ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Mourning Cloak

 Mourning Cloak


 		 The mourning cloak is another of Ohio's hibernating butterflies. The late summer adults may live eight months; this is longer than any other Ohio non-hibernating resident butterfly.
 

Mourning Cloak
Nymphalis antiopa

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: April to September (maybe one long continuous brood)

• Wings: 3.1 - 4 inches 


 
Description
This large butterfly has maroon wings surrounded by a cream colored band and bordered inwardly by blue spots. The edges of the wings are ragged.

Habitat and Habits
The mourning cloak inhabits woods near streams and rivers, wet woods, and trails through woods. It can be found in all forested regions of the state and is often seen on warm sunny winter and early spring days flying around and basking in wooded clearings. Like most of the brushfooted butterflies it is also fond of mud puddles and animal scat.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Eggs are laid on or around twigs of many different broadleaf deciduous plants, such as willow, elm, hackberry, and cottonwood.