| ADULT |
Wingspan - 70 - 92mm. His Majesty is a splendid creature with dark brown upper-wings that have obvious white markings and a wide white central cross-band on the hind-wing. The undersides of the hind-wings have the same central band on an orange-brown background. The undersides of the forewings are again orange-brown with a distinct eye-spot and white markings. The male has a purple iridescent sheen to the surface of the upper wings which the female lacks. |
| CHRYSALIS |
Green and found suspended on underside of leaf. |
| LARVA |
Brown at first becoming greenish with oblique yellow streaks. Slug-like in appearance and has two red tipped horns on the head. |
| EGG |
Found on Sallow leaves. |
| BEHAVIOUR |
A tree top dwelling creature that can be seen feeding low down on dung, pools and carcasses early in its flight period. The males select a master tree from which they seek out passing females. Other males will be seen off as the Purple Emperor is highly territorial. |
| HABITAT |
Oak woodlands with open areas and pathways. |
| FLIGHT PERIOD |
Late June to late July. |
