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| Nymphalis antiopa basking in the sun. Photo by Taina |
Nymphalis antiopa � Camberwell Beauty (Engl.), Mourning Cloak (Am.) (Nymphalidae) Appearance: When starled, this large (70-80mm) butterfly takes off fast and bold like a bird. Its dramatic colouring, the rich maroon wings contrasted by creamy margins make the butterfly a most impressive sight. The undersides of the wings are very dark, thus helping the butterfly camouflage during hibernation. Geographical distribution/ habitat: Europe, Asia, North America. Often found in woods or woodland edges, open scrub, even in gardens with old trees (see below) in search of sap seepages. Host plants: Birch (betulaceae), willows (salicaceae); also elm. Food plants: Mostly feeds on sap seepages. Flight time: One generation per year; the newly emerged butterflies appear at the end of the summer often in late July or August. Hibernates as an adult and is one of the earliest butterflies of the spring along with Brimstone, on the wing already from late February to April. Other: The male butterfly often keeps guarding a wayside looking for the female; other than that, usually a solitary butterfly. Taina's Butterfly Page Photos and Information Index Home Butterfly Garden |