The Hamearis lucina, more commonly known as The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, is a European butterfly that is in the family Riodinidae (or metalmarks).  Riodinidae is a large family consisting of butterflies.  Duke of Burgundy Fritillary lives mostly in the United Kingdom.  However, it is rapidly disappearing.  Duke of Burgundy Fritillary was added to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in 2007 and in the Wildlife and Countryside Act in 1981, which requires anyone wishing to trade the species to have a license.

 

The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary lives most commonly in the U.K.  However this butterfly has been spotted in the Western Palearctic, Spain, Sweden, and Balkans.  It has been recorded living in the grassland on chalk or limestone and clearings in ancient woodland.  As adults, the hamearis lucina males and females have different behavioral habits.  The males are highly territorial, defending their shelter.   Males also participate in fights with other male butterflies.  Females are not as “showy” but they do wonder, constantly traveling.

 

The Duke often lays their eggs on strategic leaves.  They tend to only lay their eggs on the underside of plants where other female butterflies have laid their eggs.  Eggs are typically laid in small groups; up to 8.  The egg is spherical, with a flattened base, measuring 0.6 mm in diameter.  It is glossy and opaque, turning pale green over time.  However, prior to hatching, they develop a distinct dark purple blotch.  The eggs hatch after 7–21 days depending on weather conditions.  But sometimes the eggs don’t make it that long.  The Duke of Burgundy’s unintentional predators are large snails.

 

New caterpillars are almost transparent, with a few long pale hairs.  The caterpillars are nocturnal.  Before the first molt or instar, the caterpillar is green.  There are four instars lasting about four weeks.  The full-grown fourth instar caterpillar measures 16–17 mm. It is pale brown with a dark brown dorsal stripe and numerous hairs; there is also a central black spot on each segment.  Caterpillars feed mostly on the upper leaf surface where it is unlikely for slugs to feed.  They will not eat yellowed leaves and will move on to another host-plant in search of green leaves.  Duke of Burgundy Fritillary caterpillars do not feed at temperatures below 11°C or when it is wet.

 

Duke of Burgundy Fritillary pupae are short, just 9 mm long. They are pale cream with evenly spaced dark brown spots and a few pale hairs.  Predators of pupae include shrews and slugs.  The pupae are found either very low in dense grass or on the ground and last about 9 months before emerging into a gorgeous butterfly.

 

Author: Anasti F
Published: 02/2010

 

RESOUCES:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/ct825870j71u40x3/

http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/Britain%20-%20Hamearis%20lucina.htm

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=lucina