Mourning Cloak in Detail.

Nymphalis antiopa, also known as the mourning cloak butterfly or Camberwell beauty, is a species of butterfly that is found in North America and Eurasia.

The mourning cloak butterfly is one of the largest butterflies in North America, with a wingspan that can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm). The upper side of the wings is dark brown with a band of iridescent blue spots near the outer edge, while the underside is a lighter brown with cream-colored borders and yellow spots.

This species is known for its ability to overwinter as an adult butterfly, which is unique among North American butterflies. They will hibernate in crevices or under loose bark and can survive temperatures well below freezing, emerging in the spring to mate and lay eggs on the leaves of host trees such as willows, cottonwoods, and birches.

In Alaska, mourning cloak can be found throughout the state, including in the interior, coastal areas, and in the southeast region, in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, along riverbanks, parks, and gardens, and is also distributed across most of North America and Eurasia. It is a migratory species, with populations in North America moving southward in the fall and returning northward in the spring.

They are often seen basking in the sun on rocks, logs, or other objects to warm themselves before taking flight.