One of the first butterflies to be seen fluttering about in late winter or early spring is the mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa).
The reason? They get a head start being one of the few species that overwinters, i.e. hibernates as adults.Mourning cloaks are widespread: tundra south to central Mexico and in Eurasia, primarily Scandinavia. In Sweden they are known as sorgmantel literally "mourning cloak" presumably a name that comes from their cloak of dark purple-brown color.
Host plants for the caterpillars: Female mourning cloaks lay their eggs on willows, aspens, elms, cottonwoods and paper birches, but seem to prefer assorted willows.
On Tuesday, March 29, I saw a mourning cloak flutter trough the plaza in front of the Visitor Center for the first time this season.
The reason? They get a head start being one of the few species that overwinters, i.e. hibernates as adults.Mourning cloaks are widespread: tundra south to central Mexico and in Eurasia, primarily Scandinavia. In Sweden they are known as sorgmantel literally "mourning cloak" presumably a name that comes from their cloak of dark purple-brown color.
Host plants for the caterpillars: Female mourning cloaks lay their eggs on willows, aspens, elms, cottonwoods and paper birches, but seem to prefer assorted willows.
On Tuesday, March 29, I saw a mourning cloak flutter trough the plaza in front of the Visitor Center for the first time this season.
- By Stephen Lyn Bales
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