Hoary Comma
Common NameHoary Comma
Scientific NamePolygonia gracilis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatForest openings, clearings, stream banks, rocky areas, subalpine meadows
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska and Yukon south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico, and west to California.
Host Plantswillow (Salix spp.), birch (Betula spp.), currant (Ribes spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to September (varies by region, often two broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly or in small clusters on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are spiny, typically dark with lighter markings, and pupate into a chrysalis that often mimics a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive ragged wing edges and the comma-shaped silver mark on the underside of the hindwing. The upper side is bright orange with black spots, and the underside is mottled brown, providing excellent camouflage when wings are closed.
Description
This butterfly has ragged-edged wings, bright orange upper surfaces with black spots, and a mottled brown underside resembling a dead leaf.
