Frozen Butterflies?

Have you noticed a butterfly already in flight in the Okanagan or Similkameen?

Mourning cloaks are the first butterflies we see on warm winter and early spring days. They actually spend winter frozen solid in leaf litter!! They have a special natural "antifreeze" to prevent ice crystals from forming and so don't suffer frostbite. With no flower nectar yet, they can also be found to sip on tree sap.

Want to learn more about local wildlife? Check out our online resource library at www.osstewardship.ca/resources

#FunFactFriday #butterflies#mourningcloak#antifreeze#osstewardship#adaptation

Photo credit: D. Robichaud