Nymphalis antiopa

Named for its somber coloration, the mourning cloak butterfly is probably the longest-lived species in North America; adults live up to 10 months. The underside of the wings looks like tree bark, making the butterfly nearly invisible when perched with its wings folded. You’ll see this species all year, even in winter, when temperatures reach 60°F. It’s one of the few butterflies that overwinters as an adult, hibernating in protected crevices under loose bark or in log piles. Adults may go into summer hibernation (called aestivation) and emerge again in the fall.

Cool Links:

Life cycle of the Mourning Cloak butterfly - includes photos of caterpillar, pupa, and adult butterfly.

Mourning Cloak: the Winter Butterfly - natural history account from Chicago Wilderness Magazine.

back to Nature Notebook