Turquoise Emperor
Common NameTurquoise Emperor
Scientific NameDoxocopa laurentia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyApaturinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsturquoise, brown, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, often near rivers
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, and northern South America (e.g., Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil)
Host PlantsCeltis spp. (hackberries)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Larvae typically feed on the leaves of hackberry trees.
Identification TipsKey features include the striking iridescent turquoise-blue bands on a dark background, which are broad and continuous across both sets of wings. Small white spots on the forewing apex are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings adorned with broad, iridescent turquoise-blue bands across both forewings and hindwings, complemented by small white spots near the forewing apex.
