Question Mark is a common butterfly throughout the eastern United States. Quite similar to the Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), 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.

Question Marks are often seen puddling, lapping up minerals from damp spots on dirt roads, tree sap, and even road kill.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

They sometimes have a taste for sweat, too, though Hackberry Emperor wins the prize for that.

Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.

Columbus Co., NC 7/19/03.

Pitt Co., NC 8/18/02.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/03.

Question Mark can be told from the top by an elongate spot, which I think of as forming a "boot". I guess this is a Question Mark. Not a typical example, however, with the diagnosic spot paler than normal and not as elongate.

Durham Co., NC 11/3/02.

Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.

Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.

Fall individuals are patterned and colored to look like autumn leaves.

Chatham Co., NC 9/30/07.

Caterpillars are beautifully patterned but very spiky.

Durham, NC 4/25/10.