This was filmed at the Kansas University Field Station in Lawrence Kansas on June 3, 2023. The Hackberry Emperor Butterflies began hatching in that area on May 30 and you could go walk amongst them. It was quite amazing to see so many of them flying all around. They would come and sit all over me as I tried to take photos and videos of them. It was quite an amazing experience.
scientific name: Asterocampa celtis (Boisduval & Leconte) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Apaturinae)
Hackberry Emperor Butterflies get their name because they lay their eggs on Hackberry trees. It is a common butterfly and normal found along river bottoms or other areas where it's host plants are found. The wing spread is generally 2 to 2.6 inches across. Adults have a very rapid flight and they generally perch on trees upside down. They are attracted to fermenting fruit. I see them on the fallen Mulberries in my yard fairly often. They can have 2 broods, earlyJune to mid-July and late July to early September. Their lifespan is 6 to 14 days.
