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The Mourning Cloak butterfly's wingspan ranges from 4.5 – 8.6 cm., but usually smaller here in the Algonquin Highlands. Its ragged wings above are purple-black colour, edged with yellow and a row of iridescent blue spots. Its underside is grayish brown with light gray freckles that camouflages it perfectly against tree bark. Unique to the Mourning Cloak, at the approach of any predator, it will open its wings emitting an audible "click".
From April to October you might see them anywhere, in forest edges, open fields, or urban areas, searching for Oak trees, their favourite tree sap. They are usually are upside down on the trunk when feeding. They also enjoy rotting fruit, and occasionally nectar.
Eggs are laid in groups circling the twigs of Oak, Willow or Elm trees. The larvae is blue to black, with numerous white dots and branching spikes. The caterpillars live in a communal web and eat the foliage of trees. Older caterpillars are sometimes found on plants that they do not eat.
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MOURNING CLOAK
Nymphalis antiopa
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