The Purple Emperor is a spectacular European butterfly that occasionally appears as an accidental introduction to North America. Males display breathtaking iridescent purple upper wings visible only at the right angle. It inhabits the canopy of tall oak and sallow forests, rarely descending except to feed on dung, carrion, and mineral-rich soil. It is one of the most sought-after butterflies in the Old World.
Habitat
Tall deciduous forests; accidental vagrant in North America
Diet
Larvae: sallow (Salix) leaves. Adults: dung, carrion, tree sap, and mud
How common
Very rare
Recent Purple Emperor sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Purple Emperor? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free