Hackberry Emperor
Common NameHackberry Emperor
Scientific NameAsterocampa celtis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyApaturinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, orange-brown
HabitatWoodlands, riparian areas, urban parks, and areas where hackberry trees are present
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America
Host PlantsHackberry (Celtis spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on hackberry leaves. Larvae are green with yellow stripes and two head horns, feeding on hackberry. They overwinter as larvae, pupating into green, leaf-like chrysalises.
Identification TipsLook for its mottled brown and grey wings with subtle eyespots, often seen perching head-down on hackberry tree trunks or branches. Its flight is typically rapid and erratic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with mottled brown and grey wings, featuring small, indistinct eyespots on the hindwings and a few dark spots on the forewings, providing excellent camouflage.
