GRAY COMMA

Polygonia progne

BRUSH-FOOT FAMILY (Nymphalidae)

This comma has a wingspan of approximately 1 5/8 to 1 7/8 inches.  It has ragged edges and is tawny orange dorsally with yellow-spotted dark borders and sparse black  spotting in the fall and spring hatch.  Ventrally, in fall and spring they are 2-toned brown and gray.  The summer form has a chocolate brown hindwing dorsally with a tawny base, yellow spots and heavier black spotting.  Ventrally, it is gray-brown and heavily striated with white. The silver comma mark is thin and tapers to points at each end.  When perched on tree trunks with wings folded, it is perfectly camouflaged.

This butterfly is uncommon in Fontenelle Forest, and probably also in Neale Woods.  It takes sap, rotting fruit, carrion and scat, but can also occasionally be found nectaring at flowers, unlike other anglewings.  The individual shown here was photographed along the wetlands boardwalk in Fontenelle in late September.  Fall and spring adults overwinter.

The caterpillar grows to 1 1/8 inches.  It is variable in color and can be tan or rust with double white crossbands and short, branched spines along the back and on the head.  The larval foodplants are currants.