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Project Noah Nature School
Polygonia interrogationis
Common name refers to diagnostic mark on underside of hindwing. The caterpillar variable coloration. Body and spines yellow to black with eight silver spots on back. The adults underside of hindwing has unique silver "question mark" shape. The upper forewing has extra black dash not in the similar Eastern Comma. The Upper hindwing of summer form is mostly black with short tails; winter form is orange/black with longer violet tipped tails. Wings are very angular in outline.
It's range is 60% of the eastern U.S. and parts of adjacent southern Canada. Central and South Florida excluded. It's habitat are wooded areas: rivers, swamps, parks. Adults take fluids from soil, rotting fruit, feces, carrion. Seldom, if ever, take nectar. Caterpillars feed on nettle, false nettle, elms, hackberry, Japanese hops.
I found this caterpillar in a Hackberry Tree. I will be watching it and hope to catch it making a cocoon. I hope. Anyhow, I had to adjust lights and shadows to reveal its true colors. I didn't know how awesome it really was till I adjusted it in the computer.
Thank you Reza, me too. I just went to check on it and it is still munching away on the Hackberry leaves. Funny thing though, it only eats half of a leaf and moves to another. I guess you could call them resourceful.
And thank you for the favorite, Johan ")
You are welcome, its very beautiful and I hope you get to see the butterfly as well :)
Thank you, Reza! ") I've never seen this one in my area though. I will have to keep a lookout for this butterfly.
Spotted on Oct 13, 2012
Submitted on Oct 13, 2012
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