Butterflies 1976-2025
Purple Emperor
Apatura Iris Wingspan - 70 mm
This is an exceptionally large and rarely seen resident in certain select areas on the North Downs, including High Elms.
Habit: The butterfly is similar in some respects to the White Admiral, by it tending to make occasional forays down to ground level, from its habitat high in the canopy of large oak trees in particular. The butterfly recorded here actually landed on the hand of an individual and was probably after the salty sweat of the perspiring individual, a not uncommon, though remarkable experience shared by one of our recorders.
Larval Food-plant: Salix - Goat willow and sallow. Large plump, pale green larvae, spotted and striped camouflage effect with horned protrusions resembling a leaf petiole or midrib.
One generation a year - eggs laid singly on the surface of leaves, caterpillar hibernates at third instar stage, emerging in spring to mature and produce butterflies in late July or August
Status: uncertain but probably not under threat in selected areas on the North Downs
Localities AW -Andrews Wood Shoreham - HE High Elms
Emergence times for butterflies is a simple climate change monitor that you can be involved in. Please email your records and images or download the app 'iRecord' and sightings will be considered for inclusion in the British Butterfly Survey. This is open to individuals or teachers and schools.
©Rodney Compton
Thanks to Ray Froud* and Fred OHare**
© image - dreamstime
Areas covered by this survey