Purple emperor butterfly makes a comeback at Sheringham Park
- A female purple emperor butterfly was sighted at Sheringham Park in June 2023, following a period of very few sightings since 2021.
- The species had been reintroduced to Norfolk in 2016 after a 50-year absence, with the last sightings sparking concerns over its survival.
- This year's increase in sightings renews optimism for the species's population stability and potential expansion due to favorable environmental conditions.
The purple emperor butterfly, one of the UK's largest butterflies with a wingspan of about 8 cm, has been sighted at Sheringham Park in Norfolk. This return marks a positive shift for this elusive species, which saw a significant decline in sightings following a brief resurgence in recent years. The butterfly was first spotted in 2016 after a 50-year absence. At that time, there were hopes for a breeding colony based on sightings in the following years, but these dwindled until 2021 when the butterflies seemed to disappear. Observers had been worried about the fate of the species due to recent years of quiet observations. However, during a weekly butterfly survey in June 2023, staff and volunteers reported multiple sightings in the oak canopies of Sheringham Park, introducing renewed hope for the species. The purple emperor is known for its elusive nature, spending much of its life high in tree canopies, making observations challenging. Enthusiasts often attempt to attract the butterflies with various substances, such as banana skins. Rob Coleman from the National Trust expressed his excitement over this unexpected return, noting that the situation had appeared bleak prior to this summer. Conservation efforts and favorable weather conditions this year have potentially played key roles in supporting the purple emperor's lifecycle and increasing sightings. The National Trust highlighted the importance of ancient woodlands and specific trees like oaks and sallows in sustaining the butterfly’s lifecycle. Furthermore, naturalist Matthew Oates remarked on the significance of weather patterns, suggesting that a good winter and spring may have facilitated successful hibernation and larval development. He noted that contrary to the previous year's struggles for butterflies and other insects, conditions appear to be improving this year. There are speculations that rising temperatures may allow the butterfly to expand its range further north in the future. Overall, this year's sightings are particularly exceptional as it marks a notable comeback of the purple emperor butterfly, adding to hopes for the sustainability of its population in Norfolk and possibly beyond in the years to come.