Question Mark
Common NameQuestion Mark
Scientific NamePolygonia interrogationis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, parks, suburban areas, riparian zones
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Rocky Mountains
Host Plantselm, hackberry, nettle, hop
Flight PeriodMarch to November (overwintering adults can emerge earlier)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly or in small clusters. Larvae are spiny and feed on host plants. Adults can overwinter, often emerging early in spring and having multiple broods throughout the warmer months.
Identification TipsKey features include the jagged wing margins, the orange and black spotted upperside, and the diagnostic silver 'question mark' on the cryptic underside of the hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with highly irregular, jagged wing margins. The upperside is bright orange-brown with prominent black spots, while the cryptic underside resembles a dead leaf and bears a distinctive silver mark resembling a question mark.
