Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
Fermilab, Kane County, Illinois
April 15, 2008
The Mourning Cloak, like the Eastern Comma, overwinters as an adult and is often the first butterfly seen in the spring. I often find it flying in the woods on warm, sunny days in early spring before leaves are opened on the trees.
Fermilab, Kane County, Illinois
July 20, 2002
Nelson Lake Marsh, Kane County, Illinois
July 24, 2003
Nelson Lake Marsh, Kane County, Illinois
July 20, 2002
Although this photo was taken at Nelson Lake Marsh, about a week later at Fermilab I also found Mourning Cloak caterpillars on Willow. The caterpillars feed in colonies, so they are easy to spot.