Mourning Cloak

Size - 45 to 80 mm.

On the wing - March to October.

Range - Yukon to Newfoundland.

Host plants - Elm, Willow, Hackberry and Cottonwood.

Favourite habitat - This butterfly can be found in a wide range of habitats.

Special notes - This butterfly also spends the winter here in hibernation. They immerge in the spring in March or early April and are on the wing until October. Mourning Cloaks have also been known to aestivate which is the summertime version of hibernation. This arises when summertime conditions are very dry. Larva possess stinging hairs that protect them from predators.

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