Ynghylch

A strikingly beautiful butterfly, the purple emperoris only on the wing for a short period in late summer. A large butterfly of woodlands, it is well known for spending much of its time in the treetops feeding on aphid honeydew, so a pair of binoculars is handy if you want so spot this dazzling insect. Males may be seen flying to the ground mid-morning to feed on salts and sugars in damp puddles, on animal droppings or road surfaces, or even on rotting carcases. The caterpillars feed on mainly on goat willow, although crack-willow and grey willow are also used.