Camberwell Beauty
Common NameCamberwell Beauty
Scientific NameNymphalis antiopa
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)85
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, maroon, yellow, blue
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, parks, gardens, riparian areas
Geographic RangeHolarctic (North America, Europe, Asia)
Host Plantswillow (Salix), elm (Ulmus), poplar (Populus), birch (Betula)
Flight PeriodMarch to November (overwinters as adult)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnique among butterflies for overwintering as an adult, often in tree hollows or under bark. Larvae are spiny, black with red spots, and feed gregariously.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its large size, dark wings, and the distinctive pale yellow border with blue spots. It is one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring.
Description
A large, striking butterfly with velvety dark brown to maroon wings, bordered by a broad, irregular pale yellow band and a row of iridescent blue spots just inside the border.
