Nymphalis antiopa

Hostplant: Different Willow(Salix spp.) and Birch(Betula spp.) species. I used Salix sp. in my breeding.

Lifecyle and behavior: The female lay her eggs in batches, usually around a small twig on the host tree. I found a batch of half grown larva that i brought home. From the time i found the larva to pupation it took 2-3 weeks and the larva molted 2 times. This means that they probably molt 4 times all together. Pupal stages lasted 1-2 weeks. The adults are often seen in early spring after hibernation. A new generation flies usually in August into September. As mentioned the adult butterfly hibernates.