Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Asterocampa celtis (Boisduval & Le Conte)
Orig. Comb: Apatura celtis (Boisduval & Le Conte, [1835]
Explanation of Names
Celtis is the genus for Hackberry, the butterfly's host plant
Identification
Brown with distinctive spots on hindwings and front wings. Separable from other Asterocampa species by the combination of the following traits. On the front wing there are one to three rounded eye spots near the outer margin (none or rarely a faint trace of one in A. clyton), and the dark bar crossing the middle of the discal cell is divided into two slightly offset spots (not divided either A. clyton or A. leilia.
Subspecies are easiest to identify by where found, but there are differences in markings of both adults and of caterpillars between them. Where two subspecies meet, there is often a large area where ill-defined intermediate individuals occur (for example from Texas and northward across the Great Plains, there is a broad area where specimens are intermediate between, and combine characteristics of both subspecies antonia and celtis).
Range
From se. California to w. North Dakota, eastward to the Atlantic, and south into northern Mexico. In Canada apparently recorded only from southern Ontario and Quebec, but should also be watched for in s. Manitoba.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands with hostplant, Hackberry (Celtis)
Food
Adults take sap, fluids from dung, carrion, etc. Like the Tawny Emperor, very fond of taking sweat from humans.
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on Hackberry,
Celtis species.
Remarks
Subtly beautiful. Usually more common than the Tawny Emperor.
