Emperors

Apaturinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Apaturinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Apaturinae: /əˌpætjʊˈraɪniː/

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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.