Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1004955

Tawny Emperor
Asterocampa clyton

Observation date: September 04, 2014
Submitted by: rosedrakon
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The butterfly landed on me and then sticking out its proboscis continue to move it across my skin for at least five minutes when I went to check on the mail. It wasn't scared into flying away when I move it and tried to get a better look but it did fly away after walking about 50 feet. Upon coming back down the driveway and reaching the same spot where it flew off the same butterfly again landed on me while repeating the above with its proboscis. I was able to move the butterfly to another part of my body where I could get a better look and even gently pet its wings when they were standing straight up without the butterfly budging. The reason why I know it was the same butterfly is there was a slight tear on the hind left wing.
Status: Resident
Verified by: richardhsmith
Verified date: September 14, 2014
Coordinator notes: Emperor butterflies are well-known to land on people and imbibe sweat.
Checklist region(s): United States, Virginia, Pittsylvania County