INFORMATION CENTER
Tree of Life
Evolution and Ecology
Conservation Efforts
Geological Time Scale
My favorite Podcasts
My favorite Species
Link back to me?
or go back home
ANIMAL OF THE WEEK
Species List
Animal species
Plant species
Fungi species
Polygonia interrogationis
also known as the Question Mark Butterfly
Date observed: March 17th, 2025Location: Upper East Texas
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Polygonia
Habitat Regions: temperate, terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: forests, mountains
Other Habitats: urban, suburban
My observations: I noticed a butterfly or moth land in front of me in my backyard on a sunny day, temperature about 85. I noticed the underside of the wings which appeared to look like leaves, perfect camouflage for the pine trees around here. The specimen seemed to be sun bathing as it flared its wings down to show its beautiful coloration. The uneven black spots on orange background faded to red around the rims. Absolutely stunning coloration, I really wish I had gotten a picture but the one time I don't have my phone on me..
Geographic Range: Found in the eastern United States and Canada. The range stretches from southern Canada south to Florida. This range stretches west to Arizona, Wyoming, and Colorado. They also occur in Mexico.
This species of butterfly generally lives in wooded areas and found both in urban and suburban spaces. Wingspan is usually between 1.8-3 inches and is known for the question mark resemblence on the outer wing that is also camouflaged as a dead leaf. Its flight period is from May to September.
Conservation status: IUCN has listed them as Secure (G5).
Life cycle is holometabolous, meaning it undergoes 4 life stages which are the embryo (egg), larva, pupa, and adult butterfly.