North American Butterflies and Moths List

The definitive website on wildbirds & nature




The Registry of Nature Habitats

U.S. Geological Survey


Butterflies of North America

Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon)

Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon [Latreille])

Wing span: 2 3/16 - 2 11/16 inches (5.6 - 6.9 cm).

Identification: Upperside of male is iridescent blue-purple; female is paler. Both sexes have a small orange patch near the tip of the forewing and a white median band across both wings. Underside of both is paler and does not have silvery iridescence.

Life history: Males perch in full sun on trees to watch for females.

Flight: In South Texas: May and August-December.

Caterpillar hosts: Tree and shrub Celtis in the elm family (Ulmaceae).

Adult food: Flower nectar, rotting fruit, and bird droppings.

Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests.

Range: Bolivia north to northern Mexico. Strays occasionally to the lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

Conservation: Not required for a rare tropical stray.

The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None reported.

References:


Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson 

     field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates.



Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, 

     Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.

Author: Jane M. Struttmann

Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon)
distribution map
map legend

Disclaimer
Return to species list
Return to Butterflies of North America main page