Photo: Mourning Cloak, Judy Gallagher
Judy Gallagher is an ASNV board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species. Here are some observations from her most recent survey.
By this time of year, I am desperate to see signs of spring, especially butterflies. Like all insects, butterflies are cold-blooded, and most adult butterflies feed on nectar or pollen which is not easily available at this time of year. Fortunately, we don't have to wait until spring to see Eastern Commas, Question Marks, and Mourning Cloaks.
All three butterflies overwinter as adults, sheltering in tree cavities, under bark or shingles, or anywhere that keeps them protected from wintery temperatures and precipitation. They survive the winter by producing chemicals called glycerols in their blood. Glycerols act like anti-freeze, enabling the butterflies to be more freeze tolerant. On sunny fairly warm winter days, they emerge from their shelter to feed on tree sap from twigs, branches, and bark damaged by winter weather. They can also feed on sap from trees recently felled by beavers. They shiver prior to emerging from their shelters, which can raise their body temperature by up to 15 degrees.
Question Mark with open wings, Judy Gallagher
Question Mark with closed wings, Judy Gallagher
The Question Mark stands out against bark, but when its wings are folded it looks like a dead leaf, blending in well against its background. With its wings like this, you can see the white punctuation mark that gives this species its name.
Eastern Comma with wings open, Judy Gallagher
Eastern Comma with wings closed, Judy Gallagher
Whether or not a species is camouflaged depends on its background. Although this Eastern Comma would not blend in with bark, it is cryptic against an autumn leaf background.
This species also looks like a dead leaf when its wings are closed. Once again, you can see the punctuation mark that gives it its name.
Mourning Cloak with wings closed, Judy Gallagher
Mourning Cloak with wings open, Judy Gallagher
The Mourning Cloak is brightly colored up close but looks dull at a distance.
It too looks like a dead leaf with its wings closed, a good strategy on a tree trunk but not effective on the shirt of one of our ASNV survey participants. The butterfly's body is exceptionally hairy which helps insulate it from the cold. When you're out this month on a warm sunny winter's day, look for these butterflies in a sun-dappled opening in the woods.
View all of Judy’s Observations from Meadowood articles here.