Nymphalidae: Apaturinae

07298 Lesser Purple Emperor Apatura ilia, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

BF -- (ABH59.000)

Kokalyane, near Sofia. 22nd June 2013. Male.
Kokalyane, near Sofia. 22nd June 2013. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Kokalyane, near Sofia. 22nd June 2013. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019
Kokalyane, near Sofia, 17th June 2016. Male, 1 of 2.
Kokalyane, near Sofia, 17th June 2016. Male, 1 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Kokalyane, near Sofia, 17th June 2016. Male, 2 of 2.
Kokalyane, near Sofia, 17th June 2016. Male, 2 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Apparently widespread, but our experience is that is rather less frequently encountered than the very similar Freyer's Purple Emperor (Apatura metis), except in west and north-west Bulgaria, where it seems to be the dominant species of the two.


UK Presence: Resident
National status: Least Concern

Habitat

Forested areas in glades and as males 'puddling' on tracks and damp areas by rivers. 

Regional Information

Recorded in 10 (0.5%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in July 2017

Recorded date range (Adult): 06 June to 31 July

Similar Species
near Gabrovo, 10th July 2014, male.
near Gabrovo, 10th July 2014, male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Least Concern