The mourning cloak butterfly might not win any contests for flashiest insect, but this species breaks the mold in some surprising ways.

With its dark red wings, yellow border, and bright blue spots, it's easily distinguishable from other butterflies. And unlike most of its kin, it thrives in cold climates and sticks around through the winter months.

You might spot one fluttering on a warm winter day when most insects are still in hiding. When temperatures rise just a few degrees, adult mourning cloaks wake up, stretch their legs, and start flying again—even if snow still covers the ground.

What Do Mourning Cloak Butterflies Look Like?

The mourning cloak, also known by its scientific name Nymphalis antiopa , belongs to the brush-footed butterflies family. Its wingspan stretches up t

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