle
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Egg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Larva | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pupa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adult | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Flight Period
May, June and late July to the middle of August
First/Last Sightings 2026
| First Sighting | Recorded by | Last Sighting | Recorded by |
| 22 May | Tilt, John | 8 August | Allen, Andrew |
Distribution Map
Key
Total number of sightings per tetrad
Hotspots
There are three known sites for Small Blue, two near Broadway plus one (possible introduction) in the Black Country.