Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, often brightly colored and richly patterned butterfly, typically belonging to the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Apaturinae (e.g., the genus Asterocampa). The name "emperor" refers to its impressive size and striking appearance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • An emperor butterfly landed on the flower, its wings shimmering in the sunlight.
  • The guide pointed out the rare emperor butterfly among the foliage.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in lepidopterology (the study of butterflies and moths) to refer to specific species within certain genera.
  • Researchers are studying the migration patterns of the Hackberry Emperor butterfly.

Variants and Related Words

• Emperor moth (n): A large moth, such as those in the family Saturniidae, not a butterfly.
  • The emperor moth is often confused with the emperor butterfly due to its name and size.

Synonyms

• Brush-footed butterfly: A common name for butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, to which many emperor butterflies belong.
• Nymphalid: A technical term for a member of the family Nymphalidae.

Related Phrases

• Purple emperor: A specific, well-known European species of emperor butterfly ().
  • Birdwatchers hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive purple emperor.

Noun

1. large richly colored butterfly