Purple emperor  (Apatura iris)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Males of this beautiful butterfly have an iridescent purple or bluish sheen to the upper surface of the wings when viewed from a certain angle (3). Females do not have this iridescence, however, and are patterned with dark brown and white markings, as are the males when the iridescence is not visible (1). Both sexes have an eye-spot on the hindwings (1). The plump caterpillar grows to 4.2 centimetres in length, is strongly tapered at each end and sports two long horns, tipped with red. It is bright green in colour, has diagonal yellow lines along the sides and is freckled with tiny yellow spots (4).

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