Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)

Two butterflies that are closely related. Their larvae both have, as their host plant, Hackberry trees (Celtis). The hungry larvae will concentrate on eating the leaves of the Hackberry trees at different times. Hackberry Emperor larvae will eat new foliage and the older leaves will be eaten by the Tawny Emperor larvae.

As adults they have similar eating habits as well. Both species seldom visit flowers, but will get their nutrients from tree sap, rotting fruit, carrion, scat, and damp sand or damp soil. You might find one deciding to alight on your arm or leg since they are attracted to human sweat that provides them with sodium.

Hackberry Emperors are more often seen then the Tawny Emperor. I was fortunate while I was hiking and came upon both of these butterflies, together, keeping me company as I was roaming.

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