Leonard Weber

June 9, 2023

Two of the butterfly species that are seen every year in Eliza Howell Park are so similar that it can be useful to present them together.

Eastern Comma is often one of the first butterflies to appear in the spring, having spent the winter as a hibernating adult.

Question Mark is not quite as common as the Eastern Comma in the park, but it too can be seen at various times during the season.

These “punctuation butterflies” are named for markings on the underside of the wings, markings that look like punctuation marks (perhaps).

Both butterflies look like a little like dead leaves when perched with the wings closed.

The difference between the two with wings open is also suble. The number and shape of the spots on the forewing can help to identify..

For most purposes, there is no need to identify which is which. They are two related butterflies that look alike and have similar habits and life cycles. They only occasionally come to flowers, seen much more often on leaves or on the ground. They both spend the winter as adults. They both have an approximate 2-inch wingspan (though the Question Mark may be slightly larger).

They present a challenge for those who would like to recognize which is which. These attractive orange butterflies can be admired and enjoyed, however, even if we are not at all sure which we are seeing right now.

We know a lot about the butterfly by recognizing that it is one of these two.

There are other closely related butterflies, other “Commas,” that are sometimes seen in Michigan, but they are not likely to be seen in Eliza Howell.

Happy punctuating!