The empress leilia is a medium sized member of the emperor butterfly family (Nymphalidae). They are found in the desert washes, thorn scrubs, and canyons of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like many other members of the emperor family they are typically not found on flowers. They prefer to eat tree sap and dung only occasionally eating flower nectar. Males are often found perched on their larval host plant, spiny (desert) hackberry waiting for females.
9 comments:
Fascinating textures and tones in these beautiful wings!
It is interesting to learn that some butterfies actually eat tree sap - I suppose that is why this one has muted tones? Beautiful colour and pattern here. Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Wonderful specimen and another great shot.
Beautiful detail.
Fascinating information and beautiful photo.
Beautiful butterfly! One that I am not familar with.
beautiful colors and patterns!
just lovely!
Nature put a beautiful design on the wings of this butterfly! Thanks for sharing!
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