IDENTITY RECORD

Purple Emperor

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Apatura iris

DescrIption

I am a large butterfly with a wingspan of 7-8 cm. My name comes from my coloration that is deep purple-blue depending on the light (in the males). I have a large white band on the underside of my hindwings.

Behavior

Diet

I do not have a traditional diet. I feed on the sap oozing from trees or the honeydew secreted over the foliage by aphids. My menu also includes fresh droppings as well as carrion and basically anything that grabs my sense of smell.

Reproduction

I lay my eggs on the leaves of host trees like willows or poplars.

Where and when can you find me in the reserve ?

Habitat

I live in wet forests, along the forest edge, in clearings and along footpaths.

When to spot me

Like all reptiles in our latitude, I hibernate in the cold months so you can spot me between March and October.

Did you know?

You can find me between June and August.

Conservation status

• Red list of Rhopalocera in metropolitan France: Least Concern (LC).
• Red list of endangered Rhopalocera and Zygaena in Alsace: Least Concern (LC).