Scientific Name:  Nymphalis antiopa
Order:  Lepidoptra
Family:  Nymphalidae
Diet:  Host plants are willow, poplar, cottonwood, elm, wild rose, hackberry and hawthorn
Vegetation Association:  They are found in woodlands, streamsides, parks, shade and yards.
Predators: Caterpillars have spines covering their bodies to deter predators.  They also form masses that shake and vibrate together to deter predators. 

Life Stages:  Complete metamorphosis; egg, larva, pupa, adult.  Eggs are laid in bands around twigs.  Larvae are purplish black and pupa are wood brown and may be found attached to tree trunks. 
Notes:  Young caterpillars feed and shed their skin, or molt. The final molt produces the pupa, and then the butterfly rests.  Once free of the chrysalis, fluid from its body is pumped into its wings, the wings then are allowed to dry before it flies away to look for food and a mate.
Photo:  To be added.

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