Although Mourning Cloaks are a more northern butterfly, they are recorded as native to northern Florida. About five years ago, they were found in trees in Gainesville, a very unusual occurrence. For four or five years in a row, they were found within a few miles of our farm. For four years or so, we had them in the wild here at the farm. Wild-collected larvae were about 55% infected with tachinid flies. We raised them, some laid eggs, and we released quite a few back into the area. Although we do hear of butterflies being found further north than their normal range in the last few years, we hear little of these species being found further south than is normal for them. These were a delight for us, a species we dont normally raise. The USDA does not allow them to be shipped into Florida so we cant order them from out of state to raise at the farm.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 18:54:39 +0000
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