David Element's Wildlife Web Page Butterflies 14

David Element

Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images

_____________________________________________________________________Butterflies 14 - Purple Emperors

PURPLE EMPEROR Apatura iris (m)

These photographs show two male Purple Emperor Butterflies Apatura iris feeding at ground level on mineral salts and horse droppings. The bright yellow proboscis possesses several thickened 'pads' at the tip which increase the surface area in contact with the salts. Enzymes exuded by the butterfly help to dissolve these chemicals (which would appear to be required for reproductive purposes) and these are then ingested. Some of the photographs demonstrate the colour changes which are observed as the angle of refraction of the incident light on the wing surface is altered. Good sightings are at a premium as much of this stunning butterfly's short adult life is spent obscured from view by the foliage of tall oak or ash trees.

Males are notorious amongst butterfly watchers for their predilection for noxious substances with dung and carrion topping the list! Nevertheless, this behaviour is instantly forgiven if the observer is able to see one of these marvellous insects at close quarters. Sweat is also very attractive and sometimes an Emperor may be tempted by human perspiration.