ExploreInsects

Green Comma

Polygonia faunus

The Green Comma is a beautiful butterfly with a unique greenish color on its wings. It loves to flutter around in sunny spots and can often be seen resting on leaves.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Green Comma has a distinctive ragged wing shape, with bright orange-brown upper surfaces marked by black spots and a unique green border. Its underside is mottled dark brown and grey, making it look exactly like a dead leaf, which helps it disappear.

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

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Green Commas can survive the entire winter by finding a cozy hiding spot.

Its caterpillar looks like it's covered in spikes to scare away predators!

They have taste sensors on their feet, letting them 'taste' where they land!

This butterfly sips sweet tree sap and rotting fruit, not just flower nectar!

Special abilities

Ability

Leaf Camouflage

Green Comma has wings that perfectly mimic a dead leaf because of their ragged edges and mottled brown underside, helping them hide from hungry birds.

Ability

Cold Weather Flight

Green Comma can fly and be active even in cool weather because of its ability to bask in sunlight, helping them find food earlier than other butterflies.

Ability

Sap Sipper

Green Comma can drink tree sap because of its specialized proboscis, that helps them access sugary liquids not available to many other insects.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
45-64 mm
Size
18-25 mm
Lifespan
30-270 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adults enjoy tree sap and rotting fruits.

Age differences: Larvae eat leaves of specific host plants, while adults primarily feed on tree sap and fermented fruit.

Primary Foods

  • tree sap
  • rotting fruit
  • bird droppings
  • flower nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Hop

Humulus lupulus

Larvae feed on the leaves.

eats

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Larvae feed on the leaves.

eats

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Larvae feed on the leaves.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Adults and larvae can be prey.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green Comma's wingspan?

45-64 mm

How big is Green Comma?

18-25 mm

How long does Green Comma live?

30-270 days

How fast can Green Comma fly?

15 km/h

What does Green Comma eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adults enjoy tree sap and rotting fruits.

Where is Green Comma usually found?

Forests

How does Green Comma hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Green Comma have?

6

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Where to spot

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