Duke of Burgundy Fritillary
Hamearis lucina
Hamearis lucina, the Duke of Burgundy, the only member of the genus Hamearis, is a European butterfly in the family Riodinidae. For many years, it was known as the "Duke of Burgundy fritillary", because the adult's chequered pattern is strongly reminiscent of "true" fritillaries of the family Nymphalidae.
36
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Felix Riegel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Felix Riegel
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Riodinidae
Genus
Hamearis
Duke of Burgundy Fritillary belongs to the family Riodinidae, order Lepidoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Hamearis lucina, the Duke of Burgundy, the only member of the genus Hamearis, is a European butterfly in the family Riodinidae. For many years, it was known as the "Duke of Burgundy fritillary", because the adult's chequered pattern is strongly reminiscent of "true" fritillaries of the family Nymphalidae.
The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary faces significant population declines across its range due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized woodland habitats. The species' dependence on specific host plants and precise microhabitat conditions makes it particularly vulnerable to changes in woodland management practices and climate-driven shifts in habitat suitability.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits woodland clearings, rides, and edges with sparse canopy cover, particularly in deciduous and mixed woodlands where wild primrose (Primula vulgaris) and cowslip (Primula veris) grow. Requires sheltered, partially shaded areas with a mosaic of open ground and low vegetation structure.
Threats
Changes in woodland management practices
Loss of host plant availability (Primula species)
Woodland habitat loss and fragmentation
Climate change affecting habitat suitability
Scrubland succession and canopy closure
Found in 36 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Duke of Burgundy Fritillary (Hamearis lucina). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/duke-of-burgundy-fritillary