Mourning Cloaks are extra special—they’re Montana’s state insect! They’re also relatively easy to identify in flight on account of their larger size, gold-yellow border, brilliant blue dots, and brownish-maroon interior. They are found all around the U.S. (north into Canada, south to central Mexico; also, in temperate Eurasia), usually in riparian areas. Caterpillars feed mainly on willows.
Size: Wingspan is approximately 3 inches
Photo by: Kelly Dix on 3/30/22 near Florence, MT