Duke of Burgundy. Photo: Adrian Reid
The Duke of Burgundy used to be classed as a Fritillary, and its markings are somewhat similar, but it has now been identified as closer to the ‘Metalmark’ family. It is declining everywhere in the UK. The decline is largely due to habitat loss. This butterfly has very precise requirements, and even a suitable site can become unsuitable as cover increases.
Where to see
- Habitat: Found in warm and sheltered spots within limestone/chalk grassland scrub or in more open areas of ancient woodland.
- Caterpillar foodplants: Cowslip and Primrose plants of mid to large size, growing among tussocky vegetation.
- Best places: The only publicly accessible site is on the slopes of the Cerne Abbas Giant.
Distribution map
Duke of Burgundy was recorded from these 1km squares in Dorset (2015-19).
- Key:
- 1 record
- 2-9 records
- 10+ records
When to see
Mainly May and early June, possibly a little either side.
Sightings by month (last 5 years)*
This year and last*
What to look for
This is a small and quite dark butterfly, which you might think is a small Fritillary, but it is now classed as a Metalmark. Like all Metalmarks the male Duke of Burgundy has two pairs of legs (like the real Fritillaries) and the female has three. This is the only Metalmark in the UK, but there are more members of the family elsewhere.
The upperwings are dark brown with pale orange patches towards the edges and with orange ovals with a black mark in them round the edges, and there is a brown and white checkered fringe.
The underside of the forewings is similar but lighter, while the hindwings have two bands of white cells, situated one third and two thirds of the way out from the body. These white marks are not found on any of the fritillaries.
The male and female are similar, but the female has much rounder forewings with more orange on them than the male. You are more likely to see the males, which select small bushes or tussocks as ‘perches’ and fiercely defend them all day against rivals through a series of spiraling dog-fights.
Photo gallery
Click thumbnails to view full-size images.
Duke of Burgundy. A female because of the rounded wing shape and plentiful supply of orange. Photo: Colin Varnell.
Duke of Burgundy - the sort of view you are most likely to get! You can see the white underwing markings. Photo: Brian Arnold
Duke of Burgundy butterflies, mating. This gives a very good idea of their small size, as they are on a cowslip flower. The male is on the right: note only two pairs of legs. Photo: Mark PIke
Male Duke of Burgundy in a perching posture, showing the slightly pointed upper and lower underwings. Photo: Chris Parker
Duke of Burgundy: a particularly dark specimen of a male - note the pointed wings. Photo: John Woodruff.
Duke of Burgundy: a particularly light specimen of a female - note the rounded wings an plentiful orange. Photo: Brian Arnold.
Duke of Burgundy mating. This photo shows the different numbers of legs well: two pairs on the male and three pairs on the female. Photo: Richard Collier.