Observation date: September 02, 2024
Submitted by: ButtahflyEtn37354
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Warm windy day. Visiting sap run on the trunk of a Chinese elm, along with at least 8 Hackberry Emperors and at least 5 Tawny Emperors.
This individual was 20-25% larger than the Hackberry Emperors. I am stumped for specific ID (but I am a novice butterfly identifier). Empress Louisa, Empress Flora look like possibilities, but the range doesn't match.
I know from birding that individuals of a species can vary...so Tawny Emperor is a possibility.
Thank you in advance for any ID help.
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: September 03, 2024
Coordinator notes: Yes there can be variables with Asterocampa clyton. For an example here in Kansas they tend to be paler & less richly hued than yours on upper side, and I have seen a few LARGE females with very very pale undersides here. You are correct on knowing your other species in the clyton group - good job there. Your not too novice if you made yourself aware of the others btw. There is another also, A. texana but it only gets into adjacent LA from Texas. From my books I show the other ones aren't found as far north as TN, as you mentioned. So I'm confident this is a female A. clyton with a difference. Thanks, JAMES STEEN
