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Tawny Emperor – Asterocampa clyton
Hi again,
Here comes one of the promised picture series of the Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton). The caterpillars of this species hibernate on twigs in the second instar. I found caterpillars right after their hibernation in the beginning and middle of May in Madison/Wisconsin, mainly on the underside of Hackberry leaves, often on the same twig together with caterpillars of the more common species, the Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis). When the Tawny Emperor caterpillars begin to eat in spring, their appearance is hairy and of brownish colour. Their head is never black, (while the head of the young Hackberry Emperor caterpillar is clearly black). When they grow bigger, they are characterized by longitudinal stripes of different colours: a blue-green midline, borderd by two broad yellow stripes. The pre-pupa is attached to a leaf and is whitish-green. The pupa is green and relatively flat, its shape reminds to half a leaf. The pupa has some weak yellowish lines but is basically lacking the clear white stripes on the abdomen, which are a typical character of its sister species, the Hackberry Emperor. The story will be continued with pictures of the pharate pupa and some butterflies.
Best regards,
Thomas
Madison/Wisconsin

Hi Again Thomas,
Once again, we are thankful for the fabulous photo series you have contributed to our site.

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3. Tawny Emperor (June 24, 2006)
4. Hackberry Butterfly (September 4, 2006)
5. Tawny Emperor (September 29, 2009)