The Duke

I hope you enjoy today's blip, it is a Duke of Burgundy butterfly.
The duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina) was once known as 'Mr Vernon's Small fritillary' and is the only member of the metalmarks (Riodinidae) family found in the UK.
It is quite small with a wingspan of 29 - 31 mm and is one of the fastest declining butterflies in the UK and is mainly confined to the southern UK with a few colonies elsewhere.
I found this one on a known site on the south downs, in a meadow which is protected by butterfly conservation and supports many species that love chalk grassland.
This is a male, who was flitting about, sunning himself and guarding his little patch. Males have 2 pairs of walking legs, the front 3rd pair being vestigial, the females have the 'normal' 3 pairs.
I feel very privileged to have spent some time today in the presence of this beautiful little butterfly, I hope you will too