Purple Emperor Butterfly sightings

One of our regular walkers reported a sighting on the amazing Purple Emperor butterfly on the Commons this week, and also sent us some fantastic photographs.

This magnificent butterfly flies high in the tree-tops of well-wooded landscapes in central-southern England where it feeds on aphid honeydew and tree sap. The adults are extremely elusive and occur at low densities over large areas. The males occasionally descend to the ground, usually in mid-morning, where they probe for salts either from road surfaces or from animal dung.

The Purple Emperor declined steadily during the twentieth century and is now restricted to some of the larger woods in southern England. There has been a recent slight re-expansion in some areas. Restricted to large woods in southern England where they spend much of their time in the treetops. Females resemble the White Admiral, but have an orange-ringed eyespot under the forewing.

(Information courtesy of Butterfly Conservation)
(Photograph courtesy of Jane Chilcott)

Big Butterfly Count

If you are interested in butterflies we are always delighted to receive any sightings like the Purple Emperor. But to contribute to the national picture, the Big Butterfly Count is taking place between 15th July and 7th August - spend just 15 minutes noting butterflies in your chosen spot - what could be easier!?  

Further details can be found on the Big Butterfly Count website.