Tawny Emperor

July 2021

The Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton) is one of only two emperor species in New Jersey and has a warm brown/gold color on the upper side with orange-yellow markings and black eyespots on the hindwing surrounded by orange rings. The underside is generally more tan in color with warm yellows and the eyespots show through and have some blue in the center. They also have a very bold yellow proboscis.

June 2021

The ventral side of Tawny Emperors tends to show details that blend together a bit more where the Hackberry’s are sharper.

June 2021

Hackberry Emperors have a single eyespot on the forewing visible from the dorsal side and Tawny Emperors lack this spot. Here you can see the very bold warm brown-gold coloration of the upper side - by comparison Hackberry Emperors are tan. Also note the two wavy lines that extend from the forewing leading edge on the dorsal side of Tawny Emperors which are absent in the Hackberry.

June 2021

These guys love to puddle and back in 2021 when I first found the species, I leaned down near where the butterfly was testing the ground and thankfully had a cool Tawny Emperor move right to my finger and puddle for a long while. Getting to observe this species at such close range as it used the salt from my sweat for nutrients was such a great experience. Eventually this male moved to my arm and even flew to my shoulder where I took a selfie with him!! He came along for a short walk back down the mountain but then flew to the trees before saying goodbye.