Mourning cloak butterfly in early May, Alberta

 

While hiking Clifford E. Lee park (near Edmonton, Alberta) in early May, I came across a dull-looking brown butterfly that was sunning itself on a log.  I was unsure to its identification as I never saw the ventral wing display.  I photographed the inset some years ago, also in Alberta.  I included the image as a reference how the insect looks when its wings are open.

Mourning cloaks belong to the brush-foot butterflies (Nymphalidea).  Notice that the butterfly in the above image is sitting on only four of its six legs.  The hind legs are curled up behind the butterfly.  This is a common trademark of the family.  The term "brush-foot" comes from the fact that they sometimes have brush-like hairs on the forelegs.  You can see just a hint of that in the image.

Mourning cloak butterflies are some of the earliest Lepidoptera to be seen in the spring.  Adults may successfully overwinter and be the first on the scene, ready to breed and begin a new generation.  According to inaturalist, 

"The caterpillars will begin to eat the leaves of the primary host plants upon hatching. They eat a larger variety of primary host plants, such as willow and black willow, American elm, hackberry, hawthorn, wild rose, and poplar. Upon hatching, Mourning Cloaks are insatiable throughout their development as caterpillars.  Adult Mourning Cloaks feed on sap and decaying matter, less commonly they are seen nectaring on flowers."

 Mourning cloaks are common throughout most of North America.  They can be seen throughout most of the spring and summer months.  Since they do not feed on flower nectar like most other butterflies, they are not dependent on blooms for nourishment.  Isn't that interesting?

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com