Hamearis lucina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Host plants:
The larva feeds on Primula species (mainly Primula veris and P. elatior) and possibly also Lysimachia (Lysimachia nummularium, eastern Swabian Alb, 2009 repeatedly observed oviposition). It is not sure if a successful development is possible on Lysimachia. Further research is necessary. Since then I only recorded eggs on Primula.

Habitat:
Hamearis lucina colonizes clear, fringe-rich forest structures, coppices, bushy grasslands, embankments with grasslands, wide edges of hedges and more humid clearcuttings and clearings in the forest.

Life cycle:
Hamearis lucina hibernates as a pupa and flies in the spring from April to June. Eggs are laid in small groups on the underside of leaves (rarely also top side) and are quite conspicuous. The larvae grow quickly and obviously only have three moults. The pupa rests in the litter.

Endangerment factors:
In many places, Hamearis lucina is in sharp decline by darkening processes in forests, intense removing of buses on grasslands and the uniformization of the landscape (removal of hedges etc.). However, locally Hamearis lucina is still quite common, e.g. in the Swabian Alb or in coppice woodland in northern Bavaria.

Remarks:
Hamearis lucina is distributed from the north of the Iberian Peninsula across southern and central Europe to the Urals.