Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Generally fairly common and widespread in NC, this species is usually found on dirt roads/trails in or near forested areas. This is one of a handful of species of butterflies in NC that overwinters as adults.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
Duke Forest Blackwood Division, Orange Co., NC
9 March 2010


Summer form has very dark upper hindwings Clay Co., NC 22 May 2005	Note the sideways "question mark" on the hindwing Ft. Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC 22 May 2008


Note the white markings in the middle of the underhindwing for which the insect is named! Summer Form Orange Co., NC 19 Mqy 2004	Same individual -- Enjoying Will Cook's arm!


Tyrell Co., NC 21 Jun 2003	Blackwood Division, Duke Forest Orange Co., NC 20 May 2003


Eno Division, Duke Forest Orange Co., NC 17 Apr 2004	This odd-looking Q. Mark was found in Buncombe Co., NC 26 Jun 04


Durham Co., NC 2 May 2006	Durham Co., NC 2 May 2006


Question Mark eggs laid on Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) Orange Co., NC 20 May 2008	Question Mark eggs laid on Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) Orange Co., NC 20 May 2008

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
Duke Forest Blackwood Division, Orange Co., NC
1 June 2009

Question Marks, like all anglewings, are fond of feeding on oozing sap from injured trees.

North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page

Created on ... June 29, 2003 | Updated on ... 14 June 2009 | jspippen@duke.edu