Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa

A mostly springtime sight but they are summertime venturers in my area. Glassberg calls them unmistakable. They overwinter in the mountains sometimes. Bob Barber has found collections of them in sheltered crevices in the Ozarks. Warm days they venture out with their cousins the Question Marks and Commas in the winter. Another brood in the fall. They feed on Salix (Willow) and a few other trees and shrubs. This one is a bit worn. Wondrous reflective overtones of purple when they are very fresh.

A difficult exterior shot on some milkweed. Kind of like cheating when they are on these flowers. Deep purples, blues and browns in the outside wing.

A huge caterpillar. And also distinct in the eastern forests. No doubt this one was looking for a new tree to feed upon or perhaps a final hanging place. Spiny, with almost heart-shaped red marks down the back.