Where’s Wildlife · Butterfly Field Guide
Polygonia comma
Pronounced (approx.): pol-ih-GOH-nee-uh KOM-uh
An anglewing that resembles a dry leaf when its wings close, with a silvery comma hidden underneath.
Select the photograph to browse all seven field photographs.
NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
Explore these seven field photographs. Select any image to open the gallery.
Females lay eggs beneath leaves. Caterpillars fold leaves together with silk, hide inside by day, and feed at night. The fall-winter generation survives winter as adults. [1]
Summer adults have mostly black upper hindwings; winter-form adults have more orange. These are seasonal forms of the same species. [1]
Explore reported Eastern Comma sightings. Observation records show where people have documented butterflies and are not a complete range map.
[1] UF/IFAS Extension — Eastern Comma
Donald W. Hall and Jerry F. Butler. Identification, hosts, leaf shelters, seasonal forms, and overwintering.