Spotted this in the woods the other day, any ideas? Sorry it is not a great pic.
Who Am I?
I have seen quite a few of these guys around here in PA..that would either be a Eastern Comma or a Question Mark. They look very similar, can anyone tell them apart and how do you?
Aggie
Thanks Aggie!
It looks more like the comma to me...but I'm no expert, either!
I am thinking comma also, but I haven't seen one in person around here. I am familiar with the question mark, and don't think the markings are right for it.
Try looking at these and see if they are in your area first, then compare the markings.
http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/search?searchbox=comma
Great link, thanks for that Shelia! I have added it to favorites. I ompared it to the photos and to me it looks like a Question Mark. It did not have the split/double wing (sorry don't know the correct term. Butterfly newbie here!) like the the comma. Both are shown as being in this area.
If you want to get a better look or take close up pictures, try the butterfly bait recipe in the "sticky" at the top of this forum. They will come to it just like this Question Mark does. The riper the banana is the faster they will find it. Don't give up too soon, leave it out and refresh it every couple days.
Edited to add this link. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=3702364
This message was edited Apr 24, 2008 6:19 AM
The only way to tell them apart is the E. Comma wingspan is 1 3/4 - 2" as aposed to the Q. Mark's 2 1/2-2 3/4'. Also check the underside of the hindwing, if it has a silver dot it's a Question Mark. If there's no dot, it's a Eastern Comma.
I only have the question marks, so here is a pic on the bait that shows the marking with their marking. I love the shape of their wings.
Edited to say....oops, didn't realize until I posted the open shot is pretty tattered! I was looking at the mark.
This message was edited Apr 27, 2008 3:32 PM
