Eastern Comma Butterfly

Description:

Landed on grandpa's finger, while hiking the Devil's Thumb Trail in Colorado. Small with short hindwing projections. Forewing above is brownish-orange with dark spots; one dark spot at center of bottom edge. Hindwing above has two patterns: summer form is mostly black, winter form is orange with black spots; both have a dark border containing pale spots. Underside is brown; hindwing with a central silver or white comma which is swollen at both ends. Wing Span: 1 3/4 - 2 1/2 inches (4.5 - 6.4 cm).

Habitat:

Habitat: Deciduous woodlands; woods near rivers, marshes, swamps, and other water sources. Flight: Overwintered adults fly and lay eggs in the spring until the end of April. The summer form emerges and flies from May-September, laying eggs that develop into the winter form. These adults appear in September or October and soon seek shelter in which to overwinter. Caterpillar Hosts: All members of the elm and nettle families including American elm (Ulmus americana), hops (Humulus), nettle (Urtica), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), and wood nettle (Laportea canadensis). Adult Food: Rotting fruit and tree sap.

Notes:

Range: Eastern half of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains from southern Canada to central Texas and the Gulf Coast. Conservation: Not usually required. NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management Needs: None reported.