Tawny Emperor is an uncommon butterfly found throughout the eastern half of the US and south into Mexico. In North Carolina it is most common in the Piedmont region, but also present in the upper Coastal Plain and has been found a few times in the Mountains.

Durham Co., NC 9/13/09.

Tawny Emperor is found in the same regions and habitats as its sister species Hackberry Emperor, but approximately half as common, at least in North Carolina.

Durham Co., NC 9/13/09.

Durham Co., NC 9/13/09.

Like the more common Hackberry Emperors, Tawny Emperors are charismatic and "friendly", often landing on people to lap up the salts in sweat. This small one stayed on my arm for several minutes.

Durham Co., NC 8/21/05.

As did this one on my watch band.

Orange Co., NC 8/25/05.

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

Chapel Hill, NC 8/15/05.

Tawny Emperors in south Texas are quite different from those in North Carolina and belong to a different subspecies, Asterocampa clyton louisa. In fact, they have been considered a separate species, the Empress Louisa (Asterocampa louisa).

Santa Ana NWR, Hidalgo Co., TX 10/15/04.

San Ygnacio, Zapata Co., TX 6/6/04.