Fuzz and I made another pilgrimage by motorcycle to the centre of the Purple Empire, namely the Knepp Wildlands, the ground-breaking re-wilding project in the South Downs.
The reason for our visit, of course, was for the Purple Emperor flight season. We got the first Knepp sighting of the season (two sparring males) at the “Pond Oak Thugs” territory, and the following weekend (21st & 22nd June), a huge amount of specimens were on the wing, and we lucked into three individuals coming to the ground.
Whilst observing one “grounded” specimen, a four-way “bar brawling fist fight” of jostling males played out just above our heads. 2025 looks like going down in history as a great Purple Emperor season.
A word also about the Purple Hairstreaks, which were abundant At Knepp, and also seeming to have a much better year than of late.
In fact, I think the Purple Hairstreak could even be Fuzz’s favourite UK butterfly species! – JC
