Mourning Cloak
Nymphalis antiopa
Last reviewed: May 2026
Mourning Cloak is known for its dark wings with bright yellow border.
Host plants
Mourning Cloak caterpillars can only develop on their larval host plants. Plant one of these natives and you can host the full life cycle in your own yard (host plant associations per the Xerces Society (opens in new tab)).
- American Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
- Salix spp. — see Prairie Willow (same genus)
- Canoe Birch (Betula papyrifera)
Want Mourning Cloak in your yard? Open American Aspen in Pollinator Patch and plan an HOA-friendly garden around it for your region.
Family
Nymphalidae
Wingspan
55–75 mm
Active
March through September
Range
WA, AK, AZ, CO and 43 more states
How to identify it
Look for the large, dark wings with a distinctive yellow border and blue spots along the wing margins.
Good to know
- Also known as the 'Camberwell Beauty' in Europe
- Can live up to 10 months as an adult, one of the longest butterfly lifespans
- Capable of surviving subfreezing temperatures by producing a natural antifreeze protein
Common questions
- What do Mourning Cloak caterpillars eat?
- Mourning Cloak caterpillars feed on Populus tremuloides, Salix spp., and Betula papyrifera. These are the larval host plants the caterpillars must have to develop, per the Xerces Society and host plant records compiled from GBIF and iNaturalist.
- Where do Mourning Cloak live?
- Mourning Cloak is found across WA, AK, AZ, CO and 43 more states.
- When are Mourning Cloak active?
- Adult Mourning Cloak are typically on the wing from March through September.
Range and life-history data compiled from iNaturalist, GBIF, and the Xerces Society. Photo licensed cc-by-nc.