Purple Emperor

GFM · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 06:53 AM

Anyone know anywhere comparitively easy to spot this elusive high flying butterfly, other than having the scaffolding and cranes the nature programmes have available?

Susie · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 03:33 PM

There are plenty of PE "hotspots" but whether they are easy to spot or not is another matter. Where abouts in the country are you or are you able to travel to anywhere in the UK?

There are some good sites here in West Sussex but these butterflies are more widespread than people realise, it is just a case of knowing what to look for and patience.

James M · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 03:40 PM

How are PE's doing these days? are they spreading or declining in any ways? It's one species I've always wanted to see but would have to travel quite a way to be in with a chance.

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 06:46 PM

Have seen 6 today at Bookham Common. 1 as soon as I entered the common, a close female investigating some sallows, 2 males over a well known "master area" + then another 2 males at another point. The most individuals I've seen here- only 1 on last year's visit.

A difficullt butterfly to census, often overlooked, but think it's doing ok.

Cheryl · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 06:55 PM

[quote=aeshna5;507026]Have seen 6 today at Bookham Common. 1 as soon as I entered the common, a close female investigating some sallows, 2 males over a well known "master area" + then another 2 males at another point. The most individuals I've seen here- only 1 on last year's visit.

Quote]

I'm deeply jealous

I've never seen one despite living close to a "hot spot" - shall keep trying

GFM · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 09:47 AM

Thanks for those replies, unfortunately I'm in the Leeds area, I wonder what is the most north that they've been seen.

RobinP · #7 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 05:57 AM

I think South Midlands is the nearest you will get. For those interested there is a guided tour of Broxbourne Woods (Herts) this Thursday, a reliable hotspot for PE, though the weather forecast is not promising. PM me if interested and I will send details.

Fourwings · #8 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 06:14 AM

GFM - The nearest reliable site for Purple Emperor to you is Fermyn Woods in Northamptonshire just south of Corby.
This has to be one of the best sites in the UK for this species now. I was there last Tuesday and saw well over 15 Purple Emperors, most of them were coming down to the ground to take minerals and were very approachable and incredibly easy to photograph.
You also have a fantastic supporting cast of other Butterflies there including White Admiral, White-letter & Purple Hairstreaks and Silver-washed Fritillary as well as all the commoner species.
Its a fantastic place to visit at the moment and I'll quite happily pass on detailed directions to anyone who wants them.
Just a couple of Purple Emperor shots taken at Fermyn last Tuesday.

Dragoner · #9 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Have seen 6 today at Bookham Common. 1 as soon as I entered the common, a close female investigating some sallows, 2 males over a well known "master area" + then another 2 males at another point. The most individuals I've seen here- only 1 on last year's visit.

A difficullt butterfly to census, often overlooked, but think it's doing ok.

Is there a particular place to go on the common to see these butterflies? They would be a new one for me. Visited BC for the very first time at the start of the Painted Lady invasion a couple of months ago - and these were the only butterflies I saw. Looked like a place that I could add to my 'on the way to work' list.

Stephen

Adam Cheeseman · #10 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Have seen 6 today at Bookham Common. 1 as soon as I entered the common, a close female investigating some sallows, 2 males over a well known "master area" + then another 2 males at another point. The most individuals I've seen here- only 1 on last year's visit.

A difficullt butterfly to census, often overlooked, but think it's doing ok.

Would that be near 'the Plain'?