A Mourning Cloak... Yeah, I'd never heard of it either!

[24megapixseal]

Well, another first for me... I've never even heard of this butterfly before today.... This is a "Mourning Cloak" butterfly.

Now, some interesting facts about it!

Most butterflies have 6 legs...these guys only have 4...(Last photo, you can only see 3....)

These butterflies have a lifespan of 11 to 12 months, one of the longest lifespans for any butterfly.

The adult butterflies hibernate during the winter months. They do NOT migrate.

They 'overwinter' in tree cavities and on the ground underneath loose tree bark. They often emerge from hibernation before the snow has completely melted, making it one of the first butterflies to take wing in the spring.

They don't feed on flower nectar like other butterflies, but on rotting wood/leaves and tree sap....(Probably why these photos are of it on dead leaves on the ground in the woods!!)

And....CRIMONNITLY, this lens!....I was 30 FEET from this guy....and yet....look at the antennas on him....HOW DOES IT DO THAT?!?!?.......and even with a heavy crop.

Nikon D5600 + AF-S FX 500mm f5.6 VR

 

[4rum]

Love seeing your photos of one of my favorite butterflies. I even have a favorite patch of woods to photograph them in. It's quite a hike but mostly level. Great shots!

 

[10acres]

Nicely done. Amazing what lenses are capable of.

 

[jeffashman]

Very nice shots!

 

[Jeff15]

An unusual creature ...