Charismatic and "friendly", often landing on people to lap up the salts in sweat. Common in moist spots where its main host plant, Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) is found. Also uses Common Hackberry (C. occidentalis) and Dwarf Hackberry (C. tenuifolia). This one is just slightly worn. Durham Co., NC 8/16/03.
A Hackberry getting friendly with Nicole Benda. Durham Co., NC 8/16/03.
Salt - yum! I've had Hackberries hitch a ride on me for up to half an hour. Durham Co., NC 8/16/03.
Going for a ride on my truck. Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.
Hackberry Emperors in south Texas are quite different and belong to a different subspecies, Asterocampa celtis antonia. They have been previously been considered a separate species, the Empress Antonia (Asterocampa antonia). Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Hidalgo Co., TX 6/6/04.
