Question Mark

Description:

This is a species of anglewing butterfly. Other closely related species are known as the "commas" because they have a small silver marking that is seen on the ventral side on each of the two hindwings that is in the shape of a comma.This species is called the Question Mark because that comma-shaped marking is divided into two little markings that give it the appearance of a question mark rather than a comma. Dorsally, This butterfly is a rusty orange colour with darker hindwings. The underside of the wings are brown. The jagged shape of this specie's wings make it look like a dead leaf when at rest when it's wings are held together. The larvae have orange spines along their back. The body itself is streaked vertically with black and white and the head is generally reddish in colour.

Habitat:

Question Marks can be seen flying around forested habitats and can be seen almost anywhere where there are trees within the specie's natural distribution. They can also be found in disturbed forest habitats as well. The larvae can be found on their host plants which include Hachberry, Red and White Elm, nettles and False Nettle.

Notes:

This species, like all butterfly species, can be a lot of fun to raise in captivity to witness and learn about complete metamorphosis, photograph and set free as an adult butterfly.