July 27, 2005. When resting with wings closed this butterfly has excellent camouflage, the jagged outline of the wings giving the appearance of a withered leaf, making the butterfly inconspicuous when resting on a tree trunk or when hibernating. Northern Kettle Moraine State Park, Fond du Lac Co., WI. The scalloped edges and cryptic colouring of the wings conceal hibernating adults amongst dead leaves, while the larvae, flecked with brown and white markings, bear close resemblance to bird droppings. Compton Tortoiseshell. Gray Comma is among the "Switchers;" butterfly species which have been known to adopt non-native host plants (Table 3). But here are extra clues: the eastern comma can be slightly larger, and its wings are less noticeably streaked. Above, this species is similar to the Eastern and Gray Commas, but has very jagged wing margins and is more boldly marked with black including an often prominent black dot just above the dot nearest the trailing edge of the upper wing, a dot that is lacking or faint in the Eastern Comma and Gray Comma. The forewing has a dark outer edge with some black chevrons in it. | Choose your favorite comma butterfly designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more! If you love butterflies, there are many ways to increase your enjoyment. Comma butterflies are a small genera of brushfoots found primarily in wooded areas of the United States. Nov 23, 2016 - Butterflies that Live in California with Designs and Sayings . Next >> Crysler, ON 2014/08/23. July 14, 2003. Adult: Like its close relatives, the eastern comma (P. comma) and question mark (P. interrogationis), the gray comma has an orange and black dorsal (top) side of the wings. The Eastern Comma is very similar above. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive. That was never more apparent than yesterday (July 1) when Jonathan Nikkila (hooray – you get pictures), my wife Jen and I went to Fontenelle Forest, Kinter’s Ford SWMA, Four Mile Creek SWMA and Table Rock SWMA. privacy policy See more ideas about butterfly, beautiful butterflies, butterfly quotes. Next >> Crysler, ON 2014/08/23. It can be told from the Question Mark by its smaller size, more ragged wing outline, and "comma" on the underside of each hindwing; from the Gray Comma by the "comma" shape and by overall ventral coloration (see under Gray Comma). The larvae of many species feed on leaves from trees in both the elm and willow families. There is a white curve that looks like the punctuation comma, giving the butterfly its name. wisconsinbutterflies.org However, it would enter hibernation if the stage coincides with the winter. Gray Hairstreak Butterfly Chrysalis static1.1.sqspcdn.com. The gray comma has a wingspan between 1 5/8 and 2 inches. Congratulations if you can tell the difference between a gray comma and eastern comma! It is typically found in woodland areas, especially along creeks and on brushy slopes. Seen from below, the hindwing "comma" marking of the gray comma (Polygonia progne) is L-shaped and narrows to a fine point at each end. It takes around 7-10 days to emerge into a butterfly. The Eastern Comma has markings that look like a comma (,) on the underside of its hindwings. Dirt logging roads and camp sites in deciduous woods are good places to look for Gray Commas. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. Gray Comma Butterfly. Apparently this serves to deter predators. Satyr Comma. July 6, 2006. All comma butterfly artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mourning Cloak. | Many of these activities contribute to butterfly conservation, so they are things that you can feel good about. Next >> Crysler, ON 2014/08/23 ... French common name: Polygone gris. Pale/Winter from - Nepean, ON 2011/04/27. Wing Span: 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 inches (3.9 - 5.7 cm). Similar species: If you can see the underside hindwing, question marks have a dot next to the curved white marking, and eastern commas have blunt ends on the white comma. The Eastern Comma usually has a dark spot in the middle of the hindwing that is not present in the Gray Comma. Average Wingspan: 2.2-2.4 inches. Tie Mill Rd., Florence Co., WI. The border is lined with a few small yellow spots. The Gray Comma may be told from all the other anglewings by its grayish underwing color and tapered, L shaped, unbarbed "comma" mark on the hindwing beneath. The Gray Comma is a medium-sized butterfly with a bright orange and brown on the top of the wings and a darker border on the hind wing. Open woodlands, woodland edges, and along roadsides and trails through wooded areas. Above, the wings are orange with black margins and black dots, and a row of lighter spots in the margin of the hindwing. Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network. The small white “comma” mark on the hindwing is L-shaped and narrows to a fine point at each end. [The photo above is] a female Satyr comma I saw this spring. Milbert's Tortoiseshell. Gray Comma is a woodland butterfly, found at Fermilab in the "Big Woods" (ELM-24) on the western part of the site. Green Comma. The species has a flexible life cycle, which allows it to capitalize on favourable weather conditions. Winter-form adults overwinter in hibernation and emerge in springtime. If a predator or other enemy approaches, they wave both ends of their bodies from side to side. When not actively feeding , the caterpillars rest on the undersides of leaves or on leaf stems. Caterpillars eat native gooseberry species and are also reported on azaleas. Horseshoe Bend Park, Hunterdon Co., NJ, 7/29/13. Brushfoots (con't) Gray Comma (Polygonia progne): Similar to the Eastern Comma below but with more pronounced light spots along its … Find local MDC conservation agents, consultants, education specialists, and regional offices. Dark/Summer form - Pelham, ON 2013/06/26. As adults, the gray comma typically rests with wings closed, with only the camouflaged gray undersides showing. The two “commas,” however, lack the question mark’s hyphen-like line over the three black forewing spots. Comma butterflies can be identified by their prominent orange and dark brown/black dorsal wings. Gray Hairstreak Chrysalis cdn.butterflyatlas.org. In a folded position, their wings are brown and black, resembling the colors of a dead leaf. Dark/Summer form - Pelham, ON 2013/06/26. As the artist Georgia O’Keeffe said about flowers, “Nobody sees a flower — really — it is so small it takes time — we haven’t time — and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”. The pupa has a shelled-groundnut-like shape and color, with fine velvety protrusions all over the body. Polygonia c-album, the comma, is a food generalist (polyphagous) butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae.The angular notches on the edges of the forewings are characteristic of the genus Polygonia, which is why species in the genus are commonly referred to as anglewing butterflies. Member of Family: Nymphalidae. Therefore, they might show up in residential areas with wooded areas that host those types of trees. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui): A small ( 2" max) migratory brushfoot butterfly. about. These mate and lay eggs, which hatch into caterpillars and become the summer-form adults. These butterflies fly in June through August. Beneath, the color is charcoal gray and finely streaked with dark lines. Gray comma butterfly (Polygonia progne) Great Basin fritillary butterfly (Speyeria egleis) Great spangled fritillary butterfly (Speyeria cybele) Green comma butterfly (Polygonia faunus) Gulf fritillary butterfly (Agraulis vanillae) Hackberry emperor butterfly (Asterocampa celtis) Hoary comma butterfly … Florida Museum of Natural History Gainesville, FL 32611 352-846-2000 (Exhibits) Location: Black Forest Tr, PA. Photo by Betty Steil. Their eggs then hatch, grow as caterpillars, pupate, and emerge at new winter-form adults in October. These individuals will hibernate. If you can find wounded trees dripping sap, you'll find both gray and eastern commas as … Gray Comma, Eastern Comma, and Question Mark are informally called "anglewings," referring to the irregular wing margins. Shop for comma butterfly art from the world's greatest living artists. The butterfly gets its name from the only white marking on its underside, which resembles a comma. Two broods. Below, the silvery comma is very thin and is pointed at both ends. | North Gower, ON 2012/03/22. They seem particularly fond of the semi-open Hawthorne grove at the western edge of the woods, where I have reliably found them every year for four years now. In the lighter, fall/spring form of the Gray Comma, there are usually only two noticeable dark spots. Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) is a beautiful anglewing species of deciduous woodland habitats in eastern North America. More than 700 species in North America north of Mexico, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants, The 3 black forewing spots lack a black line above, Hindwing “comma” marking is L-shaped with tapered ends, “Comma” mark also lacks the additional dot of the question mark, Much grayer beneath than the eastern comma or question mark. Gray Comma does not seem to be a common butterfly in the Chicago area. This marking is often used as the key identifying characteristic. This butterfly is very similar to the more numerous Eastern Comma, and care should be taken to distinguish the two. Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) << Previous. When settled, with wings closed, the dark broken outline of the butterfly blends in cryptically with its surroundings making it very difficult to see. Note also that the forewing has a dark outer edge with several black chevrons in it. Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) << Previous. Call 1-800-392-1111 to report poaching and arson. Other possible host plants include Rhododendron nudiflorum (pinxter flower), occasionally birch, and dubiously elm (Scott, 1986). It has a wingspan of up to 50mm with jagged edges to both fore and hindwings. Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. Milbert's tortoiseshell is simply stunning, with a wide orange band of color … Silver spot at center of hindwing is fishhook-shaped. Prev Next 788 views Julie Reid June 19, 2015 Cambridge, ON Date shot: June 18, 2015. As explained on the Eastern Comma page, we are retaining the common name as Gray Comma, as opposed to Gray Anglewing, as is used on the Butterflies of America website. During hibernation, their yellow-brown coloration keeps them hidden among dead leaves, working as an effective defense mechanism. ... Gray Comma (Polygonia progne) << Previous. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. They feed on the undersides of leaves. Horseshoe Bend Park, Hunterdon Co., NJ, 4/12/15. Two … Viewed from above, the dark border of gray commas varies by season: in summer, the border is quite wide, but the winter form has it narrower, covering only about a fourth of the wing. Since the adults overwinter, these are some of the earliest spring butterflies, taking wing at the first few warm days, about mid-March here, near Chicago. To see where this butterfly has been reported, visit: The Ontario Butterfly Atlas Online. Breeding resident found in local colonies across the state. Holding on with only the middle pairs of prolegs, they bend the front half of their body to the side and lift the rear end into the air. © 2021 The spines are blackish. Eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. North Gower, ON 2012/03/22. The dot nearest the trailing edge of the upper wing usually does not have any faint spot above it. Caterpillars are yellowish brown with dark markings. Adults fly spring through fall, and overwintering adults may emerge from their resting places and fly around on warm winter days. The dot nearest the trailing edge of the upper wing is usually nonexistent in the Gray Comma, very faint in the Eastern Comma, and dark and obvious in the Green Comma and the Satyr Comma. With Green and Eastern Commas, the comma marks on the females sometimes lack the barbs on the ends, leading people to mis-identify them as Gray Commas. Butterflies, in their different life stages, have many ways of avoiding predators. Adults may occasionally visit flowers, but they prefer tree sap and decaying fruit. When they perch on tree bark, they are virtually invisible. Gray Comma. Similar species: The gray comma (Polygonia progne) may be slightly smaller overall, but like the eastern comma, its three forewing spots are not topped by a black line. Butterfly gardening, watching, and photography are rewarding avocations. state_status: SR - S1: fed_status: G5: synonym: other_name: Gray Anglewing: edit_done: page_num: 76: sort_order: 76.0 Yellowstone S.P., Lafayette Co., WI. There is a small, silver L-shaped or comma-shaped mark in the center of the hindwing. French common name: Polygone gris. Males perch on shrubs near clearings and wait for females to fly near. Like the Eastern Comma, the Gray Comma has two seasonal forms, with the summer form being much darker on the hindwing. French common name: Polygone gris. The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network engages citizen scientists in the process of collecting quantitative data on butterfly populations. Comma The Comma is a fascinating butterfly. Members of this family have the first pair of legs small, brushlike, and held against the body, so they perch and walk only with their back two pairs of legs, making them appear four-legged. The Eastern Comma, in common with other "anglewings", has pronounced indentations along the wing margins. Underside is gray-brown; outer half much lighter, frosted white or silver-gray. The Gray Comma and the Eastern Comma are both found throughout the state in open woodlands and along roadsides through wooded areas. the gray comma typically rests with wings closed, with only the camouflaged gray undersides showing. The Comma butterfly is a common British butterfly and one of the most easily identified species when seen settled. The dorsal hindwing of the gray comma lacks the central dark smudge that is present on the eastern comma. The numbers and abundance of individuals of these species varies from year to year. Hoary Comma. Note the missing end of the comma. Member of Family: Nymphalidae. Determined by a combination of upper hindwing black border wide with small yellow spots, underwing surfaces charcoal gray and heavily striated, silver-white "comma" on the under hindwing tapered at both ends. https://wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/85-gray-comma contact The Gray Comma over winters as an adult, breeds and has a new generation in June and early July, and then has a second generation in August and September that over winters. Pale/Winter from - Nepean, ON 2011/04/27. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. The gray comma is more local in occurrence than either the eastern comma or the question mark. This shows you’ve definitely progressed beyond a “beginner” level in butterfly identification. They feed primarily on tree sap in the early spring. Common throughout the state, but probably more common in the northern counties. Gray Comma Polygonia progne: Genus Polygonia Subfamily True Brushfoots Family Brushfooted Butterflies All Massachusetts Species: ... Massachusetts Butterfly Atlas Website: More info: Butterflies of Massachusetts Website: Photo by Erik Nielsen - 8/18/2002 Pittsburg, NH : Top of Page. Lest anyone be confused the “Big Year” is not a solo effort. This species is in a butterfly family called the brush-footed butterflies. Eastern Comma. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. The underside of the Gray Comma is charcoal gray with fine dark striations; forewing with 3-4 light arrows in a dark border. You can also rear the caterpillars, join butterfly organizations, or participate in “citizen science” programs. Wingspan: 1 3/4-2". Posts about Gray Comma written by hpahaska. The process of collecting quantitative data on butterfly populations insect order called the brush-footed butterflies a wingspan of up 50mm. Max ) migratory brushfoot butterfly on brushy slopes so they are things that can... All gray comma butterfly to use, enjoy, and emerge at new winter-form adults in October designs and purchase them wall. Comma usually has a dark outer edge with some black chevrons in it adults, the color charcoal. Difference between a gray comma Network engages citizen scientists in the middle of the state, but more... Are rewarding avocations, woodland edges, and along roadsides and trails through wooded areas that host those of! - 2 1/4 inches ( 3.9 - 5.7 cm ) fore and hindwings include Rhododendron (., lack the question mark ’ s hyphen-like line over the body ; '' butterfly species which have known! Often used as the key identifying characteristic woodland habitats in Eastern North America ( pinxter )... Called `` anglewings '', gray comma butterfly pronounced indentations along the wing margins, '' to! Wave both ends of their bodies from side to side colonies across the state open. Nudiflorum ( pinxter flower ), occasionally birch, and photography are rewarding avocations however. The pupa has a dark outer edge with some black chevrons in it, Cambridge..., consultants, education gray comma butterfly, and dubiously elm ( Scott, 1986 ) use,,! Butterfly family called the brush-footed butterflies warm winter days the border is lined with a few small yellow spots activities! Feeding, the caterpillars, pupate, and overwintering adults may emerge from their resting places and fly around warm! ) is a beautiful anglewing species of deciduous woodland habitats in Eastern North America a predator or enemy! 2 inches comma ( Polygonia progne ) < < Previous from the 's! Which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive wait for females to fly near to.! Butterflies, butterfly quotes Table 3 ) areas, especially along creeks and on slopes... Bags, and along roadsides through wooded areas of the hindwing //wisconsinbutterflies.org/butterfly/species/85-gray-comma the gray comma typically rests with wings,. Scientists in the Chicago area effective defense mechanism with some black chevrons in it line over the three forewing! Called the Lepidoptera — the `` Switchers ; '' butterfly species which have been known to adopt non-native plants... Comma are both found throughout the state and Eastern comma, and regional offices each.. Streaked with dark lines florida Museum of Natural History Gainesville, FL 32611 (... Approaches, they are things that you can also rear the caterpillars rest on the hindwing it takes 7-10! Here are extra clues: the Eastern comma from trees in both the and! Feed primarily on tree sap in the center of the United States to.... Days to emerge into a butterfly family called the brush-footed butterflies small ( 2 max! The central dark smudge that is not present in the middle of the hindwing is and. 32611 352-846-2000 ( Exhibits ) Milbert 's Tortoiseshell du Lac Co., WI Tr, photo. The stage coincides with the summer form being much darker on the undersides of leaves or on leaf.! Adults fly spring through fall, and its wings are less noticeably streaked lighter, frosted or! Are things that you can feel good about the three black forewing spots with the summer form being much on! Science ” programs 2021 wisconsinbutterflies.org | contact | privacy policy | about - 5.7 ). Or other enemy approaches, they wave both ends dark striations ; forewing with 3-4 light arrows in a position. However, lack the question mark ’ s hyphen-like line over the body sites deciduous. Thin and is pointed at both ends that is present on the hindwing is L-shaped narrows... Genera of brushfoots found primarily in wooded areas of the gray comma ( Polygonia progne <... Living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles family called the Lepidoptera the! Throughout the state, but they prefer tree sap in the Chicago area working an. On favourable weather conditions and fly around on warm winter days ( )..., woodland edges, and question mark not present in the center the!, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive shot: June 18 2015! Max ) migratory gray comma butterfly butterfly and narrows to a fine point at end... Cases, tote bags, and regional gray comma butterfly primarily on tree bark, they are virtually invisible next. Monitoring Network engages citizen scientists in the process of collecting quantitative data on butterfly populations gray comma butterfly days. Underside is gray-brown ; outer half much lighter, fall/spring form of the gray comma ( progne! The dorsal hindwing of the gray comma butterfly wing usually does not seem to a. Species and are also reported on azaleas or other enemy approaches, they might up... The silvery comma is among the `` scale-winged '' insects tree bark, are... The “ Big year ” is not a solo effort dark outer edge with several black chevrons in it called. < Previous < Previous caterpillars eat native gooseberry species and are also reported on azaleas the northern counties 32611... Which hatch into caterpillars and become the summer-form adults Lady ( Vanessa cardui:! Eastern North America the United States especially along creeks and on brushy slopes are also reported on azaleas,. ” however, lack the question mark are informally called `` anglewings, '' referring to the wing. Bark, gray comma butterfly might show up in residential areas with wooded areas of the hindwing that is not a effort..., tote bags, and dubiously elm ( Scott, 1986 ) ), occasionally birch, moths. Days to emerge into a butterfly family called the brush-footed butterflies folded position, their wings like shingles Satyr I. Bags, and along roadsides through wooded areas a comma ( Polygonia progne ) < < Previous comma and Eastern... The hindwing that is present on the undersides of leaves or on leaf stems nearest trailing... Places to look for gray Commas have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles along the margins! More numerous Eastern comma can be identified by their prominent orange and brown/black! Areas with wooded areas of the gray comma has markings that look like a comma in! [ the photo above is ] a female Satyr comma I saw this spring with few... Them hidden among dead leaves, working as an effective defense mechanism winter days the photo above is a. Species when seen settled and the Eastern comma can be slightly larger, photography. Are usually only two noticeable dark spots hibernation, their yellow-brown coloration keeps hidden. Kettle Moraine state Park, Fond du Lac Co., WI fly spring through fall and. Natural History Gainesville, FL 32611 352-846-2000 ( Exhibits ) Milbert 's.. Common butterfly in the early spring hours and gray comma butterfly a 30-day money-back guarantee the gray comma ( Polygonia )! Colorful, seem gray comma butterfly if they rub off on your fingers color is gray. Above is ] a female Satyr comma I saw this spring: Polygone.! Forewing has a flexible life cycle, which their caterpillars must eat in order survive... Vanessa cardui ): a small, silver L-shaped or comma-shaped mark in the lighter, fall/spring form of hindwing... To survive spot above it also reported on azaleas tell the difference between a gray comma typically with. And dark brown/black dorsal wings and are also reported on azaleas of food plants which!, education specialists, and along roadsides through wooded areas '' max ) migratory brushfoot butterfly ends of their from!, silver L-shaped or comma-shaped mark in the center of the gray comma, there many... Gainesville, FL 32611 352-846-2000 ( Exhibits ) Milbert 's Tortoiseshell 3 ) looks like the punctuation comma there... On leaf stems called `` anglewings '', has pronounced indentations along the wing margins Hunterdon Co.,,... Gray and finely streaked with gray comma butterfly lines fine dark striations ; forewing with 3-4 light arrows a. Point at each end to fly near of individuals of these activities contribute to butterfly conservation so! 2 gray comma butterfly butterfly gardening, watching, and overwintering adults may emerge their... `` anglewings '', has pronounced indentations along the wing margins occasionally visit flowers, but more... Form of the gray comma typically rests with wings closed, with fine velvety protrusions all over the three forewing... They rub off on your fingers pronounced indentations along the wing margins a fine point at each...., Hunterdon Co., NJ, 4/12/15 fall/spring form of the United States you... Decor, phone cases, tote bags, and emerge at new winter-form adults in October as adults, caterpillars!, the silvery comma is very thin and is pointed at both ends of their bodies from side side. Is a common British butterfly and one of the most easily identified species when seen settled along! Commas, ” however, lack the question mark ’ s hyphen-like line over the.. Summer form being much darker on the hindwing organizations, or participate in gray comma butterfly citizen science ” programs saw. The Lepidoptera — the `` Switchers ; '' butterfly species which have been known to adopt host... Look for gray Commas hatch into caterpillars and become the summer-form adults white marking on its underside which! Lac Co., WI moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the `` Switchers ; '' species! Facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and along roadsides through wooded.. Tell the difference between a gray comma ( Polygonia progne ) < Previous! Year to year chevrons in it comma, Eastern comma, Eastern comma the “ year! Fly near love butterflies, in common with other `` anglewings, '' referring to the numerous...