Hodges#4432

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nymphalis antiopa: //nɪmˈfælɪs ænˈtaɪəpə//

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Summary

Nymphalis antiopa, known as the Mourning Cloak in North America and the Camberwell Beauty in Britain, is a large butterfly with a long lifespan and unique coloration. It is distinguished by its dark maroon wings with pale-yellow edges and blue spots, and experiences a life cycle that includes larval gregarious feeding behavior.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 57-101 mm; Adult dark brown or purplish-black with yellow borders and blue submarginal spots; Larva black and spiny with a row of eight red patches down the back, covered in long shiny black spines with red prolegs.

Identification Tips

Unique dorsal side markings with dark maroon or occasionally brown wings, ragged pale-yellow edges, and bright iridescent blue spots line the black demarcation between maroon and yellow.

Habitat

Commonly found in hardwood forests and may also be spotted in various other habitats such as wooded openings, parks, and suburbs.

Distribution

Broadly distributed across North America south of the tundra to central Mexico and throughout northern Eurasia. Occasionally migrates to Great Britain but does not breed there.

Diet

Larvae primarily eat willow (Salix spp.) and other trees/shrubs like American Elm, Paper Birch, and Cottonwood; Adults feed on tree sap and rotting fruit, rarely on flower nectar.

Life Cycle

Undergoes complete metamorphosis: Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult. Larvae present from June to September in the eastern U.S. and from May to July in the west.

Reproduction

Polygynous mating behavior where males may mate with multiple females; eggs laid in groups circling twigs of host plants.

Predators

Eggs can be eaten by beetles, true bugs, ants, and wasps; adults face predation from mantises, dragonflies, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Ecosystem Role

Acts mainly as a sap feeder but can contribute occasionally to pollination; gregarious larvae can defoliate ornamental trees.

Economic Impact

Young larvae can defoliate ornamental trees in nurseries and parks; certain reports of defoliation documented in Oregon and Canada.

Cultural Significance

State insect of Montana, adopted in 2001; multiple literary and cultural references including short stories and films named after the butterfly.

Health Concerns

Caution advised with handling larvae as their spines may cause a stinging sensation.

Misconceptions

Although some populations may migrate, they are mainly non-migratory and their presence in Britain is not due to natural migration.

Tags

• butterfly
• Nymphalis antiopa
• Camberwell Beauty
• Mourning Cloak
• Lepidoptera
• Nymphalidae