Satyr Comma
Common NameSatyr Comma
Scientific NamePolygonia satyrus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, riparian areas, clearings, parks
Geographic RangeWestern North America, extending north into Canada and Alaska, and east into the Great Lakes region; also parts of Eurasia
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Ulmus, Salix, Humulus lupulus
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods, overwinters as adult)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesAdults overwinter and emerge in early spring. Eggs are laid singly or in small clusters on host plants. The spiny caterpillars feed on leaves before pupating into a chrysalis that resembles a dead leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include the highly irregular, jagged wing edges and the bright orange upperside with black spots. The underside has a cryptic, dead-leaf appearance with a small, silvery 'comma' mark on the hindwing.
Description
This butterfly has distinctively jagged wing margins, with an upperside that is bright orange adorned with irregular black spots. The underside is mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage.
