Named for the silvered comma on the underside of the hindwing, Eastern Commas otherwise look remarkably like a dead leaf.

Similar to the slightly larger Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis), identification is difficult until they land. The Question Mark has a silvered "?" underneath. The silvered mark of the Eastern Comma has a similar overall shape, but is joined together, more like a "C" than a ",". The underwing pattern on a Comma is more complex, with many fine dark brown bands. Also compare with the Green Comma (Polygonia faunus), which in North Carolina is rare and found only in the Mountains.

Buncombe Co., NC 7/8/2006.

Ashe Co., NC 7/6/07.

Eastern Comma lacks the elongate spot on the forewing that the Question Mark has.

Ashe Co., NC 7/6/07.

Durham Co., NC 8/21/05.

The hindwing of summer forms are mostly blackish.

Durham Co., NC 8/16/03.

Spring forms are less boldly patterned.

Durham Co., NC 4/3/05.