Hobbies And Interests
Description
The lesser purple emperor is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 6 centimeters. The male butterflies have a purple color on the upper wings, which changes to a gray color depending upon the viewing angle. There are a series of white spots horizontally across the wings, and a red ring at the bottom of the wing. Females do not have the purple color and are brown with similar pattern.
Caterpillar
The lesser purple emperor caterpillar is mostly green with two yellow stripes. It has two horns on its head. The caterpillar feeds on willow, poplar and aspen. The caterpillars will remain in the larval stage over the winter.
Range
The lesser purple emperor butterfly is found throughout Europe and Asia, and as far south as China, Pakistan and Iran. This area is known as the Palaearctic ecozone. It also is found at the northern end of Africa. The butterfly is usually seen in the months of June and July, and is found in wooded areas near a source of water.
Food
The adult butterflies have a preference for items with a strong odor. They are fond on dung heaps and decaying flesh, and will congregate to feed on a dead carcass. They also are attracted to human sweat and often will land on a person. Wildlife photographer David Element notes that the butterflies are attracted to the salts in these food items. They are reported to secrete enzymes that break up the salts and other minerals necessary for reproduction.
Habits
Male butterflies usually are the ones seen and will defend their territory, often perched above a dung pile. According to the "Butterflies of the Rhone" website, the females are not often seen because they spend their time hiding in the forest canopy. They also are more difficult to spot as they are not as brightly colored and blend in with the leaves.