Hackberry Emperor

(Asterocampa celtis)
Emperors

Appearance: Generally a pale butterfly in flight. Upperside orange-brown with a jagged postmedian row of white spots and a single (sometimes two) submarginal black spot on forewing.  Dark wingtips with white spots.  Hindwing has a postmedian row of black spots. Below, the hindwing has a row of submarginal blue-centered eyespots.

Wingspan: Medium; 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches.

Habitat: Perches on leaves or tree trunk, usually well above ground in foothills canyons, wooded riparian areas, wooded roadsides, parks and gardens; plains, foothills.

Flight Times:  May through August; one to two broods.

Larval Foodplant:  Hackberry.

Did You Know…
This family (Emperors) seldom visit flowers, but will seek out humans for the salt in our perspiration.