Purple Emperor Butterfly (apatura iris)
Once common, this striking, but increasing rare butterfly makes one appearance during the year, throughout Europe, North Africa and Asia. It spends its time high in the canopy feeding on aphid honeydew and only comes to gound to feed on minerals, usually first thing in the morning and late afternoon. Remarkably, when the sunlight catches the wings of the male they produce flashes of purple iridescent sheen.
Many thanks for all your comments.
Purple Emperor Butterfly (apatura iris)
Once common, this striking, but increasing rare butterfly makes one appearance during the year, throughout Europe, North Africa and Asia. It spends its time high in the canopy feeding on aphid honeydew and only comes to gound to feed on minerals, usually first thing in the morning and late afternoon. Remarkably, when the sunlight catches the wings of the male they produce flashes of purple iridescent sheen.
Many thanks for all your comments.