After exchanging email with a member of the Toronto Entomologists' Association (who seemed thrilled with my news), I discovered that I had spotted a Mourning Cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa). This butterfly species is remarkable for being able to survive our harsh winters in adult form. They hibernate in tree bark crevices or any suitable niche and emerge early in spring to feed on tree sap. So I guess the rabbits and the butterflies are out for the same thing. Anyway, I'm delighted with my new status as amateur entymologist or, more specifically, lepoderist. Butterflies in Ontario, in mid-March, with not a flower in sight--amazing! It almost makes up for the rabbit inflicted destruction, but not quite. Here's one more close up:
Mourning Cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antopia) on March 12th in southern Ontario
2 comments:
I still can't believe you saw that butterfly amidst all the snow!
I can hardly believe it either. After I posted, Alan Macnaughton, longtime member of the Toronto Entomologists Association, phoned to offer me some moth cocoons to raise to adulthood on my lilac bush. It's a strange offer, but I may take him up on it.
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