Insect · GBIF taxon 1898416
Hackberry Emperor
Asterocampa celtisAlso known as Hackberry Butterfly
Hackberry emperors are swift, highly inquisitive butterflies known for perched territorial displays and a habit of landing on human skin to sip salt-rich sweat. Their wings showcase a rich brown and grey pattern accented by white forewing spots and prominent dark eyespots along the hindwing margins. Caterpillars overwinter in small clusters inside rolled leaf shelters attached to host twigs, emerging early in spring to resume feeding.
NymphalidTerritorialFast-Flyer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Hackberry Leaves
- Tree Sap
- Decaying Fruit
Predators
- Songbirds
- Spiders
- Praying Mantises
ThreatsDeforestation, loss of host trees, and widespread pesticide application.
HabitatsDeciduous forests, river bottoms, wooded parks, and suburban areas with host trees.
Life span1–2 months as adults; up to 1 year including larval overwintering.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNymphalidae
- GenusAsterocampa
- SpeciesAsterocampa celtis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe closely as it may land on skin or clothing.
Responsible observation
- Patience: Stand still in sunlit glades near host trees to let adult butterflies approach for moisture.
- Territory Watching: Search sunny tree trunks and leaves where aggressive males perch to defend territory.
- Larval Spotting: Examine lower branches of hackberry trees in spring for green caterpillars with horned heads.
Host Plant (c) Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Ainsley, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Rodolfo Salinas Villarreal, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Relative Pavel Kirillov from St.Petersburg, Russia / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
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Mystic Meadows
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