Purple Emperor
One of several caches which are intended to draw attention to some of the butterflies to be found on Ashtead Common.
Further general information on the common is available on the link below:
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Ashtead_Common/
The Purple Emperor butterfly is a magnificent and elusive insect, found only in certain woodlands in central southern England.
"His Majesty", as the male is affectionately known, appears to have black wings intersected with white bands. However, when the wings are at a certain angle to the sun, the most beautiful purple sheen is displayed, a result of light being refracted from the structures of the wing scales. The males like to congregate at the top of high trees at the highest point in a woodland. From there they are able to patrol their domain and intercept any passing females. Seeing the males battle it out for the best vantage points, with flashes of purple as the light hits their wings, is an amazing spectacle.
On Ashtead Common the best place to see a Purple Emperor is in the area of the Master Oak tree (see additional Waypoint) in July. I was unable to site this cache there because of the proximity of another hide. Binoculars are very handy, unless you are fortunate enough to see an Emperor visiting their subjects at ground level. They will occasionally do this to gather salts and minerals.
Ashtead Common is a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
This cache is placed with the kind permission of Natural England and under licence from the City of London who own the common.
Nearby are a number of other caches on both Ashtead and Epsom commons. Many attractive paths criss cross the commons to allow access - some of these paths can become very muddy in winter so choose carefully or bring boots!
You are searching for a small ‘Lock and Lock’ plastic container suitable for swaps and small Travel Bugs.