Mourning Cloak Butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa

Mourning Cloak butterfly grows though much of the northern hemisphere. In Britain, were it is rare, it is known as Camberwell Beauty.
A large black butterfly with yellow edging. When it's wings are closed a Mourning cloak resembles the dark bark of a willow or cottonwood. Flies like a Swallowtail and about the same size.

Larval plants include mostly riparian plants like willows, cottonwoods, elm, hackberry and others.

One of the old names was Aglais antiopa.

“It is a familiar insect to all who have had an interest in nature, and never fails to arouse admiration on account of its brilliant coloration and boldness of pattern.” Comstock