The Duke of Burgundy butterfly and its dukedom:: larval niche variation in Hamearis lucina across Central Europe

In order to improve our understanding of habitat preferences and optimal management of open woodland insects, we analyse patch occupancy and oviposition electivity of the endangered Duke of Burgundy butterfly, Hamearis lucina, in three regions across German habitat types. Some newly available forest clearings created by a severe winter storm in the Schonbuch region were colonised within 2 years, whereas some suitable patches remained unoccupied for several years. We discuss how small population sizes, limited patch connectivity, and habitat quality may contribute to such an intermediate colonisation power. Across study regions, we document differences in oviposition site electivity. On calcareous grassland in the Diemeltal, shaded Primula plants on western slopes were preferentially used, probably to avoid desiccation of the natal food plant. To the contrary, sun-exposed Primula stands were preferred in forest clearings in the Schonbuch and calcareous fens in the Allgau. In these regions, the risk of desiccation is low, but the overall cool and moist microclimate conditions may hamper larval development in shaded conditions, favouring oviposition at sites with maximum exposition to solar radiation. Optimal management strategies depend on the abiotic and biotic conditions and conservation priorities for the given region and habitat type, and we suggest management regimes that promise to sustain suitable H. lucina habitat at a landscape-level.