Asterocampa celtis antonia
(W.H. Edwards, 1878)
Empress Antonia
Asterocampa celtis antonia is a of tawny emperor in the Nymphalidae. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Asterocampa leilia according to GBIF , though NCBI and iNaturalist maintain it as a distinct subspecies. The was originally described by W.H. Edwards in 1878 as Apatura antonia.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asterocampa celtis antonia: //ˌæstəroʊˈkæmpə ˈsɛltɪs ænˈtoʊniə//
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Identification
The including A. celtis antonia is distinguished from other Asterocampa by orange-brown wing coloration with dark marginal bands and eyespots. As a member of the celtis group, it is closely related to the tawny emperor (A. clyton) and hackberry emperor (A. celtis). Accurate -level identification typically requires examination of wing pattern details and geographic origin, with A. celtis antonia historically associated with more western and southwestern .
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Habitat
Associated with hackberry (Celtis spp.) plants in riparian and woodland edge . The related A. celtis is strongly tied to hackberry trees, and members of this are typically found in areas where their host plants occur.
Distribution
The historical distribution of this includes the southwestern United States and potentially adjacent Mexico, based on its association with the celtis group. The type description and subsequent records suggest a range extending through Texas and adjacent areas, though precise boundaries are complicated by its current synonymy status.
Diet
Larvae feed on hackberry (Celtis spp.) leaves. have been observed feeding on sap flows, rotting fruit, and other non-floral sources rather than nectar.
Host Associations
- Celtis - larval plantPrimary for the
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae are known to construct leaf shelters on hackberry plants. Specific details for this are not well documented.
Behavior
are known to aggregate at sap flows on tree trunks, where they may feed alongside other insects including beetles and other . They are not strongly attracted to flowers and instead seek out fermenting sap, rotting fruit, and animal droppings.
Ecological Role
As a herbivore, larvae contribute to nutrient cycling on hackberry plants. serve as to a limited degree and as prey for birds and other . Their at sap flows may facilitate interactions with other insect .
Human Relevance
Like other members of the , occasionally encountered by watchers and photographers. The is not considered economically significant. Historical collecting records contribute to understanding of lepidopteran .
Similar Taxa
- Asterocampa clytonSimilar orange-brown coloration and eyespot patterns; historically confused in the celtis/clyton . A. clyton (tawny emperor) typically shows more pronounced eyespots on the forewing.
- Asterocampa celtisThe nominate or closely related form; morphological differences are subtle and geographic separation was historically used to distinguish them.
- Asterocampa leiliaCurrently recognized as the valid name per GBIF, with A. celtis antonia listed as a synonym. These represent taxonomic interpretations of the same or closely related .
More Details
Taxonomic Status
There is significant disagreement in taxonomic databases regarding this . GBIF treats Asterocampa celtis antonia as a synonym of Asterocampa leilia, while NCBI and iNaturalist maintain it as a valid . This reflects ongoing uncertainty in the circumscription of within the Asterocampa celtis/clyton/leilia complex. The original description as Apatura antonia by Edwards in 1878 predates modern understanding of species limits in this group.
Observational Records
iNaturalist reports approximately 200 observations under this name, suggesting it remains in active use by citizen scientists and some researchers despite its synonymy in formal taxonomic databases.