Nymphalis milberti
Size:
Wingspan is 1 5/8 - 2 1/2 inches.
Similar Species:
Mourning Cloak (underside)
Habitat:
Moist meadows and pastures, open fields, stream sides and woodland borders.
Tends to wander a good bit.
Range/Abundance:
An extremely rare
migrant into northern WV. Historical in NC with one record and not recorded
in VA or SC. Usually found much further north.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from late May until October in two broods.
Larval Host Plants:
Nettles Urtica dioica and U. procera
Comments:
Milbert's Tortoiseshell visits flowers more often than its close relatives
do. It prefers rotten fruit and sap as well.
Chances of seeing this species in the region are very slim.
These photos were taken by Carolyn
Fields.
