Observation date: May 10, 2022
Submitted by: jamesvonloh
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Several caterpillars with prominent red-orange spots (I believe these to be mourning cloaks) were observed foraging on the leaves and young fruits of a small western hackberry tree/tall shrub, growing along the Arroyo Trail of the Organ Mountains. I would estimate the number of individuals to be in the 15-20 range; an additional single caterpillar was observed on a larger hackberry tree nearby. Mourning cloaks have been common this spring, since March, but were uncommon in the years 2019-2021, based on my individual observations.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: May 14, 2022
Coordinator notes: hackberry seems to be high on their menu. at first glance, these critters might resemble a train of black widow spiders, prompting predators to be wary
