Springtime Mourning Cloak

This was the 1st Mourning Cloak I was able to photograph this spring, though I'm almost sure I had gotten glimpses of them weeks before. Since they overwinter as adults (albeit in a dormant state) they are usually 1 of the 1st butterflies I see every spring. And although they're around all summer, they're not spotted in traditional butterfly hotspots - meadows with abundant nectar-rich flowers - since they prefer drinking sap or the juices from rotting fruits.

Although lighting can affect any view, these butterflies are usually a pretty easy ID. A fresh individual will have rich brown wings with a golden rim; these alone distinguish them from any other area butterfly. Admittedly with a quick sighting in flight where all you see is a largish, dark butterfly, it could potentially be confused with our dark swallowtails or a Red-spotted Purple, but with anything close to a good look you should be able to ID these guys.

This individual doesn't look especially fresh, no doubt emerging from its pupa last year, but doesn't appear to be in rough shape either.

April 20, 2023 at the Plainsboro Preserve
Photo 272673574, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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