Duke of Burgundy / Smeđi pirgavac

Description:

It is 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 of the adult's chequered pattern strongly reminiscent of "true" fritillaries of the family Nymphalidae. As adults, the sexes exhibit distinctly different behavioural patterns. Males are highly territorial, defending small sheltered, but warm, areas. Spectacular aerial "dog fights" occur between males. Females are less "showy", but are prone to wander, frequently travelling 250 m. New colonies have been established more than 5 km from the nearest known existing colony.

Habitat:

The species range is restricted to the Western Palaearctic, from Spain, the UK and Sweden to the Balkans.

Notes:

Related spotting: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/361...