Southern Comma
Common NameSouthern Comma
Scientific NamePolygonia comma
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forest edges, stream banks, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to the Great Plains
Host Plantselm, nettle, hop, false nettle
Flight PeriodMarch to November (adults overwinter)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesAdults overwinter, often emerging early in spring. Larvae are spiny and feed on various host plants before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include the deeply scalloped or ragged wing margins, the orange and black upperside pattern, and the silvery 'comma' mark on the underside of the hindwing (not visible in this dorsal view).
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange uppersides marked with black spots and a dark border, characterized by distinctively ragged wing edges.
