Lesser Purple Emperor vs Norse Grayling
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Purple Emperor | Norse Grayling |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apatura ilia | Oeneis norna |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 54-68 mm wingspan | 44-54 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central and southern Europe, temperate Asia | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Purple Emperor
Similar to the Purple Emperor but smaller, with an ocellus on the forewing and more strongly marked underside. It occurs in two forms: typical purple and a golden-orange aberration.
Did You Know?
The orange form (f. clytie) was once thought to be a separate species before genetics proved otherwise.
Norse Grayling
A medium-sized grayish-brown butterfly with subtle orange patches and small eyespots. The wings have a semi-translucent quality that helps with camouflage on lichen-covered ground. It has an erratic, low flight.
Did You Know?
This butterfly emerges in alternate years only, with populations synchronized so that all adults in an area appear in the same year.