Madeiran Brimstone Butterfly vs Purple Emperor
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Madeiran Brimstone Butterfly | Purple Emperor |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gonepteryx maderensis | Apatura iris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 50-60 mm wingspan | 62-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Madeira | Europe, temperate Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Madeiran Brimstone Butterfly
A yellow butterfly endemic to the island of Madeira in the Atlantic. It is closely related to Canary Island brimstones but geographically isolated.
Did You Know?
Fewer than 1000 individuals are thought to survive in small laurel forest patches on Madeira.
Purple Emperor
A majestic woodland butterfly whose males display an intense iridescent purple sheen visible only at certain angles. It never visits flowers, preferring carrion, dung, and tree sap.
Did You Know?
Enthusiasts bait it down from the canopy using rotting shrimp, dirty nappies, or Stilton cheese.