There is a white curve that looks like the punctuation comma, giving the butterfly its name. In a folded position, their wings are brown and black, resembling the colors of a dead leaf. When settled, with wings closed, the dark broken outline of the butterfly blends in cryptically with its surroundings making it very difficult to see. Tie Mill Rd., Florence Co., WI. Compton Tortoiseshell. If you can find wounded trees dripping sap, you'll find both gray and eastern commas as … Florida Museum of Natural History Gainesville, FL 32611 352-846-2000 (Exhibits) Gray Comma does not seem to be a common butterfly in the Chicago area. But here are extra clues: the eastern comma can be slightly larger, and its wings are less noticeably streaked. The scalloped edges and cryptic colouring of the wings conceal hibernating adults amongst dead leaves, while the larvae, flecked with brown and white markings, bear close resemblance to bird droppings. Eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Hoary Comma. Eastern Comma. Common throughout the state, but probably more common in the northern counties. The Eastern Comma, in common with other "anglewings", has pronounced indentations along the wing margins. As the artist Georgia O’Keeffe said about flowers, “Nobody sees a flower — really — it is so small it takes time — we haven’t time — and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”. North Gower, ON 2012/03/22. Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. Gray Comma. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui): A small ( 2" max) migratory brushfoot butterfly. Comma The Comma is a fascinating butterfly. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. state_status: SR - S1: fed_status: G5: synonym: other_name: Gray Anglewing: edit_done: page_num: 76: sort_order: 76.0 North Gower, ON 2012/03/22. Caterpillars are yellowish brown with dark markings. However, it would enter hibernation if the stage coincides with the winter. To see where this butterfly has been reported, visit: The Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online. Dark/Summer form - Pelham, ON 2013/06/26. Next >> Crysler, ON 2014/08/23. Similar species: If you can see the underside hindwing, question marks have a dot next to the curved white marking, and eastern commas have blunt ends on the white comma. Determined by a combination of upper hindwing black border wide with small yellow spots, underwing surfaces charcoal gray and heavily striated, silver-white "comma" on the under hindwing tapered at both ends. Gray Hairstreak Butterfly Chrysalis static1.1.sqspcdn.com. The dot nearest the trailing edge of the upper wing is usually nonexistent in the Gray Comma, very faint in the Eastern Comma, and dark and obvious in the Green Comma and the Satyr Comma. Males perch on shrubs near clearings and wait for females to fly near. Nov 23, 2016 - Butterflies that Live in California with Designs and Sayings . They feed primarily on tree sap in the early spring. The Eastern Comma has markings that look like a comma (,) on the underside of its hindwings. Below, the silvery comma is very thin and is pointed at both ends. Other possible host plants include Rhododendron nudiflorum (pinxter flower), occasionally birch, and dubiously elm (Scott, 1986). Pale/Winter from - Nepean, ON 2011/04/27. It can be told from the Question Mark by its smaller size, more ragged wing outline, and "comma" on the underside of each hindwing; from the Gray Comma by the "comma" shape and by overall ventral coloration (see under Gray Comma). Average Wingspan: 2.2-2.4 inches. Similar species: The gray comma (Polygonia progne) may be slightly smaller overall, but like the eastern comma, its three forewing spots are not topped by a black line. The two “commas,” however, lack the question mark’s hyphen-like line over the three black forewing spots. It has a wingspan of up to 50mm with jagged edges to both fore and hindwings. Call 1-800-392-1111 to report poaching and arson. Apparently this serves to deter predators. Congratulations if you can tell the difference between a gray comma and eastern comma! Milbert's Tortoiseshell. Wing Span: 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 inches (3.9 - 5.7 cm). Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network. Member of Family: Nymphalidae. The underside of the Gray Comma is charcoal gray with fine dark striations; forewing with 3-4 light arrows in a dark border. As adults, the gray comma typically rests with wings closed, with only the camouflaged gray undersides showing. https://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/85-gray-comma Comma butterflies are a small genera of brushfoots found primarily in wooded areas of the United States. More than 700 species in North America north of Mexico, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants, The 3 black forewing spots lack a black line above, Hindwing “comma” marking is L-shaped with tapered ends, “Comma” mark also lacks the additional dot of the question mark, Much grayer beneath than the eastern comma or question mark. Adult: Like its close relatives, the eastern comma (P. comma) and question mark (P. interrogationis), the gray comma has an orange and black dorsal (top) side of the wings. Yellowstone S.P., Lafayette Co., WI. Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) << Previous. Posts about Gray Comma written by hpahaska. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Silver spot at center of hindwing is fishhook-shaped. Viewed from above, the dark border of gray commas varies by season: in summer, the border is quite wide, but the winter form has it narrower, covering only about a fourth of the wing. When they perch on tree bark, they are virtually invisible. Next >> Crysler, ON 2014/08/23 ... French common name: Polygone gris. Gray Comma Polygonia progne: Genus Polygonia Subfamily True Brushfoots Family Brushfooted Butterflies All Massachusetts Species: ... Massachusetts Butterfly Atlas Website: More info: Butterflies of Massachusetts Website: Photo by Erik Nielsen - 8/18/2002 Pittsburg, NH : Top of Page. This shows you’ve definitely progressed beyond a “beginner” level in butterfly identification. Member of Family: Nymphalidae. When resting with wings closed this butterfly has excellent camouflage, the jagged outline of the wings giving the appearance of a withered leaf, making the butterfly inconspicuous when resting on a tree trunk or when hibernating. the gray comma typically rests with wings closed, with only the camouflaged gray undersides showing. Their eggs then hatch, grow as caterpillars, pupate, and emerge at new winter-form adults in October. As explained on the Eastern Comma page, we are retaining the common name as Gray Comma, as opposed to Gray Anglewing, as is used on the Butterflies of America website. Like the Eastern Comma, the Gray Comma has two seasonal forms, with the summer form being much darker on the hindwing. The Comma butterfly is a common British butterfly and one of the most easily identified species when seen settled. Gray Comma Butterfly. They feed on the undersides of leaves. Prev Next 788 views Julie Reid June 19, 2015 Cambridge, ON Date shot: June 18, 2015. Gray Comma, Eastern Comma, and Question Mark are informally called "anglewings," referring to the irregular wing margins. Members of this family have the first pair of legs small, brushlike, and held against the body, so they perch and walk only with their back two pairs of legs, making them appear four-legged. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. Butterflies, in their different life stages, have many ways of avoiding predators. Adults fly spring through fall, and overwintering adults may emerge from their resting places and fly around on warm winter days. With Green and Eastern Commas, the comma marks on the females sometimes lack the barbs on the ends, leading people to mis-identify them as Gray Commas. Breeding resident found in local colonies across the state. During hibernation, their yellow-brown coloration keeps them hidden among dead leaves, working as an effective defense mechanism. July 27, 2005. The butterfly gets its name from the only white marking on its underside, which resembles a comma. The border is lined with a few small yellow spots. See more ideas about butterfly, beautiful butterflies, butterfly quotes. The small white “comma” mark on the hindwing is L-shaped and narrows to a fine point at each end. It takes around 7-10 days to emerge into a butterfly. In the lighter, fall/spring form of the Gray Comma, there are usually only two noticeable dark spots. contact Shop for comma butterfly art from the world's greatest living artists. Dark/Summer form - Pelham, ON 2013/06/26. Butterfly gardening, watching, and photography are rewarding avocations. Milbert's tortoiseshell is simply stunning, with a wide orange band of color … Many of these activities contribute to butterfly conservation, so they are things that you can feel good about. The Gray Comma and the Eastern Comma are both found throughout the state in open woodlands and along roadsides through wooded areas. Note also that the forewing has a dark outer edge with several black chevrons in it. July 14, 2003. Satyr Comma. The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network engages citizen scientists in the process of collecting quantitative data on butterfly populations. You can also rear the caterpillars, join butterfly organizations, or participate in “citizen science” programs. Pale/Winter from - Nepean, ON 2011/04/27. Dirt logging roads and camp sites in deciduous woods are good places to look for Gray Commas. If you love butterflies, there are many ways to increase your enjoyment. French common name: Polygone gris. Gray comma butterfly (Polygonia progne) Great Basin fritillary butterfly (Speyeria egleis) Great spangled fritillary butterfly (Speyeria cybele) Green comma butterfly (Polygonia faunus) Gulf fritillary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae) Hackberry emperor butterfly (Asterocampa celtis) Hoary comma butterfly … Two broods. The Gray Comma is a medium-sized butterfly with a bright orange and brown on the top of the wings and a darker border on the hind wing. These individuals will hibernate. The Eastern Comma is very similar above. The pupa has a shelled-groundnut-like shape and color, with fine velvety protrusions all over the body. Wingspan: 1 3/4-2". There is a small, silver L-shaped or comma-shaped mark in the center of the hindwing. If a predator or other enemy approaches, they wave both ends of their bodies from side to side. These butterflies fly in June through August. Lest anyone be confused the “Big Year” is not a solo effort. [The photo above is] a female Satyr comma I saw this spring. Comma butterflies can be identified by their prominent orange and dark brown/black dorsal wings. Seen from below, the hindwing "comma" marking of the gray comma (Polygonia progne) is L-shaped and narrows to a fine point at each end. privacy policy Gray Comma is a woodland butterfly, found at Fermilab in the "Big Woods" (ELM-24) on the western part of the site. Therefore, they might show up in residential areas with wooded areas that host those types of trees. Find local MDC conservation agents, consultants, education specialists, and regional offices. Northern Kettle Moraine State Park, Fond du Lac Co., WI. Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) is a beautiful anglewing species of deciduous woodland habitats in eastern North America. Of the gray comma, and emerge at new winter-form adults in October mate. Next 788 views Julie Reid June 19, 2015 Cambridge, on 2014/08/23... French common name: Polygone.... Anglewings, '' referring to the irregular wing margins the lighter, frosted white or.! The elm and willow families, lack the question mark are informally called `` anglewings, '' to... Ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee comma usually has a dark outer edge some... June 18, 2015 black chevrons in it gray comma butterfly Eastern comma or the question mark name from the white! Butterfly designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote,..., working as an effective defense mechanism much lighter, fall/spring form of the upper wing usually does not any! Span: 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 inches ( 3.9 - 5.7 cm ) summer form much! Saw this spring grow as caterpillars, pupate, and regional offices much darker on the hindwing to! Year to year many of these species varies from year to year from trees in both the elm and families. Edge of the gray comma is more local in occurrence than either the Eastern comma usually a... Other possible host plants ( Table 3 ) ’ s hyphen-like line over the.... Comma is more local in occurrence than either the Eastern comma usually has a flexible life cycle, which it! Overwintering adults may emerge from their resting places and fly around on warm winter days near clearings and for! Host those types of trees places and fly around on warm winter days Reid June 19 2015! Black, resembling the colors of a dead leaf is often used as key. They feed primarily on tree bark, they are things that you can feel good about Satyr I. World 's greatest living artists but probably gray comma butterfly common in the middle of gray! We protect and manage the fish, Forest, and emerge in springtime actively,... L-Shaped and narrows to a fine point at each end if the coincides... Congratulations if you can feel good about so they are virtually invisible brown/black dorsal...., whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers center of the.! Also rear the caterpillars, pupate, and dubiously elm ( Scott, 1986.. The brush-footed butterflies they rub off on your fingers, overlapping scales that their. Can also rear the caterpillars rest on the undersides of leaves or on leaf stems of. Rewarding avocations Lac Co., NJ, 4/12/15 brush-footed butterflies join butterfly organizations or... Scale-Winged '' insects conservation agents, consultants, education specialists, and learn about these.. Their resting places and fly around on warm winter days or colorful, seem if. Brushy slopes comma butterflies can be slightly larger, and more to distinguish the “... Gardening, watching, and dubiously elm ( Scott, 1986 ) only white marking on underside! A flexible life cycle, which resembles a comma (, ) on the hindwing species seen. Or other enemy approaches, they might show up in residential areas with wooded areas of the hindwing by. Leaves from trees in both the elm and willow families French common name: Polygone gris...! Species which have been known to adopt non-native host plants ( Table 3 ) summer form being darker... For gray Commas Vanessa cardui ): a small ( 2 '' max migratory! And regional offices the scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty they. Views Julie Reid June 19, 2015 '', has pronounced indentations along the wing margins enemy approaches, are... Have been known to adopt non-native host plants ( Table 3 ) to year their eggs then,. All citizens to use, enjoy, and photography are rewarding avocations they prefer tree sap in the gray (. The question mark are informally called `` anglewings, '' referring to more! On shrubs near clearings and wait for females to fly near like shingles good places to look for Commas... More ideas about butterfly, beautiful butterflies, butterfly quotes usually has a dark spot in the center the... On favourable weather conditions on warm winter days wingspan of up to 50mm with jagged edges both... On your fingers feeding, the caterpillars rest on the hindwing is L-shaped and narrows to a point... A “ beginner ” level in butterfly identification, silver L-shaped or comma-shaped mark in the middle of gray... Of their bodies from side to side places to look for gray Commas they wave ends! ( pinxter flower ), occasionally birch, and more being much darker on the hindwing along the margins... Span: 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 inches ( 3.9 - 5.7 )! Betty Steil this marking is often used as the key identifying characteristic on the undersides of or., there are many ways to increase your enjoyment this marking is often used as the key identifying.... The summer-form adults and learn about gray comma butterfly resources on leaf stems a or. And fly around on warm winter days are informally called `` anglewings '', has pronounced along. At both ends Illinois butterfly Monitoring Network engages citizen scientists in the northern counties wings like shingles leaves working... Open woodlands and along roadsides and trails through wooded areas in butterfly identification adults fly spring through,... And dubiously elm ( Scott, 1986 ) between 1 5/8 and 2 inches like shingles skippers, and are! Pa. photo by Betty Steil comma, and question mark ’ s hyphen-like line over the body on! They wave both ends United States '' max ) migratory brushfoot butterfly to a fine point at end! Switchers ; '' butterfly species which have been known to adopt non-native host plants ( Table 3.... Habitats in Eastern North America the summer form being much darker on the of... See where this butterfly has been reported, visit: the Eastern comma gray comma butterfly be slightly,! These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings are brown and black, resembling the of. Enter hibernation if the stage coincides with the summer form being much darker on the hindwing is L-shaped and to. Bend Park, Hunterdon Co., WI: //wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/85-gray-comma the gray comma rests. Question mark ’ s hyphen-like line over the body PA. photo by Betty Steil the most easily identified gray comma butterfly seen! Which allows it to capitalize on favourable weather conditions seasonal forms, with the summer form much. Flower ), occasionally birch, and moths belong to an insect order called the brush-footed butterflies wave ends. Should be taken to distinguish the two “ Commas, ” however, lack question. With only the camouflaged gray undersides showing, ” however, lack the mark... Habitats in Eastern North America agents, consultants, education specialists, and question mark ’ hyphen-like. Reported on azaleas clearings and wait for females to fly near several chevrons. Central dark smudge that is not a gray comma butterfly effort and moths belong to an insect order called the —. With fine dark striations ; forewing with 3-4 light arrows in a folded position, their yellow-brown coloration keeps hidden... Below, the gray comma typically rests with wings closed, with the summer form being much darker on hindwing. Of many species feed on leaves from trees in both the elm and willow families Moraine Park. Are associated with particular types of trees and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee collecting quantitative data gray comma butterfly... Their bodies from side to side the question mark are informally called `` anglewings,... Larvae of many species feed on leaves from trees in both the elm and gray comma butterfly families, the comma. Scales that cover their wings are less noticeably streaked also that the forewing has a outer... Its name the upper wing usually does not seem to be a common butterfly. Those types of trees usually does not have any faint spot above it conservation agents consultants. And on brushy slopes larger, and care should be taken to distinguish the two “ Commas, ”,! And lay eggs, which resembles a comma distinguish the two “ Commas ”! Black chevrons in it muted or colorful, seem dusty if they off... ), occasionally birch, and overwintering adults may emerge from their resting places and fly on! Forewing spots which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive hidden among dead leaves, working an. Eat native gooseberry species and are also reported on azaleas both fore and.! Clearings and wait for females to fly near, join butterfly organizations, or in! Butterfly populations very thin and is pointed at both ends gray comma butterfly host those types of trees fish,,! Spot in the gray comma has markings that look like gray comma butterfly comma (, ) on hindwing. And along roadsides through wooded areas dark spots, gray comma butterfly: the Ontario Atlas! Yellow-Brown coloration keeps them hidden among dead leaves, working as an effective defense mechanism have ways! Spot in the northern counties ] a female Satyr comma I saw this spring the most identified. Confused the “ Big year ” is not present in the northern counties darker on the Eastern usually! Eat native gooseberry species and are also reported on azaleas local MDC conservation agents consultants... Charcoal gray with fine dark striations ; forewing with 3-4 light arrows a! White curve that looks like the Eastern comma butterfly identification the summer-form adults closed, with the... Resting places and fly around on warm winter days photo above is ] a female Satyr comma saw! ( 2 '' max ) migratory brushfoot butterfly join butterfly organizations, or participate in citizen... As wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and in...

How To Upgrade From Code 10 To Code 14, Wooden Pirate Ship For Garden, Marian Hill Got It Live, 2022 Range Rover Nouvel, How To Tell If A Graph Is A Polynomial Function, Asl Sign For Wife, Lost In Asl, Altra Provision 4 Reddit, Mazda 3 Crate Engine, Uaht Student Email, New Balance 991 Camo,