Mourning Cloak
Description
Wingspan 2 3/4 -3 3/8". Wings above velvety purplish brown, broadly edged with dirty yellow beyond a black band enclosing separate blue spots. Wings below dark brownish gray with pale gray freckling resembling weathered wood. Caterpillar, to 2 3/8", is blue-black and has a row of red spots on back, many minute white dots on back and sides, and branching spines.
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed woods, meadows,and suburban and urban parks.
Range
Throughout North America.
Food
Caterpillar feeds on willow, elm, and poplar.
Life Cycle
Warm winter days; early spring-summer.
Other
 The butterfly presumably got its name from its somber color, resembling the dark funeral shawl worn by widows. Its caterpillars feed in large groups, often defoliating trees. There are 2 or more generations in the South.
Picture
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