The majestic Purple Emperor is the second largest Uk species, second only to the Swallowtail. The purple sheen thats present on the males can only be seen from certain angles and light conditions. This magnificent butterfly flies high in the tree-tops of well-wooded landscapes in central-southern England where it feeds on aphid honeydew and tree sap. The adults are extremely elusive and occur at low densities over large areas. The males occasionally descend to the ground, usually in mid-morning, where they probe for salts either from road surfaces or from animal dung.
Restricted to large woods in southern England where they spend much of their time in the treetops.
Woodlands, master tree's are used by males, they gather to attract the females and usually use large mature Oaks.
It is a species of conservation concern in the UK, it seems to have had some re-expansion of its range in recent years.
Purple emperors are attracted to rotting meat, dung and sweat.
