mourning cloak butterfly
Definition
Noun: * A butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) native to temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. It is characterized by its distinctive wing coloration: dark, purplish-brown or maroon wings with a bright yellow border and a row of blue spots just inside that border.
Usage and Examples
- The mourning cloak butterfly is often one of the first butterflies seen in early spring, as it overwinters as an adult.
- We spotted a beautiful mourning cloak butterfly resting on the tree bark, its wings closed to reveal the camouflaged dark undersides.
- The caterpillar of the mourning cloak butterfly is black with red spots and spiny projections.
Advanced Notes
- The common name "mourning cloak" refers to the butterfly's somber, dark wing color, which was reminiscent of a traditional cloak worn during a period of mourning.
- It is also known by the name Camberwell beauty in the United Kingdom.
- As a long-lived butterfly (often living 10-11 months), it exhibits periods of summer dormancy (aestivation) in addition to winter hibernation.
Variants and Related Words
- Camberwell beauty: (noun) The British common name for the mourning cloak butterfly.
- Nymphalis antiopa: (noun) The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
Synonyms
- Camberwell beauty
Noun
-
of temperate regions; having dark purple wings with yellow borders
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