![By Photo by and (c)2007 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) (Self-photographed) [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons](/uploads/1/7/7/9/17790183/284228947.jpg)
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question mark
Polygonia interrogationis
Identification: Wingspan 2 1/4 - 3 inches. Forewing hooked; upperside is red-orange with black spots. Upperside hindwing of summer form is mostly black with a short tail; that of winter form has much orange and a longer, violet-tipped tail. Underside is light brown; hindwing with pearly white question mark in center.
Habitat: Wooded areas with some open space, city parks, suburbs, fencerows.
Garden Habit: Males find females by perching on leaves or tree trunks in the afternoon, flying to chase other insects and even birds. Females lay eggs singly or stacked under leaves of plants that are usually not the hosts. Caterpillars must find a host plant; they then eat leaves and live alone. Adults of the winter form hibernate; some staying in the north, many migrating to the south.
Host Plants: large trees: elms, hackberry; vine: hops; weeds: nettle family
Identification: Wingspan 2 1/4 - 3 inches. Forewing hooked; upperside is red-orange with black spots. Upperside hindwing of summer form is mostly black with a short tail; that of winter form has much orange and a longer, violet-tipped tail. Underside is light brown; hindwing with pearly white question mark in center.
Habitat: Wooded areas with some open space, city parks, suburbs, fencerows.
Garden Habit: Males find females by perching on leaves or tree trunks in the afternoon, flying to chase other insects and even birds. Females lay eggs singly or stacked under leaves of plants that are usually not the hosts. Caterpillars must find a host plant; they then eat leaves and live alone. Adults of the winter form hibernate; some staying in the north, many migrating to the south.
Host Plants: large trees: elms, hackberry; vine: hops; weeds: nettle family
