apatura iris

noun

Meaning

A large, powerful butterfly native to European woodlands, known for the iridescent purple sheen on the wings of the male.

Examples

  • The Apatura iris is notoriously difficult to spot because it spends most of its life in the upper branches of oak trees.
  • Collectors often try to attract the Apatura iris by placing rotting fruit or mineral-rich substances on the forest floor.

Synonyms: purple emperor, butterfly