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.

Weekly sightings for Tawny Emperor
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.
Late Tawny Emperor Sightings
Date | County | Reported by |
---|---|---|
Aug 11, 2022 | Dane | Mary Jo Sundling |
Aug 13, 2012 | Sauk | Dan Sonnenberg |
Aug 13, 2009 | Grant | Karl and Dorothy Legler |
Sep 6, 2018 | Dunn | Pam Campbell |
Sep 14, 2016 | Dane | Ann Thering |
Locations



Morse Rd., near Rocky Run Creek Wildlife Area, Columbia Co., WI, June 30, 2004.

Photo © 2003 tom lewis
Murray Park, Little Rock, AR. September 20, 2003.

Hardscrabble SNA, Lafayette Co., WI, July 28, 2005.