Mourning Cloak

You know it's spring when you spot a Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)!

Mourning Cloaks spend their winters frozen in"cryo-preservation" in tree cavities,

 beneath loose tree bark or in unheated buildings.

Wherever they can fit to protect themselves from the winter winds,

 they will almost always survive.

During the early spring months, they will seek a mate,

lay their eggs,

and then, unfortunately, they die.

They are thought to be the longest living butterfly

with a lifespan of 10 - 11 months.

For more interesting Nature Notes, visit Rambling Woods.