Tailed Emperor
Common NameTailed Emperor
Scientific NamePolyura sempronius
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, brown, black, orange, red
HabitatRainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, suburban gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEastern and northern Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia, Celtis, Gleditsia, Paraserianthes, Robinia, Samanea, Senna
Flight PeriodSeptember to May (in Australia)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a rough texture and a distinctive horned head capsule. Pupae are green and suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent tails on the hindwings, the broad cream and brown banding on the underside, and the series of marginal orange and red spots on the hindwing.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with striking cream and brown striped undersides, prominent tails on the hindwings, and a series of orange and red spots near the hindwing margin.
