Once thought extinct in many areas, purple emperors are now turning up everywhere, even in supermarkets.
Though most of our UK butterflies have suffered horrific declines in recent decades, a brave few are bucking the trend. None more so than the purple emperor, Apatura iris, long regarded as a rare denizen of southern oak woods – even though its essential requirement is the humble sallow bush, the caterpillar’s foodplant.
The State of the UK’s Butterflies 2015, a review produced by Butterfly Conservation and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, shows that during the 10 years leading up to 2014, the purple emperor increased its distribution by a staggering 135 per cent. Its closest rival was the silver-washed fritillary, another showy butterfly, which expanded its range by 55 per cent during that time. The next review, likely to be published late next year, should show the continuation of that positive trend.
In recent years, individuals of this distinctive butterfly have turned up in an impressive range of unlikely situations, which is not surprising, as it has eccentric tendencies and pushes limits – all limits. Purple emperors have been seen in several supermarkets (mainly Tesco, but also Sainsbury’s and Waitrose), two nursing homes, two public schools, a hospital, a borstal, a prison, a trout farm, an ammunition dump, a crematorium, the national film archive at Berkhampsted, outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, and, best of all, the departures lounge at Gatwick Airport. Most of these were dispersing males.
This story is from the July 2019 edition of BBC Wildlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2019 edition of BBC Wildlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ALL YOU EVER NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT THE Giant panda
Cuddly-looking with highly distinctive black-and-white fur and dark ‘spectacles’, the giant panda – often referred to simply as the panda – is an undeniably popular and much-loved bear, both the national animal of China and, of course, the iconic logo of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
CRUISE CONTROL
As more people are drawn to experience the frozen frontiers, can tourism to the seventh continent be a good thing for nature?
COWS COME HOME
Tauros are the closest thing to the extinct aurochs. And they are coming to the UK.
BIG LITTLE JOURNEYS
A closer look at the smallbut-mighty animals that must travel vast distances to survive
MOUNTAIN MISSION
Canada lynx and wolverines are secretive creatures, but dedicated scientists in Montana are tracking them to inform conservation
LET'S GET TOGETHER - ROOSTING PIED WAGTAILS
Remember to look up this Christmas to enjoy gangs of pied wags' gathered in the trees
FEMALE OF THE SPECIES - REINDEER
Lucy Cooke explains why the females of this Christmas icon have antlers too
Ancient woodland still at risk from HS2
Scrapping the northern phase has spared some sites, but woodlands and reserves remain under threat
Ocean superheroes
Release of 10.000 oysters in North East England promises to improve water quality and marine life
MEET THE VOLUNTEER - Keith Dobell
The retiree cares for a park, an old railway track and a wood in his home county of Northamptonshire