Hackberry Emperor

The medium-sized Hackberry Emperor is chocolate brown on the upper surface with blue eye spots along the wing borders.

Hackberry Emperors are active in the Hocking Hills from late spring through fall. They typically perch in trees in woodlots, wooded edges, parks, and gardens. This butterfly is very territorial and aggressive. If a brown butterfly lands on you, it is most likely a Hackberry Emperor.

The caterpillars eat the leaves of hackberry trees. This species overwinters as a caterpillar!