Description
Polygonia progne, commonly known as the gray comma, is a North American butterfly with mottled brown and orange wings, featuring a silver comma-shaped mark on the underside of its hindwings and preferring wooded habitats.
Range
The Gray Comma is found throughout the state wherever there are woodlands. It is much more common in the north, east, and south, but quite rare in the southwestern corner of the state.
Similar Species
Eastern Comma, Green Comma, and Question Mark can all be confused for the Gray Comma. They all occur within the Gray Comma’s range. Gray comma has a more open orange field, and has a gray toned underside where Eastern is usually brown, and Green has green mottling. Question Mark has an extra spot on the forewing.
Host Plants
Gooseberries and currants (Ribes)
Flight
Overwinters as an adult, and can emerge as early as March and can fly until November (depending on the weather)