Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
The Mourning Cloak is a species of large butterflies that are found in a wide range across North America and Eurasia. They migrate over long distances, and hence, can often be located even in regions beyond their original range.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Nymphalis
- Common names: surprise butterfly, white petticoat butterfly
- Scientific Name: Nymphalis antiopa
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larva is called the ‘spiny elm caterpillar’, and has a spiny black body with a line of eight reddish-orange dots that run down over the back. They possess bright red prolegs, while the entire body is studded with small hairs combined with black spines and white spots. They can attain a maximum length of two inches.
Pupa
The chrysalis is usually tan or brownish gray, with a pair of rows made of red, pointed spikes that protrude out of the pupa’s lateral side. They also possess a beak-like structure, tubercles, and a pair of horns from the head. On an average, they grow to a length of 0.8 inches (2.0 cm), though the maximum size can be over 1.1 inches (2.8 cm).
Adult Butterfly
Sexual Dimorphism: Not present
Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, both the male and the female show a dark maroon, or sometimes brown, hue with roughly-defined edges that are pale yellow. There is a demarcation in black between the maroon and the yellow parts of the wings that are spotted with bright, iridescent blue spots. When the wings are closed, both sexes display dull gray striations but with similar pale yellow edges like the dorsal side.
Average wingspan: 2¼ – 4 inches (5.7 – 10.1 cm)
Flight pattern: Fast with strong flapping
Eggs
Amber yellow to pale olive green in color, laid on the upper surface of the host plant, and gradually change to pink, and finally almost black, as they mature.
Quick Facts |
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| Distribution | Entire North America, from south of the tundra to central regions of Mexico, and temperate Eurasia; some specimens are also found in the Gulf States and peninsular Florida |
| Habitat | Migrate largely and are found almost everywhere including openings, parks, suburbs, and woods, specifically in the riparian areas |
| Lifespan of adults | 10-11 months |
| Host plants | All types of willow (Salix) trees, and also American elm, hackberry, aspen, and paper birch |
| Adult diet | Mostly prefer tree sap (mostly oak), rotting fruits; rarely feed on flower nectar |
Did You Know?
- The name ‘mourning cloak butterfly’ is only used by the North Americans and never in Great Britain, wherein the Britishers call them as ‘Camberwell beauty’.
- Unlike most other species, the mature caterpillars are roamers, and hence, can be located even on trees and plants that are not their hosts.
- Since 2001, it is the state insect of Montana.
- The species is thought to be the longest living butterfly in its range.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Nymphalis
- Common names: surprise butterfly, white petticoat butterfly
- Scientific Name: Nymphalis antiopa
