Only one chance
The Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is one of a handful of butterfly species that overwinters as an adult butterfly (rather than egg, larva, or chrysalis). It emerges from hibernation in early spring and can be seen flying high and strong in February or March on hilltops where the males look for females. It is difficult to find this butterfly by late spring, but a new generation emerges in early summer.
The Mourning Cloak gets only one chance to reproduce because (interestingly) this butterfly is single-brooded. It was my lucky day to see this freshly born butterfly because after a shot flight time, the butterfly will again disappear to estivate during the hot days of summer.
Only one chance
The Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is one of a handful of butterfly species that overwinters as an adult butterfly (rather than egg, larva, or chrysalis). It emerges from hibernation in early spring and can be seen flying high and strong in February or March on hilltops where the males look for females. It is difficult to find this butterfly by late spring, but a new generation emerges in early summer.
The Mourning Cloak gets only one chance to reproduce because (interestingly) this butterfly is single-brooded. It was my lucky day to see this freshly born butterfly because after a shot flight time, the butterfly will again disappear to estivate during the hot days of summer.