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Also known as the Karkloof Emperor, or the Pearl Charaxes
The pearl emperor is a large, active, fast and high flying butterfly. They are usually observed as single individuals flying fast and high.
The wingspan is about 6.5 - 7 cm.
This fast flier rests with its wings closed (like most butterflies) so catching a peek of its beautiful orange, red, and bright white upper wings can be challenging.
Avg. Wingspan: 6.5 - 7 cm / 2.5 - 3.5 "
Avg. Body Length: 6.2 - 7.4cm / 2.4 - 2.9 "
Diet: adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, dung, carrion. (These butterflies almost never visit flowers.)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta, Order: Lepidoptera
* Being Brush-footed butterflies, Pearl Emperors have a short pair of fore legs that are used to taste food, and two pairs of longer rear legs that are used for propulsion.
The single biggest threat to butterfly survival is habitat destruction!!
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