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| Mourning Cloak | 
By the time spring arrives I am usually so desperate in my longing for a glimpse of color and signs of life outdoors, that I tend to notice more of everything than at any other time of year.  Take 
butterflies
 for instance, I never would have noticed them, if I wasn't actively looking for any sign of life other than the ordinary.
Last year I did some research and learned that the Mourning Cloak actually hibernates through winter.  Although I mistakenly assumed that it was the only butterfly to do so, it appears that at least two other species do the same.  The Green Comma and the Admiral, which I spotted just this week.
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| Green Comma | 
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| Admiral Butterfly | 
I find this fact to be absolutely fascinating and, since I am always eager to learn, plan to do some more research to find out just how many species of butterfly hibernate each year.  I also always assumed that all butterflies mate in the fall, only to die a few days later.  Obviously I am in error, and perhaps a butterfly's life cycle is much longer than I thought.  The species of butterflies that I present here, for example, mate in the spring.
I will let you know what I discover in another post.  In the meantime, if you have any knowledge on the subject feel free to comment below. 
Enjoy,
Susan
 
 
 
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