The Question Mark butterfly gets its name from a silver mark on its hindwing underside that resembles a question mark, distinguished from the related Eastern Comma by the small silver dot accompanying the curved mark. Its richly colored orange and black wings have irregular edges that mimic dead leaves with stunning accuracy. Adults are aggressive and will pursue other butterflies and even hummingbirds.
Best time to see a Question Mark
The best time to see a Question Mark is April–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 46,286 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Question Mark? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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