The hackberry emperor is a member of the brushfoot family of butterflies. They are found mainly in the eastern portions of North America with central Minnesota being on the northern edge of their range. Their range is limited by the range of the hackberry trees for which they get their name.
The leaves of the hackberry tree are the larval food for the hackberry emperor. Adults lay clusters of eggs on the leaves so that when the larva hatch they can begin to communally feed. Typically there are two broods per summer. The second brood will over winter as caterpillars, wrapping themselves in dead leaves.
7 comments:
This shot is awesome! The second photo looks like they are mating? A very interesting shot. ^_^. Happy Monday!
MM~My Iris
Lovely detail in these macro shots.
As a westerner, I've never seen that butterfly. Thanks for sharing it through your wonderful photos.
I always think that if you want ideas for colour and design then just look at nature. The wing of the top butterfly in that second shot (with the little row of peacock feather 'eyes') is so pretty. Lovely shots.
Amazing...what fabulous timing for your photographic shoot this week. AND the fact you added all the science behind your photos made it all the better.
My Macro Lantana is HERE I do hope you can stop by to visit with me today.
Awsome macros on the beutiful Butterflyes !
Me like :)
Have a nice Monday or is it tuesday over there now ?
EB: Wonderful butterfly.
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