Although it seems like this snowy, cold winter will never end, the first butterflies will be on the wing soon. On a warm, sunny day, keep an eye out for a Mourning Cloak (shown below), an Eastern Comma or a Question Mark. These butterflies hibernate as adults. Once the air temperature warms a bit and the sun warms a butterfly’s body, it takes to the air after a long winter’s dormancy.
Butterflies that overwinter as adults do not depend on nectar for sustenance. Mourning Cloaks prefer to feed on tree sap, particular the sap of oak trees. Rotting fruit is also a food source.
Other adult hibernators include Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, Compton Tortoiseshell and all of our commas. Any of these could be seen in April in Maine.