Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Valais, Switzerland, May 2018
Field notes and information
This is Europe's sole representative of the large family of metal-marks, Riodinidae. The family is best represented in south America and extends to most other parts of the world.
Identification & Similar species: The upperside orange and black chequered markings resemble the fritillaries of the family Nymphalidae. Closer inspection of the layout of the markings however should eliminate confusion with similar species.
Distribution & Flight: From central Spain to south England and eastwards across most of central and southern Europe. It is usually single brooded in May/ June but may also fly a little earlier with a partial second brood in summer in July/ August. I've only rarely encountered this second brood.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery places in scrubland.
Valais, Switzerland, May 2009
Female
Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Vaud, Switzerland, May 2022
Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Jura, France, June 2014
Valais, Switzerland, May 2010
Male
Valais, Switzerland, May 2018
Valais, Switzerland, May 2015
Valais, Switzerland, May 2018
Kozani, Greece, May 2004
Fribourg, Switzerland, June2021
Valais, Switzerland, May 2021
Vaud, Switzerland, May 2020
Flying with L. helle.
Vaud, Switzerland, May 2020
Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Vaud, Switzerland, May 2020
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
The female H. lucina has attracted a very interested M. cinxia.
Jura, France, June 2014
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Valais, Switzerland, May 2010
Valais, Switzerland, June 2013
Feeding on honeydew.
Hampshire, UK, June 2002
Valais, Switzerland, May 2010
Cluj, Romania, May 2009
Cuneo, Italy, May 2012
Valais, Switzerland, June 2006
Vaud, Switzerland, May 2008
Valais, Switzerland, May 2009
Valais, Switzerland, April 2003
Jura, France, May 2005
Jura, France, June 2004
Savoie, France, May 2005
Valais, Switzerland, May 2005
Female showing more orange than the male.
Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Provence, France, June 2003
Found at 2000m altitude, high for this species.