Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

This cryptic colored and uniquely shaped creature has the perfect arrangement. It is one of the few butterflies that overwinter as adults. Hiding in cracks and crevices of wood, they remain inactive through the cold months. Their colors help keep them hidden and safe. This is also a butterfly that doesn’t prefer nectar but will drink it occasionally, the favorites of this individual is tree sap, overripe fruit, and animal scat. The scat supplies proteins that the butterfly cannot get from nectar. You may see this unique flier in cooler temperatures before the other butterflies are able to fly, an exciting sight in any garden.

See more photos below to help you identify the stages of the Question Mark butterfly life cycle.