Question Mark
(Polygonia interrogationis)

Question Marks occur in both wooded and open habitats and are often encountered near the Kososing River or along the Gap Trail from April through October. They can be found at flowers but prefer tree sap and rotting fruit . The butterfly on the left was photographed while taking moisture from the ground. It is the autum form of this species and will overwinter, reappearing early in the spring to lay its eggs. The summer form has dark black hindwings. Note the silver question mark on the hingwing of the butterfly on the right. This and its size help distinguish it from the smaller Comma which occupies similar habitats. When the wings are opened the two species can be distinguished by three large spots capped by a horizontal bar. The Comma lacks the bar.