Tawny Emperor
Common NameTawny Emperor
Scientific NameAsterocampa clyton
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyApaturinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges, riparian areas, parks
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsCeltis occidentalis, Celtis laevigata, Celtis tenuifolia
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on hackberry leaves. Larvae are green with yellow stripes, overwintering partially grown. Pupae are green and resemble a leaf.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the Hackberry Emperor by its generally darker, more uniformly tawny coloration and the absence of prominent eyespots on the forewings. The 'clyton' form lacks black spots on the forewing, while the 'proserpina' form has a row of black spots on both wings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with tawny orange-brown wings, often marked with dark spots or bands, and sometimes small eyespots on the hindwings. Its underside is typically mottled brown, providing camouflage against tree bark.
