Comma-butterfly
Guides
Polygonia gracilis
Hoary Comma
Polygonia gracilis, commonly known as the Hoary Comma, is a butterfly species widespread across boreal North America. It inhabits forested and mountainous regions from Alaska and Canada southward through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and the Pacific coast. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing shape with ragged, notched margins. Adults are known to overwinter, allowing for early spring activity in suitable habitats.
Polygonia gracilis zephyrus
Zephyr Comma
A subspecies of comma butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, found in the western interior of North America. Adults display the characteristic ragged wing margins and comma-shaped silver marking on the hindwing underside shared with other Polygonia species. The subspecies is distinguished from other P. gracilis populations by geographic range and subtle phenotypic differences.
Polygonia progne
Gray Comma, Grey Comma
Polygonia progne, the gray comma, is a North American butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. Adults display seasonal dimorphism: summer forms have bright orange-brown upper wings with dark hindwing borders, while both forms show few yellow marginal spots. The species is notable for its L-shaped silver markings on charcoal gray undersides and its deeply notched wing margins that create an angular silhouette. It produces two generations annually, with the second generation's eggs hatching in October to overwinter as larvae.