Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)

These occur mostly in the piedmont in NC, where they are generally uncommon, however 2005 was a banner year for them with double digit numbers frequently reported. There are several coastal plain and a few mountain records as well, where Tawny Emperors are rare to very rare. They have two broods in NC, one in early summer, one in late summer. They're found in bottomland habitats associated with their host plant, Hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), and where present are usually well outnumbered by the similar Hackberry Emperor.
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Harnett Co., NC
3 Sep 2006

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Orange Co., NC
5 Sep 2005

Note two complete bars on the FW leading edge and the lack of a forewing outer edge dark eyespot.


Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)

Tawny Emperors are rarely seen nectaring, but they commonly come to feed on rotting fruits, like this nectarine

.Durham Co., NC
16 Sep 2005

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Brumley Nature Preserve, Orange Co., NC
18 Aug 2023

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton louisa) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton louisa) There are 4 subspecies of Tawny Emperor. This one is Asterocampa clyton louisa, found in S. TX and NE. Mexico.
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Hidalgo Co., TX
15 Oct 2004
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Hidalgo Co., TX
13 Oct 2004

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Durham Co., NC
4 Sep 2009
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Durham Co., NC
4 Sep 2009

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton louisa)
National Butterfly Center, Hidalgo Co., TX
1 May 2018

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Durham Co., NC
4 Sep 2009

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Wake Co., NC
30 May 2010
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Blackwood Division, Duke Forest, Orange Co., NC
1 Sep 2005

Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton) Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton clyton)
Wake Co., NC
30 May 2010

Close up of the straw-like sucking mouthparts.



North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page


Created on ... June 2, 2005 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com