The Mourning Cloak is one of North America's longest-lived butterflies, overwintering as an adult and sometimes living nearly a year. Its distinctive dark maroon wings are edged with bright yellow borders and a row of iridescent blue spots. Adults emerge on warm late-winter days to feed on tree sap and are among the first butterflies seen each spring.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, parks, suburban areas, and stream edges
Diet
Larvae: willow, elm, and cottonwood leaves. Adults: tree sap, rotting fruit, nectar
How common
Common
Recent Mourning Cloak sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Mourning Cloak? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free