Question Mark Butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis)
Question Mark
Copyright: Fred Miller
This butterfly is sponsored by The Monarch Crusader, Carol Pasternak (Ontario, Canada)
This cryptic colored and uniquely shaped butterfly 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.
Question Mark Photos, Facts, And Information
Larva with Black-tipped, Yellow Spines
Copyright: Diane P. Brooks
3 Brown Caterpillars Feeding on Elm Leaves
Copyright: Patty Bigner
Brown and Tan Chrysalis
Copyright: Patty Bigner
Question Mark Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Question Mark: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Question Mark: (What is this?)
Question Mark Facts And Information
Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: True Brushfoot (Nymphalinae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 2 1/4 in. to 3 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Wooded areas, suburbs, parks
Similar To: Eastern Comma
Question Mark Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
