Early Spring Butterflies

In Michigan, two butterflies herald the arrival of spring - the Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma) and the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa).  Both of these butterflies spend the winter burrowed in tick brush piles or wedged between loose bark on trees.  While you may occasionally encounter both species in open areas, they generally live in wooded areas.  They often find sunny spots between the trees to soak up a few rays on cooler days.  Mourning Cloak butterflies (bottom picture) tend to be most prevalent during the spring and autumn.  They have a "hibernation" phase in the hottest part of the summer.