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Purple Emperor Collection

The Purple Emperor, scientifically known as Apatura iris, is a magnificent species of butterfly belonging to the Lepidoptera order

Background imagePurple Emperor 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 imagePurple Emperor Collection: Purple Emperor Butterfly

Purple Emperor Butterfly
ME-2344 Purple Emperor Butterfly Apatura iris Johan De Meester Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imagePurple Emperor 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 imagePurple Emperor 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 imagePurple Emperor Collection: White Admiral, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)

White Admiral, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999457 White Admiral, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

Background imagePurple Emperor Collection: Butterflies (coloured engraving)

Butterflies (coloured engraving)
1090883 Butterflies (coloured engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Butterflies. Illustration for A History of the Earth)

Background imagePurple Emperor 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


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The Purple Emperor, scientifically known as Apatura iris, is a magnificent species of butterfly belonging to the Lepidoptera order. With its vibrant purple wings and intricate patterns, this enchanting creature captivates all who have the privilege of witnessing its beauty. Often referred to as the king of butterflies, the Purple Emperor stands out among its fellow winged insects. Its regal appearance rivals that of even the most stunning tortoiseshell butterfly or Red Admiral. The Painted Lady may be admired for its delicate charm, but it pales in comparison to the grandeur exuded by this majestic creature. In wildlife illustrations from centuries past, such as those found in White Admiral's work from 1833-39 or Butterflies' colored engravings from 1783-1806, one can see how artists sought to capture every detail of these remarkable beings. Their efforts continue with W. S. Furneaux's illustrations in his book "Butterflies, Moths and Other Insects and Creatures of the Countryside, " published in 1927. From color lithographs dating back to around 1860 to more recent photographs like C016/5691 showcasing a live specimen in all its glory; each depiction serves as a testament to our fascination with these ethereal creatures throughout history. As we explore different types of butterflies through art and literature alike, we are reminded that nature's creations never cease to amaze us. The Purple Emperor remains an emblematic symbol not only for butterfly enthusiasts but also for anyone seeking inspiration from the wonders that inhabit our world.