Question Mark Butterfly

Description:

Adult Question Mark males are often seen during the afternoon hours perched on tree trunks or leaves waiting for females. They have been known to leave their perches to chase other insects and even birds. Females lay eggs on leaves of plants, but not necessarily the host plant. The larvae must find a host plant to feed on. Adults feed on rotting fruit, tree sap, carrion, and animal waste. If these are not available they will nectar from flowers, usually milkweed or asters.

Habitat:

Southern Canada - eastern U.S. west to the Rocky Mountains, south to Mexico. Flight: May - September. Common in wooded areas, but are often in a variety of habitats with trees and open spaces. Host Plants: American elm (Ulmus americanus), red elm (Ulmus rubra), hackberry (Celtis), Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus), nettles (Urtica), and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica).