Mourning Cloak
(Nymphalis antiopa)

This is one of the first butterflies to appear in the Spring and is active in and around wooded areas until late October. It is most commonly seen flying through forest openings or basking in patches of sunlight. It feeds primarily on fermenting tree sap or fruits and is reported to visit common milkweed. It has also been seen taking moisture from damp soil. This species spends the winter in Ohio and has been seen in the woods on warm February days.