“Recently, I discovered that the strange, black geometric patterns on my garden leaves were actually eggs of the Mourning Cloak butterfly, also known as Nymphalis Antiopa. At first, they looked like an alien invasion, but they turned out to be a welcome presence. These intricate eggs resemble delicate black lace spread across the leaves, laid in clusters, with each tiny egg forming a perfect geometric shape.
Once they hatch, black caterpillars with white spots and spiny bodies emerge. These caterpillars primarily feed on trees and shrubs like willows, elms, and poplars, rather than garden flowers and vegetables, making them less of a threat to your garden. They go through several growth stages before forming a chrysalis and eventually transforming into beautiful Mourning Cloak butterflies with dark wings bordered in yellow and blue spots.
These butterflies hibernate during the winter and are among the first to appear in spring. If you come across these eggs or caterpillars in your garden, it’s best to leave them undisturbed. They play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and provide a fascinating insight into the lifecycle of these unique butterflies.”
