Nymphalis antiopa

The Mourning Cloak is surprisingly active on winter days in the desert.
Photo Credit: MJIphotos via flickr
Nymphalis antiopa
Common Name: mourning cloak
Other Common Names: chenille épineuse de l'orme, morio, mourningcloak, mourningcloak butterfly, spiny elm caterpillar
Animal Guild: Insect
Class > Order > Family: Insecta > Lepidoptera > Nymphalidae
What does the species look like?

The Mourning Cloak has wings with irregular bright yellow borders and short projections. The upperside of the wings is purple-black with a row of iridescent blue spots at the inner edge.

Caterpillars are mostly black, spotted orange/red and with spiky projections.

Total adult length: 2.5 to 2.7 inches (63.5 – 68.6 mm).
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AB, AK, AL, AR, AZ, BC, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MB, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NB, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NL, NM, NS, NT, NU, NV, NY, OH, OK, ON, OR, PA, PE, QC, RI, SC, SD, SK, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, YT
Distribution

This species occurs across most of the United States and Canada.
General Phenology and Life History

This species flies year round whenever weather permits. Males can be territorial, patrolling canyons looking for mates, sometimes perching. Females lay large clusters of eggs, sometimes numbering greater than 200. Larvae are gregarious and feed as a group, but the adults are generally solitary.

Adults mate in the spring, with the males perching in sunny openings during the afternoon to wait for receptive females. Eggs are laid in groups, circling twigs of the host plant. Caterpillars live in a communal web and feed together on young leaves, then pupate and emerge as adults in June or July. After feeding briefly, the adults estivate until fall, when they re-emerge to feed and store energy for hibernation. Some adults migrate south in the fall.

Adults feed mostly on mud, sap, and rotting fruit. Caterpillars feed on leaves of cottonwoods, willows and occasionally willow catkins.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Adults
One or more adults are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
More...

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Adults feeding
One or more adults are seen feeding with their straw-like tongue (proboscis). If possible, record the substance and species on which they are feeding (for example, nectar, sap, dung, or moist soil) in the comments field. For Nymphalis antiopa, adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally flower nectar.

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Flower visitation
One or more individuals are seen visiting flowers or flying from flower to flower. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field.

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Reproduction Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position, usually end to end. This can occur at rest or in flight.

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Egg laying
A female is seen laying eggs on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Nymphalis antiopa, eggs are deposited in clusters encircling the twigs of trees and shrubs.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Eggs
One or more eggs are seen on a plant or other surface. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Nymphalis antiopa, the small, barrel-shaped eggs have raised white ribs, are initially yellow, becoming orange-brown as they develop, and are typically found in clusters encircling the twigs of trees or shrubs. Do not include empty eggs after the caterpillars have chewed their way out.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Development Caterpillars
One or more caterpillars (larvae) are seen moving about or at rest. When seen on a plant, if possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field. For Nymphalis antiopa, caterpillars are black, covered with small white dots, white hairs, and black branched spines, and have a line of large, orange-red spots down their back. They congregate in silken webs to feed.

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Caterpillars feeding
One or more caterpillars are seen feeding. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field. For Nymphalis antiopa, caterpillars feed on the leaves of many different tree and shrub species.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Pupae
One or more pupae are seen in a cocoon or shell (puparium). For Nymphalis antiopa, pupae are tan or gray with two rows of red-tipped spines on one side, and hang from plants or other outdoor surfaces. Do not include empty pupal shells after the adult has emerged from them.

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Dead adults
One or more dead adults are seen.

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Dead caterpillars
One or more dead caterpillars are seen.

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Method Individuals at a feeding station
One or more individuals are seen visiting a feeder, feeding station, or food placed by a person.

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Individuals in a net
One or more individuals are seen caught in a net.

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Individuals in a trap
One or more individuals are seen caught in a trap.

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What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.