Hamearis lucina
Scientific NameHamearis lucina
FamilyRiodinidae
SubfamilyNemeobiinae
Wingspan (mm)29-34
HabitatWoodland clearings, grasslands, and scrubland, often associated with its larval food plants, cowslip (Primula veris) and primrose (Primula vulgaris).
Conservation StatusGlobally Least Concern, but Near Threatened or Vulnerable in parts of its European range, particularly the UK.
Description
A small, distinctive butterfly with an orange-brown upperside heavily marked with dark brown spots and a dark border. The underside of the hindwings is orange with prominent white spots. Males are territorial, and females lay eggs singly on the underside of food plant leaves. It is the only European representative of the metalmark butterfly family (Riodinidae).
