Mourning Cloak

About the Mourning Cloak

One of the longest-lived butterflies at 10-12 months. They hibernate as adults in tree cavities, emerging on warm winter days. Their dark maroon wings with yellow border are distinctive. Called Camberwell Beauty in Britain after a specimen was found in Camberwell, London in 1748. The state insect of Montana. They play dead when threatened, lying on their side with wings closed.