Small Purple Emperor
Image: Pierre (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common NameSmall Purple Emperor
Scientific NameApatura ilia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyApaturinae
Wingspan (mm)62.5
Primary Colorsgreen, blue, brown, silver
HabitatDeciduous forests, especially along rivers and streams, forest edges, and clearings.
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, temperate Asia to Japan.
Host PlantsPopulus tremula, Salix caprea, Populus nigra
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe Small Purple Emperor undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with yellow stripes and two 'horns' on the head, overwintering as small caterpillars. Pupae are green and suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsMales exhibit a striking iridescent purple sheen when viewed from certain angles, while females are larger and lack this strong iridescence. Both sexes have prominent white bands across the wings and an orange-ringed eyespot on the hindwing underside. It can be distinguished from the Purple Emperor (*Apatura iris*) by the presence of this distinct orange-ringed eyespot on the hindwing.
Description
This image depicts a glass paperweight, crafted by Amalric Walter and Henri Bergé around 1925, designed in the form of a Small Purple Emperor butterfly. The art piece features iridescent green and blue tones on the wings, accented with brown and silver markings, resting on a translucent green base.
