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)
Harnett Co., NC
3 Sep 2006


Note the lack of a forewing outer edge dark eyespot Orange Co., NC 5 Sep 2005	Note two complete bars on the FW leading edge (same individual)

	Tawny Emperors are rarely seen nectaring, but they commonly come to feed on rotting fruits, like this nectarine .Durham Co., NC 16 Sep 2005

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

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Created on ... June 2, 2005 | Updated on ... September 21, 2005 | jspippen@duke.edu