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The amateur lepidopterist, who chases butterflies with a net, inevitably comes to think of herself as a kind of hunter, and of the bright and agile insects she pursues as a kind of game. And so they are. Butterflies are fast, alert, and wary; catching them can be difficult. But (as with bigger game) if you leave your net at home, butterflies will sometimes come to you. They are gregarious and make good company.
Or at least some do. The showier species, like the swallow-tails and the monarchs, are pretty standoffish. The smaller fritillaries are the white and red admirals are better natured. They seem curious, attentive, and eager to make your acquaintance. Often, walking down a country road, I have been joined by one or more of these species flying before, behind, beside me as I went along, for all the world like a friendly little spaniel.
My favorite of the companionable butterflies is the mourning cloak, a common species having velvety sable wings with golden borders. The mouning cloak is one of the butterflies that hibernate as winged adults. On a sunny day in March or April, one of these butterflies will tag along with you as you walk down the muddy road. After the long dark winter, it seems especially glad to see you, as you are to see it. 
