Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) Like the more common Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperors are charismatic and "friendly", often landing on people to lap up the salts in sweat. This small one stayed on my arm for several minutes.

Durham Co., NC 8/21/05.

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)

As did this one on my watch band.

Orange Co., NC 8/25/05.

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)

Tawny Emperors are common in moist areas where its main host plant, Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) is found. Also uses Common Hackberry (C. occidentalis) and Dwarf Hackberry (C. tenuifolia).

Chapel Hill, NC 8/15/05.

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)

Tawny Emperors in south Texas are quite different from those in North Carolina and belong to a different subspecies, Asterocampa clyton louisa. In fact, they have been considered a separate species, the Empress Louisa (Asterocampa louisa).

Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo Co., TX 10/15/04.

Empress Louisa (Asterocampa clyton louisa)

San Ygnacio, Zapata Co., TX 6/6/04.

Empress Louisa (Asterocampa clyton louisa) NABA Butterfly Park, Hidalgo Co., TX 10/16/04.

North Carolina Butterflies

Revised 8/26/05 cwcook@duke.edu