Hibernating-adult
Guides
Aglais milberti
Milbert's Tortoiseshell, Fire-rim Tortoiseshell
Aglais milberti is a medium-sized butterfly native to North America and the only representative of the genus Aglais on the continent. It is one of two tortoiseshell butterfly species in North America, distinguished by its black wings with wide orange to yellow submarginal bands. Adults hibernate through winter and produce two broods annually. The species occupies diverse moist habitats across a broad geographic range spanning Canada, Alaska, and most of the continental United States.
Nymphalis
tortoiseshells, anglewing butterflies
Nymphalis is a genus of brush-footed butterflies commonly known as tortoiseshells or anglewing butterflies. The genus name, established by Jan Krzysztof Kluk in 1780, has priority in zoological nomenclature for this group. Members are characterized by cryptic ventral wing patterns that provide camouflage during hibernation. All species in this group overwinter as adults and are restricted to the northern hemisphere. The sister group is Vanessa.
Nymphalis antiopa
Mourning Cloak, Camberwell Beauty
Nymphalis antiopa is a large, distinctive butterfly native to Eurasia and North America. Adults are among the longest-lived butterflies, with lifespans of 11–12 months. The species is notable for its early spring emergence, often before snow has melted, and for seasonal altitudinal migrations in some regions. Larvae feed gregariously on willows, elms, and other woody plants, while adults primarily consume tree sap, rotting fruit, and aphid honeydew rather than nectar.