Field Notes:
- Date & Time: February 21, 2026, afternoon
- Species: Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Conditions: Partly cloudy, temperature in the mid-60s with a slight breeze.
- Location: Central Kentucky Palisades, near a deciduous forest.
Observation
Found a Mourning Cloak puddling in a damp, rocky area in a deciduous forest. This butterfly is one of the first to emerge in early spring and often appears before flowers have bloomed. Since they emerge early, they are dependent on tree sap more than flower nectar.
Early-Emerging Companions
The Mourning Cloak is not the only butterfly to emerge as an adult. The Question Mark also arrives as an adult and before the first spring flowers bloom. Both species primarily feed on tree sap, which they find in damp, woodland areas.
Life Cycle and Habitat
During winter, Mourning Cloaks shelter in tree bark or under leaf litter in a dormant state. In early spring, they emerge as adults, and sometimes with snow still on the ground. They quickly search for food before mating. Mourning Cloaks have one or two broods per year and have a longer lifespan compared to other butterflies, living for 10 to 11 months.
Food Sources
Since flowers are scarce when Mourning Cloaks emerge, they typically feed on sap flows created by Sapsuckers. Mourning Cloaks are often spotted near willows, birches, and elms. Other sources of food include:
- Rotting Fruit: Overripe apples found on the ground.
- Mud/Minerals: In damp areas or puddles, near forest edges.
Host Plants
Host plants: Mourning Cloak caterpillars typically inhabit mature deciduous trees such as willows, elms, hackberries, and birches. These trees provide both a rich source of sap and shelter for overwintering.
Fun Facts
- Their dark, hairy-looking wings act as solar collectors while they sunbathe on tree trunks.
- To deter predators, Mourning Cloaks vibrate and make clicking noises.
- Mourning Cloaks hold the distinction of being Montana’s state butterfly.
