Our moth populations are dwindling, they need species-rich mixed forests to survive. The Kaisermantel itself is not endangered for the time being, but its habitats are also becoming smaller and smaller.
The imperial mantle lives up to its name with a wingspan of 5.5 to 6.5 centimeters and as the largest Central European fritillary butterfly. With the bright orange wing tops and the narrow, somewhat curved, silvery shimmering band on the grey-green underside, which has led to its less common name “silver line”, it is one of the most beautiful and conspicuous butterflies. The pretty moth was named “Butterfly of the Year 2022”.
In summer, the imperial mantle inhabits sunny forest edges and flowering forest clearings, where it often feasts on thistles, knapweeds or scabious. Unlike the somewhat paler colored females, the deep orange colored males have broad stripes on their front wings, the so-called scented scales. This is how they attract the females. After mating, these lay their eggs at low altitudes on tree trunks, preferably on the bark of pine and spruce trees. Since the caterpillars of the imperial mantle feed exclusively on violet leaves, only trees close to which violets grow are selected for laying their eggs.
The moths fly annually in one generation from June to August. During this period, if you walk carefully through the woods, you can spot and observe them in the aforementioned places. *)
Have fun and best regards Silvia
*) Interesting additional information, comments, sources and links in the comments
