Apatura iris
WINGSPAN 7.5 to 8.5cm (3 to 3⅜in)
HABITAT Dense scrub, woodland areas
DISTRIBUTION Central Europe, parts of Asia, including central and western China
LIFESPAN Up to 3 weeks
MALES AND FEMALES Dark with white-banded wings, males have a purple sheen; females are brown with an orange-ringed eyespot under the forewing
This regal butterfly soars through the treetops and can be hard to spot. At first glance the male looks black and white, but when the sunlight catches his wings a glorious purple-jewelled hue can be seen. This elusive butterfly prefers to perch high up but will come down to earth to feed on the mineral salts in soil, carrion and bird droppings. In folklore around the world butterflies are linked to the human soul and purple butterflies, like the Apatura iris, are especially significant. They represent courage, faith and royalty, making the Purple Emperor the perfect name for this creature.