ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Eastern Comma

 Eastern Comma


Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery 		Eastern commas can be seen during warm sunny winter days and in early spring basking on the fallen logs and flying around clearings in the woods. It is especially fond of mud puddles and animal scat.

Eastern Comma
Polygonia comma

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: April, June to August, September, and October

• Wings: 2.0 - 2.4 inches
Description
This butterfly gets its name from the silver markings on the vetral hindwings, which look like a "comma." There is a summer form of the Eastern comma with the dorsal hindwings a dark brown color. This is form dyras. When at rest, it holds its wings closed vertically giving it the appearance of a dead leaf or tree bark.

Habitat and Habits
The Eastern comma inhabits moist woods, woodland edges, stream banks, and trails and roads through woods. It can be found in all forested regions of Ohio. The fall adults of the Eastern comma hibernate in hollow logs and in earthen crevices. The adults feed on rotting fruit, tree sap, and occasionally nectar.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The larvae of the Eastern comma feed on various nettles and elms.