Hello Everyone, I have just received the exciting news of yet another Purple Emperor that has been seen in Derbyshire – this time on the 18th of July 2024 along a stone track near Aston on Trent. – the butterfly was seen by Alan Burrell at about 9 am which suggests it came down to the track from an adjacent woodland for some heat (similar to the first butterfly seen in Bretby on the 8th of July 2024). Have a look at the attached photo – as I cannot see any purple on the wings I am assuming that it is a female.
It is quite ironic that 5 days later I did a Report for BBC East Midlands Today on His Imperial Majesty first appearing in the County – I was completely unaware at the time that the second sighting had occurred just over 1 mile away from Aston Brickyards!
Have a look at the attached link – scroll down to BBC East Midlands Today and enjoy!
Friends of Aston Brickyard Plantation | Facebook
This welcome purple invasion of the County has started but probably it is too late for further sightings this year – unless you know different!