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Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Nymphalis antiopa antiopa

Published on Project Noah
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33.1468, -117.009

Field Notes

Description:

"Nymphalis antiopa has a wingspan of 62–75 mm. The upper side of the butterfly is colored in a very dark red, with a bright, yellowish border around the wings. There is a darker band with bright blue spots between the border and the dark red inner side. Sexes are similar, although the females are slightly larger." - Wikipedia You can view the colors and patterns on top of its wings at: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6878222

Habitat:

Top of cut tree branch in backyard.

Notes:

This one has been flying with another of the same species and stopped to fan its wings. The caterpillar can be seen at http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/9508165 and the chrysalis at http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/69296056
"The immature form of this species is sometimes known as the spiny elm caterpillar. Other older names for this species include Grand Surprise and White Petticoat" - Wikipedia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)

Thanks Satyen :) I was happy to see this undamaged butterfly in the winter.
State Butterfly of the State of Montana.
Thanks Karen! These seem to be the most common butterflies in our garden but I hadn't been able to get a side profile until today :)
Lovely! I've not seen one of these yet!

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