Fermyn Woods, 2.7.2014

In search of an Emperor

Purely by chance, I offered to lend one of my Facebook buddies a moth trap. I suggested that meet at one of the butterfly sites up near where he lives in Peterborough.  He told me that a group of butterfly enthusiasts were heading to Fermyn Woods To look for the Purple Emperor butterfly.  It was too good an opportunity to miss so we arranged to meet at 9.30 the following morning. 

Unfortunately I was a few minutes late and I was greeted with the news that a male purple Emperor had been showing well in the car park just minutes before I arrived.  Unperturbed, we set of in search of another. ..

A short way along the track, White letter hairstreaks were being watched by a small group but they were way out of range for me and my camera.  Onwards again and we spotted a lone photographer looking intently at the ground ahead.  Excitement grew as we slowly and carefully approached, not wanting to disturb the insect. We need not have worried. Within a few minutes it became clear that the wonderful male Purple Emperor was almost completely oblivious to the 12 strong group of photographers lining up to get their shots. 

This wonderful male delighted the group for over an hour. Despite the eagerness of everyone to get the best shots possible, everyone took turns to approach it causing as little disturbance as possible. We were all able to spend some quality time and most of us got closer than we ever dreamed pound be possible!

At one point, the Emperor took flight giving us a fantastic flying display literally between our legs and eventually alighted on David's shoe!

The butterfly treated us to several displays of aerobatics before coming to rest on a low branch and yet another photo opportunity.