The lesser purple emperor butterfly is extremely elusive and is only found in small numbers over large areas. There are two forms of this magnificent butterfly: a blue form and an orange-brown form, the latter is more commonly encountered.
The lesser purple emperor butterfly is native to woodland and forests. It is often found near rivers and damp areas where the larval food plant ‘slender leaved willow’ (Salix alba) grows.
This beautiful butterfly flies in two generations from May to the end of July and from the beginning of August until mid-September.