Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Question Mark is a common butterfly throughout the eastern United States. Quite similar to the Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), identification is difficult until they land. The Question Mark has a silvered "?" underneath. The silvered mark of the Eastern Comma has a similar overall shape, but is joined together, more like a "C" than a ",". The underwing pattern on a Comma is more complex, with many fine dark brown bands.

Question Marks are often seen puddling, lapping up minerals from damp spots on dirt roads, tree sap, and even road kill.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

They sometimes have a taste for sweat, too, though Hackberry Emperor wins the prize for that.

Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Columbus Co., NC 7/19/03.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Pitt Co., NC 8/18/02.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/03.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Question Mark can be told from the top by an elongate spot, which I think of as forming a "boot". I guess this is a Question Mark. Not a typical example, however, with the diagnosic spot paler than normal and not as elongate.

Durham Co., NC 11/3/02.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) This is what they look like with a little more wear.

Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.

butterfly binoculars The true mark of a great pair of butterfly binoculars!

Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Fall individuals are patterned and colored to look like autumn leaves.

Chatham Co., NC 9/30/07.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) caterpillar

Caterpillars are beautifully patterned but very spiky.

Durham, NC 4/25/10.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.