Have you ever seen a mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa)? They are found all over North America, Europe and Asia, but are considered uncommon in the Piedmont of North Carolina. This is only the second time I’ve ever seen one. The first time was a few years ago in Zion National Park in Utah. This mourning cloak was on the Shiloh Greenway this week.
Their habitat is hardwood forests. They do not feed on flowers, but instead they feed on sap and decaying fruit. The caterpillars feed on elm, willow, and birch trees.
Let me know if you see a mourning cloak butterfly!