The purple emperor butterfly is well known for feeding as an adult on rotting fruit and animal dung.
The purple emperor, Apatura iris, is a large butterfly native to parts of Europe and Asia. Unlike many butterflies that are associated with flower nectar, adult purple emperors often obtain nutrients from tree sap, carrion, dung, and decaying organic matter.
Males are especially notable for their territorial behavior and may gather on treetops, where they defend aerial territories. Their dark wings can show a blue-purple sheen when viewed at the right angle, an effect caused by microscopic wing structures.
The species is associated with woodlands, and its caterpillars feed mainly on willows. The purple color is therefore angle-dependent rather than a uniform purple pigment covering the wings.