Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1405795

Hackberry Emperor
Asterocampa celtis

Observation date: June 08, 2025
Submitted by: Blablancwillis
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The Hackberry Emperor explosion happens here every year. There are thousands and thousands of caterpillars in the hackberry trees--you can hear the frass hit and bounce off your hat! Then the butterflies appear. They are everywhere for about two weeks. We will have another smaller brood later in the summer, but spectacle is over until the next year.
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: July 04, 2025
Coordinator notes: Thanks! JAMES STEEN
Checklist region(s): United States, Kansas, Douglas County