Eastern Comma
Image: Miami U. Libraries - Digital Collections (No restrictions)
Common NameEastern Comma
Scientific NamePolygonia comma
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, black
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, parks, gardens, often near water sources.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains.
Host Plantselm, nettle, hop, false nettle
Flight PeriodMarch to November (overwintering adults)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis species overwinters as an adult butterfly. Its larvae are spiny and feed on various host plants, while the pupae are camouflaged to resemble dead leaves or bark.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the deeply scalloped or jagged wing edges and the prominent orange-yellow upperside with black spots and a dark submarginal band. The underside, though not visible here, features a distinctive silver 'comma' mark.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its distinctive jagged wing margins, with an upperside that is typically orange-yellow adorned with black spots and a dark border.
