938 Records

One of the surest signs of spring, overwintered adult Mourning Cloaks are among the very first butterflies to become active as temperatures climb in early spring. This hardy butterfly, named because its dark colors are reminiscent of traditional shrouds of mourning, is holarctic is distribution, being found throughout much of northern Europe and Asia, in addition to most of North America. This butterfly can be found basking in open woodlands, or attracted to rotten fruit or sap runs on trees.

Will use willows (Salix sp.), aspens (Populus sp.), birches (Betula sp.), American Elm (Ulmus americana), and hackberry (Celtis sp.) as larval hosts. Apparently favors willows.