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Hoary Comma

Polygonia gracilis

The Hoary Comma is a beautiful butterfly with orange and brown wings. It loves to flutter around in sunny spots and often rests on tree trunks, making it a fun find in nature!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Hoary Comma is a medium-sized butterfly with ragged-edged wings. Its upperwings are bright orange-brown with dark spots, while the undersides are mottled gray-brown, resembling dead leaves. A distinctive white, comma-shaped mark adorns each hindwing's underside, giving it its name.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusPolygonia
Hoary Comma
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Hoary Comma

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their caterpillars sport spines but are harmless to touch!

They often perch upside down, blending in perfectly with tree bark!

Unlike many butterflies, adult Hoary Commas prefer tree sap over flower nectar!

When startled, they might drop to the ground and play dead to fool predators!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Wonder Survival

Hoary Comma can survive freezing winters by entering a dormant state, allowing them to emerge and fly when spring arrives.

Ability

Sap-Sucking Super Snout

Hoary Comma has a long, coiled proboscis that helps them sip nutritious tree sap and nectar, fueling their flight.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
40-60 mm
Size
15-25 mm
Lifespan
60-250 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults enjoy tree sap and rotting fruit, while caterpillars munch on leaves from various trees and shrubs.

Age differences: Larvae are herbivores, feeding on host plant leaves; adults are omnivores, primarily consuming tree sap and rotting fruit.

Primary Foods

  • Tree sap
  • Decaying fruit
  • Willow leaves
  • Aspen leaves
  • Birch leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are safe to observe, but be gentle and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hoary Comma's wingspan?

40-60 mm

How big is Hoary Comma?

15-25 mm

How long does Hoary Comma live?

60-250 days

How fast can Hoary Comma fly?

15 km/h

What does Hoary Comma eat?

Adults enjoy tree sap and rotting fruit, while caterpillars munch on leaves from various trees and shrubs.

Where is Hoary Comma usually found?

Forests

How does Hoary Comma hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Hoary Comma have?

6

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