With a name fit for nobility, the eye-catching Duke of Burgundy has the colours to match – its dark wings patterned with little orange markings like flickering lanterns.
Common name: Duke of Burgundy
Scientific name: Hamearis lucina
Family: Riodinidae
Habitat: ancient woodland clearings, chalk grassland, limestone grassland
Caterpillar foodplants: cowslip and primrose
Predators: birds, spiders, snails and other invertebrates
Origin: native
Caterpillars: pale brown and covered in hairs, with orange heads and single dark lines running down their backs.
Adults: the upperwings are dark brown with orange markings, while the underwings are a lighter, orangey-brown with white spots. Both sides have a chequered brown and white border. Females have rounder forewings than males.
Wingspan: 3cm.
Caterpillars: feed on cowslip and primrose.
Adults: feed on nectar, though only occasionally.
The origin of this species’ name remains a mystery. It has no obvious link to the historical Dukedom of Burgundy, and may instead come from the colour of the butterfly’s wings.
Males are very territorial and are known to pick favourite perches, which they defend fiercely from rivals while on the lookout for females. Eggs are normally laid in May and June on the undersides of primrose and cowslip leaves, either singly or in small batches. These take one to three weeks to hatch, with the caterpillars staying hidden during the day and feeding only at night. After around six weeks, the caterpillars leave their foodplants to pupate in nearby grass tussocks over winter.
The Duke of Burgundy is only found in England, its main stronghold being the chalk and limestone grasslands of central and southern counties. More isolated populations exist in the southern Lake District and the North Yorkshire moors. The species can be found in woodland clearings, particularly in ancient woodland sites, where it was historically much more common. It prefers warm, sheltered spots with an abundance of cowslips or primroses.
Female Duke of Burgundy butterflies have six functional legs, while the males only have four – a characteristic they share with fellow members of the metalmark butterfly family.
Keep an eye out for males defending prominent, low-growing bushes or tussocks – they will often remain in the same patch all day. Females are more elusive but can be seen flitting from leaf to leaf as they lay eggs. As with many butterflies, you’re more likely to see the Duke of Burgundy on warm, calm days.
The Duke of Burgundy has declined significantly over the last few decades, disappearing from much of its original range in the UK. This has primarily been due to the loss of suitable grassland and ancient woodland habitats.
