David
Element
Wildlife
Photography
and Digital
Video Images
Butterflies
14 - Nymphalidae - Purple Emperors 1

PURPLE EMPEROR Apatura
iris (m)

PURPLE EMPEROR Apatura
iris (m)

PURPLE EMPEROR Apatura
iris (m)

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.
- Some further close-ups of
Purple Emperors are shown on Butterflies 18.
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Element.