Purple, especially in animals, is a color rarely found in nature. This rarity is explained by the fact that the pigments which make it possible to return the wavelength corresponding to violet are biologically difficult to produce. There are, however, a number of butterfly specimens that exhibit purple iridescence and they are always extremely rewarding to observe.
In this article, you will have the pleasure of discovering some of them that we have selected for their beauty.
Are purple butterflies rare?
Purple butterflies are not exactly rare. However, we do not always find a uniform purple color. It is more common to find various shades of blue, purple, indigo, mauve, mixed on the wings of a butterfly.
One of the best-known purple butterflies is the purple emperor, found in the British Isles and parts of Europe. However, only the male of the species matches the description, with iridescent wings that glow blue and purple in the sunlight. Its close relative is Mimathyma ambica, found in India and other parts of South Asia. Another butterfly, which we do not feature in this article due to its low proportion of purple color on its wings, is the Colotis regina, also called Queen Purple Tip, which is found in the Natal province of South Africa.
Where can you find it?
Purple butterflies are mainly found in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa and India.
What do purple butterflies symbolize?
Purple butterflies aren't as common as others, so there aren't as many myths or legends surrounding them. But purple butterflies nonetheless have rich meaning and symbolism.
Purple has always been a color associated with royalty and wealth. Seeing a purple butterfly can indicate that an important person may soon appear in your life.
Purple is also a color that strongly represents spirituality. The sight of a purple butterfly has a deep personal meaning that may be meant only for the person who sees it.
If someone encounters a purple butterfly, they must look deep within themselves to understand what the coming of this butterfly into their life at that moment could mean.
Often, seeing a purple butterfly can indicate that the person has delved into spiritual matters or is on the path to enlightenment. It can also mean that the person is close to achieving mastery in a particular activity that they have been focused on at that time.
Paying close attention to dreams or visions occurring at this time can reveal important information.
Seeing a purple butterfly is also a message that reminds us to be patient and keep the faith. It also inspires us to be courageous and have confidence in ourselves.
If you are feeling sad or bad about yourself, a purple butterfly can indicate that healing will soon come.
If one feels stuck or lost on life's path, sighting a purple butterfly can mean that a sudden breakthrough or transformation is about to occur.
The most beautiful species of purple butterflies around the world
Apatura iris
Apatura iris, also called Greater Changing March, is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family.
In mainland France, it is found in all departments except Corsica, along the ocean coast from Vendée to Landes and along the Mediterranean coast.
Worldwide, this butterfly is present in much of Europe, except in the southernmost and northernmost regions, and from Asia to Japan.
The Great Changing Mars appreciates forests rich in oak, paths lined with willows and orchards where overripe fruits are found.
Adult males have wingspans ranging from 70 to 80 mm, and 80 to 92 mm for females. Their wings are brown with white bands and spots and a small orange ring on each of the hind wings. Depending on the angle of their wings, we can observe a reflection that varies from blue to purple, caused by the iridescence that females do not have.
Doxocopa agathina
Doxocopa agathina, also called the emperor agathina, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in the Guianas, northern Brazil and the Amazon region. It lives in the canopy of the Amazon rainforest.
The color of its wings varies depending on the sex. Males have bright blue or purple wings, but females' wings are darker in color, usually shades of brown. Females also typically have a diagonal orange stripe on their forewings. In both sexes, the wing span measures approximately 50 millimeters.
Hypolycaena erylus
Hypolycaena erylus is a butterfly that belongs to the Lycaenidae family. It is found in India and Southeast Asia.
The color of this butterfly's wings varies from brown to pale blue to shiny dark purple depending on the light. It has a “false eye” on its hind wings.
Terinos terpander
Terinos terpander, is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is widespread from Myanmar to Java. These butterflies are especially active in the morning, fluttering from leaf to leaf, exposing themselves to the sun for a few moments before taking flight again.
Anthene larydas
Anthene larydas, also called common blue ciliate, is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found in many African countries.
Its wings are enhanced by a magnificent iridescent purple coloring!
Adult males are attracted to mud puddles, as well as urine-soaked sand and human sweat.
