Tag Archives: mourning cloak

I Love Milkweed!

Posted on June 19, 2021 by the roused bear

We have sixteen species of milkweed here in Iowa. Some are quite rare and are a special treat to find. Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca is not rare, and is found in a lot of our degraded habitats. It often grows … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Retirement

Posted on May 7, 2021 by the roused bear

Last week on Monday I turned 65 and Thursday of that week was my last day of work. I am officially retired now. A few years ago I was really looking forward to retirement, but more recently I really started … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Late Spring

Posted on April 6, 2014 by the roused bear

We are having a late spring here in Iowa.  About half a dozen people reported seeing first butterflies–mostly mourning cloaks–on March 30, which is the latest date for first reports of butterflies in the last several years. I haven’t seen … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Mourning Cloaks

Posted on September 18, 2012 by the roused bear

There seem to be more mourning cloak butterflies, Nymphalis antiopa, flying around than one would normally expect for this time of year.  They perch in the trees and feed on fallen apples. Soon they will squeeze themselves into a tiny … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Grand Surprise

Posted on April 30, 2012 by the roused bear

The mourning cloak is often the first butterfly to show up in the spring.  It is one of the latest butterflies to be seen in the late autumn as well.  In fact, this butterfly has the longest adult life span of … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Previews of Coming Attractions

Posted on February 9, 2012 by the roused bear

It is cold now. We have several inches of snow.  But spring is just around the corner.  In three weeks, or maybe in as many as eight, we will see our first butterflies. They could be mourning cloaks. Maybe they … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Butterfly Activities

Posted on September 18, 2011 by the roused bear

A week ago we still had sunny weather and plenty of butterfly activity.  I found a mourning cloak which was drinking sap from wounds on a lilac bush and chased it around with my camera. Mourning cloaks are one of … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies, invertebrates | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Late Season Butterflies

Posted on September 9, 2011 by the roused bear

I took this week off as a vacation from work.  As a result, I have been able to get out in the middle of the day to photograph butterflies. The weather has been beautiful, although just a little bit on … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Welcome, March

Posted on March 1, 2011 by the roused bear

It is March finally.  So long February.  Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I have another web site where I do a “Butterfly Forecast” that covers central Iowa.  Check it out–I hope you enjoy it. This … Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment