Empress Leilia
Common NameEmpress Leilia
Scientific NameAsterocampa leilia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyApaturinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black
HabitatArid canyons, washes, riparian areas, and desert scrublands, typically near hackberry trees.
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas) and northern Mexico.
Host PlantsCeltis reticulata, Celtis pallida
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on hackberry leaves. Larvae are green with pale stripes and overwinter as partially grown larvae before pupating in a green chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown wings with distinct white forewing spots and the row of black-ringed ocelli on the hindwings; often found near hackberry trees in arid southwestern regions.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with tawny reddish-brown wings, featuring a prominent series of white spots on the forewings and a row of dark, ringed eyespots on the hindwings.
