The purple emperor is a large brown butterfly with iridescent wings that shine blue or purple in the light. Purple emperors do not feed from flowers. Instead they feed from honeydew secreted by aphids, and even from dung and rotting animal carcasses. Their caterpillars feed on pussy willow (sallow) plants. These are only alive and on the wing for about three weeks.

[daacon]

Wow you sure caught this species very well interesting and some great shots.

[Johndav]

Very nice, flash close ups always give me problems and I'm guessing from your lens you used a supplemental flash,

[Canada_Rockies]

Nicely done, Gary!

[dadipentak]

Worst case of purple fringing I've ever seen! But seriously, that's a tough photographic proposition--the color seems so ephemeral.

[Rupert]

Gorgeous!

Regards!