March 6, 2026

Generally an adult butterfly has a short lifespan of just 2 to 4 weeks. The longest lifespan of an adult butterfly in North American is that of the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), from 10 to 12 months.

In order to accomplish this, the Mourning Cloak overwinters as an adult. They seek shelter from the winter weather in tree crevices, or wood piles.

I’ve been seeing Mourning Cloaks out already, enjoying the early March weather. As the seasons go by, keep in mind that you may see one of these butterflies on a warm midwinter day.

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