Emperors
Apaturinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Apaturinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apaturinae: /əˌpætjʊˈraɪniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Apaturinae is a subfamily of butterflies, commonly known as emperors, characterized by their striking colors, territorial behavior, and associations with specific host plants. This subfamily includes 20 genera, predominantly from South-East Asia and Africa.
Physical Characteristics
Strikingly coloured butterflies with a distinctive green proboscis. Adults have a characteristic triangular wing shape with possible small eye spots on both front and hind wings. Males may exhibit reflective purple, blue, or green coloring on the upper surface.
Identification Tips
Look for the triangular wing shape and the presence of eye spots, especially when comparing males of various species. Males defend territories from elevated positions, aiding in their observation.
Habitat
Primarily found near larval host plants, which are Hackberry (Celtis species), and often seen around oozing sap, puddles, rotting fruit, and carrion.
Distribution
Genera are found throughout South-East Asia and Africa, with Doxocopa and Asterocampa predominantly in South America and North America.
Diet
Larvae feed on Hackberry (Celtis species). Adults rarely visit flowers, preferring sap, carrion, and other fermenting fruits.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- butterflies
- Lepidoptera
- Apaturinae
- emperors
- insects