MOURNING CLOAK
Nymphalis antiopa
BRUSHFOOT FAMILY (Nymphalidae)
Description
This dark butterfly has a wingspan of 2 7/8 - 3 3/8 inches. Dorsally, it is dark brown to maroon in color, and has a velvety appearance. The forewing has pale yellow margins and 2 short vertical, yellow lines on the leading edge. Both wings have a row of blue spots above the yellow margin. Ventrally, both wings are striated chocolate brown with tan margins, and have a row of blue chevrons just above the margins. The mature caterpillar is about 2 1/4 inches in length. It is black with rows of black branched spines and 8 red spots across the back. It is also covered with tiny white dots.
Occurrence
This species is common, but does not occur in large numbers. It is one of the first butterflies to emerge from hibernation in the spring. It can be seen flying anywhere through the woods and occasionally nectars on flowers. Adults fly on warm days in winter and early spring.
Comments
Adults live almost a year, longer than any other butterfly in North America. They emerge in summer, hibernate through the winter, then fly again in spring and early summer when they mate. The larvae feed in groups on the leaves of willows, cottonwoods, elms and hackberries. They remain together until they move off of the foodplant to pupate.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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