Oh, I think you are right! It must be a mourning cloak. It was hard to get a picture of this butterfly but s/he actually really looked like he was black/brown! There didn't even seem to be a trace of red on it. That's why I didn't think it could be a mourning cloak at first because I was searching for black butterflies. Thanks for answering my question! :)

You guys are very good. I've admitted that I don't know these species, but in cases where you disagree, I have the advantage of having seen them in the flesh (do butterflies have flesh?), and for some of them I have additional photos that may show identifying characteristics better than the ones I first posted. Here's what we have so far: No. 2: Mexican or Tropical Leafwing (Anaea aidea) -- That's what I think too. The plant, I believe, is a Croton. No. 3: Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola) -- This was my first guess as well. The most striking thing about this butterfly is its tiny size. It sits easily on a blade of grass. Most of the time, it sits with its wings folded. The underside was pale bluish-gray with dark dots, although I don't think the dots were as pronounced as in the BMNA photo. No. 6: Two-Tailed Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata pusillus)? You can see a lot more details than I can, Cat. No. 7: Magnificent Swallowtail, (Papilio garamas) These are huge butterflies and very populous here. Next summer, zinnias will be the first seeds I plant. No. 8: White-rayed Checkerspot or Patch (Chlosyne ehrenbergii) -- I am confident this is correct. No. 9: Rawson's Metalmark (Calephelis rawsoni) The match looks better on the BMNA site than on Mariposas Mexicanas, but unless someone convinces me otherwise, I think this is correct. No. 10: Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)or Cassius Blue (Leptotes cassius)? I have a hard time seeing any difference. The plant is one of the Crotalaria species. Here's another picture: From Butterflies and Moths of Michoac No. 11: Golden Banded Skipper (Autochton cellus) -- That's gotta be it. Or could it be East Mexican or Sierra Madre Banded Skipper (Autochton siermadror)? No. 12: Theona Checkerspot (Chlosyne theona mullinsi) -- Tentative, but likely. No. 13: Theona Checkerspot (Chlosyne theona thekla) -- Tentative, but likely. No. 14: Malachites? Junos? Gulf Fritillaries? Mexican Silverspots? After comparing all the pictures I could find, I think they are Juno Longwings (Dione juno huascuma). I base my judgment on the length of the forewing, the shape of the eyespot, the absence of any pink on the forewing, and the overall brown tint. That leaves Numbers 1, 4 and 5 still to be identified. And, of course, the others are open to argument. geni

These spots are too big, but yes, it could be a moth. There's one nearby today, and it has many, not just 3, tiny yellow spots. Undersides are mottled brown. Forgot to say that before. Maybe a skipper?

I'm guessing that your description just doesn't suggest anything to any of us, sorry. One of those times when images would be helpful. A serious whitefly infestation is a most difficult thing to deal with, especially if it is community wide, as you suggest. Some gardeners like the sticky traps, but they can also catch beneficial insects and animals, too. I don't like them and won't use them....unless in a greenhouse.