Now that September is here, daytime temperatures are somewhat more temperate and the mourning cloak butterfly is back in abundance.
The mourning cloak likes to avoid temperature extremes, otherwise it closes down. Over winter, it hibernates (becomes dormant to avoid the cold); over summer it aestivates (becomes dormant to avoid the heat). So, it is seen in the spring and reappears again in the fall.
This is one of many mourning cloak butterflies to be seen at this time.
I still find it warm enough to aestivate each afternoon. Thank you for identifying the condition and reason.
Tom, agreed. I am also inclined to aestivate each afternoon right through the winter.
It is beautiful. I have never seen one. Only butterflies I am familiar with are the Monarch and Cabbage butterfly. Have seen another which is black and white with a little yellow I believe, but don’t know what it is.
That’s very pretty, thank you!