David Element's Wildlife Web Page Butterflies 14

David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

Butterflies 14 - Nymphalidae - Purple Emperors 1

PURPLE EMPEROR Apatura iris (m)

LESSER PURPLE EMPEROR Apatura ilia f. clytie

The first four photographs show two male Purple Emperors feeding at ground level on mineral salts and horse droppings. The bright yellow proboscis possesses several thickened 'pads' at the tip which increase the surface area in contact with the salts. Enzymes exuded by the butterfly help to dissolve these chemicals (which would appear to be required for reproductive purposes) and these are then ingested. Some of the photographs demonstrate the colour changes which are observed as the angle of refraction of the incident light on the wing surface is altered. Good sightings are at a premium as much of this stunning butterfly's short adult life is spent obscured from view by the foliage of tall oak or ash trees.

Males are notorious amongst butterfly watchers for their predilection for noxious substances with dung and carrion topping the list! Nevertheless, this behaviour is instantly forgiven if the observer is able to see one of these marvellous insects at close quarters. Sweat is also very attractive and sometimes an Emperor may be tempted by human perspiration. Whilst in France recently the photographer experienced a Lesser Purple Emperor Apatura ilia climbing up and down his right arm whilst he was trying to take its photograph. This, of course, was absolutely the worst possible place for it to be and the only consolation was the fact that it is possible to operate a mini-DV camera left-handed! Fortunately another (rather tatty) individual of the form clytie did allow its photograph to be taken! This species is absent from Britain.