Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 5129451

Question Mark

Polygonia interrogationis

Question Mark butterflies display striking seasonal variation, with summer adults sporting dark, near-black hindwings while overwintering generations feature bright orange hindwings with violet tails. Rather than feeding primarily on flower nectar, adults sip nutrient-rich liquids from sap flows, decaying fruit, animal dung, and damp soil along woodland paths. When perched with closed wings, their ragged edges and mottled brown undersides mimic a dry leaf, concealing them from foraging birds.

WoodlandCamouflagedBrush-footed
Question Mark reference1 / 7
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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Tree sap
  • Rotting fruit
  • Elm and nettle leaves
Predators
  • Songbirds
  • Spiders
  • Mantises
ThreatsDeforestation, heavy pesticide applications, and extreme winter temperatures
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, forest edges, river bottoms, city parks, and suburban gardens
Life spanUp to 10 months (for adults that overwinter)
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyNymphalidae
  3. GenusPolygonia
  4. SpeciesPolygonia interrogationis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look along sunny forest edges and damp trails where adults bask on trunks or mud.
  • Attracting: Place fermenting fruit slices like overripe bananas or peaches in a shaded tray.
  • Identification: Check the silver marking on the hindwing underside for a distinct separate dot.
Related species
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