The Tawny Emperor is mainly orange in color, with black and white spots. It ranges throughout most of the Eastern United States down to northeast Mexico. It is often found on natural vegetation.

 

“Tawny Emperor” by John Flannery, (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

Tawny Emperor Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Apaturinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 5/8 – 2 3/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Densely wooded riparian areas, dry woods, open woods, cities, fencerows, and parks

 

Tawny Emperor Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Common Hackberry
• Sugarberry
• Elm

Nectar Plants:

• Tree Sap
• Rotting Fruit