Green Comma
Common NameGreen Comma
Scientific NamePolygonia faunus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatForests, woodlands, clearings, stream banks, often near host plants
Geographic RangeNorth America, primarily northern and western regions of Canada and the United States
Host Plantswillow, birch, alder, currant, azalea
Flight PeriodMay to October (bivoltine, overwintering as adults)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly or in small clusters on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are spiny and variable in color, feeding on leaves before pupating into a cryptic chrysalis that resembles a dead leaf or twig. Adults emerge and may overwinter.
Identification TipsKey features include the deeply scalloped wing edges, the orange upperside with black spots and dark borders, and (though not visible here) distinctive green markings on the cryptic underside of the hindwings, which also bear the characteristic 'comma' mark.
Description
This butterfly has deeply scalloped and ragged wing margins. The upperside is bright orange with numerous irregular black spots and a broad, dark brown to black border.
