Mourning Cloak Joy

It really does bring me joy to see the first mourning cloaks of spring. These butterflies are perhaps are most long-lived at around ten months. This is one near that age that has overwintred and is now rushing to find a mate. You can tell it's an older one by the torn and worn wings.

What is overwintering you say? I'm glad you asked!

During ( http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4TH/KKHP/1INSECTS/mourningcloak.html ) cold winter weather they spend the time frozen in "cryo-preservation" in tree cavities, beneath loose tree bark or in unheated buildings. They survive almost anywhere they can fit into, to protect them from winter winds and keep them out of the view of birds and squirrels. These places are called hibernaculums (an overwintering den).

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