Mourning Cloak Butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa)
In England this butterfly is known as the Camberwell Beauty but in most other languages some variant on our Mourning Cloak name is used – “Trauermantel” in German for example.
It lives almost 11 months and overwinters in adult form which is why they can be seen this early in the year – thay can overwinter in tree cavities and on the ground underneath loose tree bark that is covered by snow. Widely distributed all around the northern hemisphere.
A large insect with a wingspan of almost 4 inches.