Mourning Cloak Butterfly

butterfly · migration · forest dweller

Dark wings with trim. The mourning cloak butterfly has deep brown or black wings with a pale yellow or cream-colored border that looks like a delicate trim. This striking pattern is why people in Britain call it the Camberwell beauty.

Two homes in one. You can find mourning cloaks in both Eurasia and North America, making them a truly global butterfly species. They show up in unexpected places sometimes when they migrate to new areas.

Spiky caterpillar stage. Before becoming a beautiful butterfly, the mourning cloak goes through a caterpillar stage called the spiny elm caterpillar because it's covered in spikes and often feeds on elm trees. The caterpillar's tough appearance protects it from hungry predators.

Powerful flier. This butterfly is such a strong flier that it can travel far from where it normally lives, sometimes showing up in surprising new locations. Its muscular wings let it fly faster and stronger than many other butterfly species.

Elm tree lover. Mourning cloak caterpillars prefer to munch on elm leaves, which is how they got their spiky caterpillar name. You might spot the adult butterflies around elm trees during warmer months.