Identifying features
Wingspan 65–74 millimetres. On top, the wings are dark brown, with a bluish-violet sheen, and a wide white band across the hindwing, which has an outward-facing “roof.” The underside is brownish with dark spots.
Similar species
Can be confused with lesser purple emperor (Apatura ilia), which, however, is smaller, has longer and more S-shaped forewings, an eye spot on the upper side of the forewing, and lacks the “roof” of white in the hindwing band.
Distribution
The property is stable and expanding in Sweden, primarily in the deciduous forests of the Göta and Svea regions.
Biology
The larvae feed on goat willow and willow.