Mourning cloak vs Eastern comma
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a mourning cloak from an eastern comma, and whether either one bites or stings.
Mourning cloak
Nymphalis antiopa
Eastern comma
Polygonia comma
≠The key differences
Mourning cloak is larger, with a dark maroon upperwing edged in pale and rows of blue spots, lacking the small silver comma underside mark.
⚖︎Side by side
| Mourning cloak | Eastern comma | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 6-8 cm wingspan (60-80 mm) | Wingspan 4.5-6.5 cm |
| Colours | Dark maroon, Pale yellow, Iridescent blue, Mottled gray-brown (underside) | Orange-brown, Dark brown, Black, Silver, Pale yellow |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, riparian corridors, parks, orchards and suburban areas with host trees | Woodland edges, clearings, hedgerows, riparian corridors, suburban gardens and parks. |
| Range | Holarctic: widespread across North America (including Alaska and much of Canada), parts of Europe and temperate Asia; occasional vagrants elsewhere. | Widespread across much of Canada and the United States (primarily eastern and central North America), with range limits dependent on local climate and host plants. |
| Active | Adults are active spring through autumn; single or multiple broods depending on region. Adults are diurnal and most active on warm sunny days. | Active spring through autumn; adults may be seen on warm days in late winter from hibernation. Diurnal, most active in mid-morning to early afternoon on sunny days. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a mourning cloak
- Large wingspan (about 6-8 cm) with uniformly dark maroon-brown upper wings
- Broad pale yellow to cream border along the wing edges with a row of blue spots inside the border
- Underside heavily mottled gray-brown, resembling tree bark when wings are closed
- Rounded wing tips without tails or strong angular projections
🔍How to spot an eastern comma
- Ragged, scalloped wing edges typical of anglewing butterflies.
- Upperwing orange-brown with darker markings and small submarginal spots.
- Underside of hindwing shows a small silvery comma-shaped mark.
- When wings closed, mottled brown/gray underside provides excellent leaf-like camouflage.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mourning cloak and an eastern comma?
Mourning cloak is larger, with a dark maroon upperwing edged in pale and rows of blue spots, lacking the small silver comma underside mark.
Is a mourning cloak or an eastern comma more dangerous?
Mourning cloak: Non-toxic. Eastern comma: Non-toxic. Mourning cloaks are harmless to people; adults do not bite or sting. Eastern commas do not bite or sting and are not poisonous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.