Mourning Cloak

Nymphalis antiopa

The Mourning Cloak spends the winter hiding in some protected place, and then emerges early in the year when it is too cold for other butterflies. Sometimes these butterflies are out flying before the snow is off of the ground. They soak up heat from the sun with their large dark wings and then transfer this warmth to the flight muscles in their thorax. The caterpillar is long and dark with black spines on its back and eight red spots running down the back between the spines.

Look For : Purplish-brown wings; black band with blue spots is edged with yellow.

Length : 3 3/8".

Habitat : Woods, streamsides, gardens.

Range : Widespread except far north; rare in Deep South.