Characteristics: Medium-large butterfly, brown-black on dorsal surface with wide yellow borders. A row of blue spots occurs adjacent to the yellow border.

Similar species: None

Habitats, Behavior: The behavior of this species is most interesting. The males, like those of many other butterfly species, exhibit "territoriality". When disturbed, the butterfly will fly away, returning in a minute or two to the same vicinity. Mourningcloak adults will usually perch on a high object, and I have often induced them to land on my hand by holding my arm up so that it is the highest object in the immediate vicinity conducive for perching. Some may jump to the conclusion that this indicates intelligence or a friendliness towards people, but more likely it is just an instinctive attraction to high solitary objects suitable for perching.

Distribution: One of our most common butterflies. The species is common to abundant in the suburbs. In the canyons it is usually limited to areas where willow trees (a larval foodplant) grow. The Mourningcloak may be sighted in most of the moist canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Flight Period: The Mourningcloak can be seen during every month of the year. The species is multiple brooded and over winters in the adult stage.

Larval Foodplants: In the suburbs the larvae may become pests on Chinese elm (Ulmus sp. ). Willows (Salix spp. ), are commonly utilized, particularly in the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Other Remarks: Although common throughout much of North America, this butterfly is rare and much desired in England. It is known there by the common name of the Camberwell Beauty, and only occurs as a stray from mainland Europe.