My atrium has Monarchs, my backyard has Mourning Cloaks. This butterfly has been flitting around my yard for a couple of days now. My hammock appears to be its favorite resting place. It was kind enough to let me take its photograph.
So this is a Mourning Cloak. I am quite surprised to learn that the caterpillars eat Willow trees. I have three Willow trees in my backyard so this butterfly is likely more than just a visitor. It’s probably a resident. If the trees weren’t so big I might be able to find eggs and caterpillars and pupas. But that would probably be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
It is one of the first butterflies to appear in spring because it overwinters (instead of migrates) in some secluded spot like tree bark or cavity. The Mourning Cloak is also one of the longest living butterflies – about 10 months compared to the Monarch’s 2-6 weeks.
It’s the master of camouflage because when the wings are closed it looks like tree bark.
I like the antennas. Look closely. They look like they’ve been dipped in yellow paint.
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