Question Mark Butterfly
Common NameQuestion Mark Butterfly
Scientific NamePolygonia interrogationis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)76
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown, silver
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, parks, suburban areas, often near host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantselm, hackberry, nettle, hop
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly or in small clusters. Larvae are spiny and variable in color. Pupae are brown or green, resembling a dead leaf or twig. Adults are known to overwinter.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the jagged wing margins and the unique silver 'question mark' marking on the underside of the hindwing. The upperside is typically orange with black spots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its ragged wing edges. The upperside is orange-brown with black spots, while the underside is mottled brown, resembling a dead leaf, featuring a distinctive silver question mark on the hindwing.
