Description

Polygonia comma, also known as the Eastern comma, is a butterfly found in North America, recognizable by its orange-brown wings with dark spots and a distinctive silver comma-shaped marking on the underside of its hindwings. It is the most common of the anglewing butterflies in Minnesota

Range

It is found throughout the state.

Similar Species

Green Comma, Gray Comma, and Question Mark can all be confused for the Eastern Comma. Question Mark has an extra spot on the forewing. Gray Comma has a more open color on the wings above. Green Comma has much darker markings above and a distinctive green band below.

Host Plants

Various species of willows (Salix spp.) Birch (Betula spp.), Alder (Alnus spp.), Nettles (Urtica spp.), Ribes spp.

Flight

Overwinters as an adult, and can emerge as early as March and can fly until November (depending on the weather)