MOURNING CLOAK- a STUNNINGLY SOFT VELVETY LOOK

Hi Again, Here is the softest velvety looking butterfly that I have ever seen. It looks brownish/red color with a wide yellow to almost tan  margin, and a row of blue submarginal spots. However the underside, seen when the wings are folded up, appears almost a web of dark brown to black with the yellowish tan margin making an almost perfect camouflage pattern. This butterfly overwinter as an adult and stays hidden in the bark and crevices of trees, coming to life when it becomes warmer in late winter. I have been looking since mid February on any sunny day when the temperature is over 50°. With sun shining on the forest floor and the thick woods sheltering the area from strong winter winds it is nice on the southern slopes. Since this species does not nectar on flowers, but rather sap that flows in late winter when it warms up a little. Here are a couple of shots that are not the best, enjoy. Have a great day, Denis