The Hackberry Emperor is a medium-sized nymphalid butterfly entirely dependent on hackberry trees throughout its life. Adults are bold and curious, frequently landing on people to drink perspiration with their proboscis. The caterpillar overwinters as a partially grown larva in a curled leaf on the ground. Its brown-and-orange wings bear eyespots and pale spots near the forewing tip.
Best time to see a Hackberry Emperor
The best time to see a Hackberry Emperor is May–August, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 49,929 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Hackberry Emperor sightings near you
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