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Apatura Iris Collection

The Apatura iris, commonly known as the purple emperor, is a stunning butterfly belonging to the family of Lepidoptera

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Lepidoptera, Butterflies, tortoiseshell butterfly, Red admiral, Painted lady

Lepidoptera, Butterflies, tortoiseshell butterfly, Red admiral, Painted lady
Vintage engraving of Butterflies. 23. Comma, 24. Small tortoiseshell, 25. large tortoiseshell, 26. Camberwell beauty, 27. Peacock, 28. Red admiral, 29. Painted lady, 30. White admiral, 31

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Apatura iris, purple emperor

Apatura iris, purple emperor
Plate 20 from Illustrations of British Butterflies and their Larvae (1892) by Theo Johnson. Cropped image of illustration

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Purple emperor, Apatura iris (Iris butterfly, Papilio iris). Illustration drawn

Purple emperor, Apatura iris (Iris butterfly, Papilio iris). Illustration drawn
FLO4682026 Purple emperor, Apatura iris (Iris butterfly, Papilio iris). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Purple emperor butterfly, Apatura iris, ventral and dorsal, and lesser purple emperor, Apatura ilia

Purple emperor butterfly, Apatura iris, ventral and dorsal, and lesser purple emperor, Apatura ilia
FLO4670895 Purple emperor butterfly, Apatura iris, ventral and dorsal, and lesser purple emperor, Apatura ilia. Handcoloured steel engraving by the Pauquet brothers after an illustration by Alexis

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Various butterflies (Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae), chromolithograph, published in 1892

Various butterflies (Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae), chromolithograph, published in 1892
Various butterflies (Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae): 1) Black hairstreak (Satyrium pruni), a-caterpillar, b-pupa, c-butterfly, d-underside; 2) Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe)

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Apatura iris, the purple emperor, Butterfly, Insects, Wildlife illustration

Apatura iris, the purple emperor, Butterfly, Insects, Wildlife illustration
Vintage illustration of a Apatura iris, the purple emperor, is a Palearctic butterfly of the family Nymphalidae

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Purple Emperor Butterfly (Apatura iris) male on English Oak (Quercus robur) leaf with wings closed

Purple Emperor Butterfly (Apatura iris) male on English Oak (Quercus robur) leaf with wings closed. Captive, UK

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Purple emperor butterfly C016 / 5691

Purple emperor butterfly C016 / 5691
Purple emperor buttefly (Apatura iris). Mounted male specimen. This butterfly ranges from Europe to Japan. It is a woodland butterfly that usually flies high in the treetops but will feed on ground

Background imageApatura Iris Collection: Purple Emperor by John Curtis (1791 - 1862)

Purple Emperor by John Curtis (1791 - 1862) from British Entomology


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The Apatura iris, commonly known as the purple emperor, is a stunning butterfly belonging to the family of Lepidoptera. With its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, this species is truly a sight to behold. Often referred to as the tortoiseshell butterfly or the red admiral, it shares similarities with other members of the Nymphalidae family such as the painted lady. However, what sets Apatura iris apart is its unique charm and elegance. This chromolithograph from 1892 showcases various butterflies including those from Lycaenidae and Nymphalidae families. Among them stands out Apatura iris, captivating viewers with its regal presence. In this wildlife illustration, we see a male Purple Emperor Butterfly perched delicately on an English Oak leaf (Quercus robur), wings closed in all their glory. The combination of rich purples and browns creates an enchanting contrast against nature's backdrop. Another image captures this magnificent creature once again on an English Oak leaf; however, here we witness its wings slightly open, revealing glimpses of iridescent hues that shimmer in sunlight. Known for its majestic allure, photographers have captured breathtaking shots like C016/5691 where every detail of this Purple Emperor Butterfly shines through effortlessly. Renowned naturalist John Curtis also immortalized this species in his artwork. His depiction beautifully portrays Apatura iris' gracefulness and captivates us with its lifelike representation. With repeated mentions emphasizing its beauty and significance within nature's realm - "Apatura iris, " "purple emperor" - one cannot help but be drawn into exploring more about these mesmerizing creatures that continue to inspire awe among enthusiasts worldwide.