Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

A new butterfly for me! Woo hoo! This little beauty was sitting in my trowel early this morning when I went out to water the flowers. Mourning cloaks are true brushfoots. When their wings are open they are a wonderfully rich chocolate brown with blue and yellow lacing. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for more of these! They are also one of, if not the only, butterfly that over-winters here in North Carolina.