Texas Hackberry Emperor

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asterocampa celtis antonia: //ˌæstəroʊˈkæmpə ˈsɛltɪs ænˈtoʊniə//

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Summary

Asterocampa celtis antonia, or Texas Hackberry Emperor, is a subspecies of butterfly found primarily around hackberry trees. It has distinct wing patterns and is known for not actively pollinating flowers, often engaging in non-mutualistic feeding behaviors. This butterfly exhibits multiple generations throughout the year, utilizing hackberry trees as both a habitat and a food source for its larvae and adults.

Physical Characteristics

A. celtis adults exhibit sexual dimorphism; males have smaller, darker bodies and more slender wings than females. Both sexes are light brown with a row of black or white dots near the far edge of their wings, and white spots near the front help distinguish them from the Tawny Emperor.

Identification Tips

Look for 'extra' eyespots near the lower outer margin of the front wing that are typically strong and may form a complete row of four spots on the lower side of the front wing.

Habitat

Asterocampa celtis is found in cities, forests, and wooded areas, particularly near rivers or other bodies of water. It prefers habitat around woodland edges, near creeks, and damp, muddy areas.

Distribution

Found across a wide range in North America from central Mexico to Eastern Canada, extending southwest into regions such as Arizona and New Mexico, and commonly found across the Midwest and along the east coast from Florida up to New England.

Diet

Larvae feed on the leaves and leaf buds of hackberry trees, while adults feed on hackberry sap, feces, decaying organic matter, old fruit, and even human sweat for sodium.

Life Cycle

Has multiple broods, typically two in the north and more towards the south. Life stages including egg, larva, pupa, and adult may be present simultaneously due to multiple generations produced in one year.

Reproduction

A. celtis lays eggs in clusters of 5-20 on the underside of hackberry leaves, which aids in higher fecundity and reduces maternal risk between oviposition events.

Predators

Predators include birds and mammals such as bears and raccoons, as well as insects like stink bugs that target eggs.

Conservation Status

Not under serious threat; commonly found throughout its distribution.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in the ecosystem associated with hackberry trees, particularly influencing the health and dynamics of their populations.

Similar Taxa

• Asterocampa celtis jeffermont
• Apatura celtis
• Tawny Emperor

Misconceptions

Often considered a 'cheater' organism since it feeds on flowers without contributing to pollination, unlike traditional mutualistic relationships.

Tags

• butterfly
• Nymphalidae
• Asterocampa
• Texas Hackberry Emperor