The immature form of this species is sometimes known as the spiny elm caterpillar. It is known there by the common name of the Camberwell Beauty, and only occurs as a stray from mainland Europe. Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) : underside . Migrant insects arrive in Great Britain most years during summer and autumn, but numbers are usually very low. The upper side of the female is more of an orange-brown with wider black borders than the male. The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic species of butterflies although it is sometimes confused with it’s lookalike butterfly, the Viceroy. Other older names for this species include Grand Surprise and White Petticoat. After a brief aerial courtship the pair will mate. After emerging as a butterfly, the mourning cloak will feed briefly before finding a sheltered spot to estivate until autumn. ''Nymphalis antiopa'', known as the Mourning Cloak in North America and the Camberwell Beauty in Britain, is a large butterfly native to Eurasia and North America. They are one of the most widely spread butterflies in North America.....found throughout the U.S., Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. Males and females look basically the same. This is a large and distinctive butterfly, even in flight, as the white wing borders are unmistakable. The upper side of the male is bright orange with wide black borders and black veins. The undersides of both sets of wings are a dark, rough-appearing brown, edged with light tan. Males are often perching or patrolling in search of females, and females spend a lot time searching for plants on which to lay their eggs. Mourning Cloak Butterfly Metamorphosis. A few days ago, I was able to photograph my first butterfly of the year, a Mourning Cloak Butterfly. In the United Kingdom … See these photographs of the Anna's Blue (Plebejus anna). Range: Mourning Cloaks can be found all over North America, though they are rare on the gulf coast. Even though the mourning cloak butterfly is one of the longest living butterflies at 10 to 11 months, it doesn’t flutter around the whole time. The mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is one of the first butterflies to re-emerge in North Carolina.This species is the longest lived in the United States, surviving up to 11 months. It features a maroon-brown color with blue submarginal spots and rich, intricate yellow borders. Other older names for this species include Grand Surprise and White Petticoat. Adult Food: Mourning Cloaks prefer tree sap, especially that of oaks. All of this provides good camouflage in a variety of situations. They can even be found in temperate regions of Europe. Dec 27, 2018 - Nymphalis antiopa, known as the Mourning Cloak in North America and the Camberwell Beauty in Britain, is a large butterfly native to Eurasia and North America. Mourning Cloak Butterfly Coloration, Characteristics and Size The long-lived Mourning Cloak ( Nymphalis antiopa ) is a beauty in any landscape. The adults are dormant in winter, and then re-emerge, wings imperfect and worn, during the … Other Remarks: Although common throughout much of North America, this butterfly is rare and much desired in England. In northern areas where it overwinters, adults may be seen basking in the sun during almost every month of winter on warm days. It was a special thing to share with her and I feel that in those moments watching the butterfly emerge transformed and through the words spoken by my Mom, I learned about the deepest meaning of Easter.