meeyauw's Photo A Day: Mourning Cloak

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mourning Cloak

Nymphalis antiopa

I have photographed rarer butterflies than the mourning cloak, but I have never photographed one as skittish as this species. Not only do they fly away at the vibration of the wind, they seldom seem (at least for me) to open their wings. This one would only stay in the shade. I couldn't get myself into any shade to help the lighting of the photograph. I present this beautiful butterfly as is: shaded and dark. But I think there is still enough of the beauty shown to be appreciated. The last photograph of this post is of the Mourning cloak larva, which we found on a rake leaning on the house this summer. I'll be looking for more next summer!