# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Gray Comma](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Polygonia_progne_2.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org, CC BY 3.0 us · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polygonia_progne_2.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Nymphalidae - **Genus:** Polygonia ## 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 - **Winter Sleeper:** Gray Comma can hibernate through freezing winters as an adult butterfly, helping them survive harsh conditions. - **Leaf Camouflage:** Gray Comma has a mottled brown underside that helps them disappear against tree bark or dead leaves when resting. - **Ragged Disguise:** Gray Comma has irregularly shaped wing edges that help break up its outline, making it look less like an insect. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-maple) (*Acer rubrum*) — Adults sip nutritious sap from its wounds. - **Eaten by:** [Black-capped Chickadee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-capped-chickadee) (*Poecile atricapillus*) — Birds prey on its caterpillar stage. - **Pollinates:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Adults occasionally visit its flowers. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Hibernating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/hibernating): Hibernating animals enter a state of metabolic depression during cold periods or when food is scarce, characterized by reduced body temperature and activity. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch butterflies; just enjoy watching them fly! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Gray Comma? Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dubuque-arboretum-and-botanical-gardens) — Iowa, US · Botanical Garden - [Grandma Lake Wetlands State Natural Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/grandma-lake-wetlands-state-natural-area) — Wisconsin, US · State Park - [Wilton Center Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/wilton-center-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District [View all places to see Gray Comma](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/gray-comma) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Gray Comma: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gray-comma)