![]() ![]() Instead, as both adults and caterpillars, these guys prefer trees. Unlike most butterflies, mourning cloaks are not fans of pretty flowers. With a native range that encompasses most of North America, most of Europe, and much of Asia, mourning cloaks probably have the largest natural range of all butterflies. Nonetheless, these tough little butterflies flutter on and bring us joy. Yet dodging predators and surviving the seasons takes a toll and older mourning cloaks are often faded, tattered, and torn. These beauties often enjoy an adult life span of 11 to 12 months. But, with so many survival strategies, it is no surprise that mourning cloaks are believed to be the longest-lived butterfly species. Most especially there are all those birds that want a tasty butterfly snack. They close their wings, tuck up their legs, tip over, and remain motionless until they think the danger has passed.įor butterflies, the dangers are many. Yes, much like opossums, mourning cloaks feign death when frightened. Conversely, if the summer weather gets too hot and dry, adult mourning cloaks may also spend some time in a summer “sleep” known as aestivation whereby they find a nice, shady spot to go dormant and rest. They may wake in early April and are sometimes seen flying above a late snow. Once temperatures reach 50⁰ F, they able to sun themselves on a warm rock and absorb enough warmth to take flight. To read more on freeze tolerance vs freeze avoidance mechanisms, see this Iowa State University article.Ĭome spring, after waking up from a long winter’s nap, mourning cloaks are often the first butterflies to be seen. This is accomplished by internally flooding cells with certain proteins and sugars to control ice formation. ![]() To be freeze tolerant, an organism must be able to control, and survive, the formation of ice crystals within its living cells. At the upper edge of their range (northern Manitoba, Canada), adult mourning cloaks have been found to survive extreme cold temperatures around -60 ⁰C (= -76⁰F). Mourning cloaks are one of the few insects species believed to be freeze tolerant. This little guy hunkers down in a cozy crack in the tree bark and freezes – actually freezes – as temperatures fall. However, the mourning cloak toughs it out as an adult butterfly. Most butterflies either migrate or hibernate in chrysalis form for winter. With a tool kit of survival techniques, a far-reaching native range, and a long life span, the mourning cloak is a champion.Īs winter approaches, creatures of the wild rely on various survival strategies. Mourning cloaks start off plain black but develop spines and red spots as they move into different instars. ![]() Some caterpillars even change color as they move through these stages.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |