ExploreInsects

Gray Comma

Polygonia progne

The Gray Comma is a beautiful butterfly with unique shapes on its wings. It loves to flutter around in sunny spots and can often be seen resting on tree bark.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Gray Comma has jagged, angular wings with a mottled gray-brown underside that perfectly mimics dead leaves or tree bark. Its upper side is a rich tawny orange with dark spots. A small, distinctive white comma-shaped mark is found on the underside of each hindwing.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusPolygonia
Gray Comma
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Gray Comma

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its spiky caterpillars are often called 'spiny elm caterpillars' due to their favorite food!

Some butterflies only live for days, but the Gray Comma can survive for many months!

Unlike many butterflies, adults prefer sipping tree sap and rotting fruit over flower nectar!

When startled, a Gray Comma might suddenly open its wings to reveal bright orange flashes!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Sleeper

Gray Comma can hibernate through freezing winters as an adult butterfly, helping them survive harsh conditions.

Ability

Leaf Camouflage

Gray Comma has a mottled brown underside that helps them disappear against tree bark or dead leaves when resting.

Ability

Ragged Disguise

Gray Comma has irregularly shaped wing edges that help break up its outline, making it look less like an insect.

Ability

Sap Sipper

Gray Comma can unfurl its long proboscis to sip nutritious tree sap, providing energy for flight and survival.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
40-55 mm
Size
18-25 mm
Lifespan
240-270 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults enjoy tree sap and rotting fruit, while caterpillars munch on leaves.

Age differences: Caterpillars feed on leaves of various trees and plants, but adults primarily seek out tree sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally nectar.

Primary Foods

  • tree sap
  • rotting fruit
  • flower nectar
  • elm leaves
  • nettle leaves
  • birch leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Caterpillars feed on its leaves.

eats

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Larvae feed on the plant's foliage.

depends on

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Adults sip nutritious sap from its wounds.

eaten by

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

Birds prey on its caterpillar stage.

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adults occasionally visit its flowers.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch butterflies; just enjoy watching them fly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gray Comma's wingspan?

40-55 mm

How big is Gray Comma?

18-25 mm

How long does Gray Comma live?

240-270 days

What does Gray Comma eat?

Adults enjoy tree sap and rotting fruit, while caterpillars munch on leaves.

Where is Gray Comma usually found?

Forests

How does Gray Comma hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Gray Comma have?

6

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