Tawny Emperor

Asterocampa clyton

Throughout most of the eastern United States the Tawny Emperor and the Hackberry Emperor are found in association with their host plant, Hackberry. Both species may be often seen flying erratically around the host trees or getting minerals and moisture from the ground. Both species also readily land on a butterfly watcher. The Tawny Emperor rarely visits flowers for nectar.

Identifying characteristics

An orange brown background color, very similar to the Hackberry Emperor. The Tawny is best described by how it differs from the Hackberry Emperor, the more common of the two species in Wisconsin. The Tawny Emperor lacks the distinct submarginal spot above, and one cell bar in the front wing is broken. Beneath, the Tawny Emperor has a row of eyespots, but these spots may become obscured in darker individuals.

Similar species

The Hackberry Emperor is very similar and, like the Tawny, is somewhat variable in its coloration. The Hackberry Emperor above has one cell bar on the front wing that is broken and has a very prominent submarginal spot, both of which are lacking in the Tawny Emperor.

Habitat

Rich woods or parks where Hackberry grows.

Flight

Two flights in Wisconsin. Late June and then in August.

Abundance

Not usually as abundant as the Hackberry Emperor, but where one species is found the chances are good that the Tawny Emperor is also present.

Early Tawny Emperor Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
Jun 8, 2012	Sauk	Ann Thering
Jun 11, 2007	Grant	Todd Sima
Jun 14, 2012	Grant	Karl and Dorothy Legler
Jun 15, 2021	Dane	John Morrissey
Jun 15, 2007	Lafayette	Todd Sima

Locations