Species Polygonia interrogationis - Question Mark

Polygonia interrogationis Fabricius, 1798

Common name refers to diagnostic mark on underside of hindwing.

Latin name interrogationis likely refers to interrogation or questioning, for the same character.

One of about nine Nearctic species in the genus.

58-76mm (1)

Caterpillar: variable coloration. Body and spines yellow to black. Eight silver spots on back. (1)

Adult: underside of hindwing has unique silver "question mark" shape. Upper forewing has extra black dash not in the similar Eastern Comma. (2) Upper hindwing of summer form is mostly black with short tails; winter form is orange/black with longer violet tipped tails. (1) Wing are very angular in outline.

Eastern 60% of U.S. and parts of adjacent southern Canada. Central and South Florida excluded. (1)

Wooded areas: rivers, swamps, parks. (1)

Winter form in late fall to early spring, summer form in late spring to summer. (1)

Adults take fluids from soil, rotting fruit, feces, carrion. Seldom, if ever, take nectar. Caterpillars feed on nettle, false nettle, elms, hackberry, Japanese hops (1).

Winter form adults overwinter. (1)