Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Hackberry Emperor is common in moist spots where its main host plant, Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) is found. Also uses Common Hackberry (C. occidentalis) and Dwarf Hackberry (C. tenuifolia).

Hackberries often perch in strange places, such as here on the side of my house.

Durham, NC 7/27/10.

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Another one perched on the side of my house, sheltering during a rain storm.

Durham, NC 8/19/12.

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Charismatic and "friendly", often landing on people to lap up the salts in sweat. This one is just slightly worn. Durham Co., NC 8/16/03.

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

A butterfly getting friendly with a butterflier.

Durham Co., NC 8/16/03.

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Salt - yum! I've had Hackberries hitch a ride on me for up to half an hour.

Durham Co., NC 8/16/03.

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Going for a ride on my truck. Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.

Empress Antonia (Asterocampa celtis antonia)

Hackberry Emperors in south Texas are quite different and belong to a different subspecies, Asterocampa celtis antonia. They have been previously been considered a separate species, the Empress Antonia (Asterocampa antonia).

Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Hidalgo Co., TX 6/6/04.

Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)

Durham Co., NC 8/23/09.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.