English name:
Purple Emperor
Full scientific name:
Apatura iris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Croatian name:
Velika preljevalica
Flight Period and Life Cycle
1 brood per year. Overwinters as caterpillar.
Distribution in Croatia
More common in the north. Check the included map.
External Morphology Characteristics
The upper side of the wings is brown in color with white spots. At a certain angle of view, the light rays create a bluish reflection. In the discal zone of the hindwing there is a white strip. The comparison with Apatura ilia and A. metis is here.
Behavior
It often absorbs juices on moist soil or feces.
Caterpillar Host Plants
Family Salicaceae.
Habitat
It is common at the edges of woodland. Elevations: 0-1300m.
Gallery
