mourning cloak
Yellow-bordered brown butterfly
A mourning cloak is a large butterfly with dark purplish-brown wings bordered by a pale yellow edge, found across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The name refers to the wings' resemblance to a dark cloak worn during mourning.
One of the first butterflies to appear in spring, it overwinters as an adult rather than a chrysalis.
Pupal casing for metamorphosis
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- larvaImmature feeding stage
- metamorphosisProfound biological restructuring
instar · molting · pupation · emergence · host plant · development · transformation
Tip-to-tip extent
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- thoraxCentral body cavity
abdomen · flight · nectar · pollinator · overwintering · hibernation · tree sap · willow
Obscure in meaning
- tree trunkMain woody stem
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- blendCombine into mixture
- hiddenKept out of sight
Intense sorrow from loss
- bereavementState following loss
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- lossBeing without something
- funeralService honoring the dead
remembrance · melancholy · transience · resurrection · rebirth · renewal · endurance · longevity
- blue spotsColored circular markings
- velvetySoft and smooth-textured
- maroonDark brownish-red hue
- chocolate brownDark reddish-brown shade
iridescent · scalloped edges · distinctive markings · seasonal variation · wing pattern
chrysalis
Pupal casing for metamorphosis
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- larvaImmature feeding stage
metamorphosis · instar · molting · pupation · emergence · host plant · development · transformation
wingspan
Tip-to-tip extent
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- proboscisElongated animal head appendage
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
thorax · abdomen · flight · nectar · pollinator · overwintering · hibernation · tree sap · willow · elm
cryptic
Obscure in meaning
- tree trunkMain woody stem
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- blendCombine into mixture
hidden · disguise · dappled · mottled · protective coloration
grief
Intense sorrow from loss
- bereavementState following loss
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
- lossBeing without something
funeral · remembrance · melancholy · transience · resurrection · rebirth · renewal · endurance · longevity · survival
yellow border
- blue spotsColored circular markings
- velvetySoft and smooth-textured
- maroonDark brownish-red hue
chocolate brown · iridescent · scalloped edges · distinctive markings · seasonal variation · wing pattern