A strikingly beautiful butterfly, the Purple Emperor is only on the wing for a short period in late summer. A large butterfly of woodlands, it is well-known for spending much of its time in the treetops feeding on aphid honeydew, so a pair of binoculars is handy if you want so spot this dazzling insect. Males may be seen flying to the ground mid-morning to feed on salts and sugars in damp puddles, on animal droppings or road surfaces, or even on rotting carcases. The caterpillars feed on mainly on Goat Willow, although Crack-willow and Grey Willow are also used.
Populations of the Purple Emperor steadily declined during the 20th century and is now restricted to larger woods in southern England. The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves for the benefit of butterflies: a mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting, ride maintenance and non-intervention all help woodland wildlife to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to surveying for butterflies.
