ECO-USA Search Organizations Images Mammals Birds Herps Insects Trees Ferns Wildflowers Fungi Places Toxics Chemicals Waste Sites Other Links Reviews Desktops ©2008 by Mike Habeck

Fauna: Comma Comma Polygonia comma The Comma is one of several very similar species of butterflies known as anglewings. The Question Mark butterfly is a close relative of the Comma which occurs east of the Rocky Mountains; the Comma occupies much of the same area, but its southward range extends only into central Georgia. The Comma and Question Mark are named after small markings on the undersides of their wings, and these markings are among the best ways of telling the two species apart. However, there are subtle differences on the upper (visible) side of the wings, and one of our correspondents (who has studied these matters) informs us that the photograph to the left is of the Comma. Both species are members of the Family Nymphalinae, also known as the Brush-Footed Butterflies. According to Scott's Butterflies of North America (1986), adult Commas feed on sap and fruit, only rarely on nectar. Adult Question Marks feed on sap, fruit, mud, and carrion, but rarely on flowers. Adults of both species hibernate, and the angular edges of the wings and the leaf-like color patterns on the undersides of the wings help to disguise the insects from predators. This individual was photographed in central Indiana.