Hackberry Emperor butterflies are a canvas of browns, tans creams and…? Bejeweled, for sure.
Encountered on trails that approximate their host plants, hackberry trees and hackberry bushes. They standfast in place as you approach, then like Eli at Indianapolis, they suddenly dart away, soon to be out of reach, but perhaps no more than 20 feet from where you saw them.
I’ve shot them in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Mississippi, South Caroline, etc. but this one at Raccoon Creek State Park in June was especially kind to me…posing to display its full above glory.
Have I ever seen them or their closely related Tawny Emperor butterflies nectaring? Hmm, nope! They are often seen on the trail at scat, especially the scat left by carnivores. Why do you suppose that’s a favorite of theirs?
Those of you who have read this far are certified esthetes, because you have taken the time to savor the remarkable beauty of this hackberry emperor, in all of its intricacy.
Why don’t you take another moment and click on our post of the Tawny Emperor butterfly?
Wow, His canvas and brush are pretty impressive!
Jeffrey
