Dusky Emperor
Common NameDusky Emperor
Scientific NameCharaxes psaphon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, black, white
HabitatTropical forests, woodlands, savanna
Geographic RangeEast and Southern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa)
Host PlantsBrachystegia species
Flight PeriodYear-round, with peaks during warmer, wetter months
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a rough texture and a horned head capsule, feeding on Brachystegia leaves. The pupa is a green chrysalis.
Identification TipsKey features include the orange-brown wings with black forewing tips containing white spots, and the distinct row of black spots on the hindwing margin. The underside is typically mottled brown for camouflage.
Description
A medium-large butterfly with rich orange-brown wings. The forewings have a broad black apex and margin containing several prominent white spots, while the hindwings feature a series of black spots along the outer margin.
