Description
The Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) is a medium-sized butterfly with angular, orange and black patterned wings, and a distinctive silvery, question mark-shaped marking on the underside of its hindwings, commonly found in woodlands, parks, and gardens across North America.
Range
Statewide
Similar Species
Eastern Comma, Gray Comma, and Green Comma can all be confused for the Question Mark. The best field mark for Question Mark is the extra dash on the forewing that is lacking in the other three.
Host Plants
Elms (Ulmus spp.), Nettles (Urtica spp.)
Flight
Overwinters as an adult, and can emerge as early as March and can fly until November (depending on the weather)
Additional Resources
Bugguide
iNaturalist
BAMONA
Wisconsin Butterflies