Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus) is a medium-sized butterfly, with a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. In our local area, it is seen in January-February and then again May to August, with scattered sightings in September and October. There’s a small peak in February and a bigger one in June. Hosts plants are various species of Nettle (Urticaceae), especially Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica).
Adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and nectar.
Satyr Comma is very similar to Oreas Comma (Polygonia oreas) (which can be a rare sighting in the Garden). They can be distinguished by the shape of the “comma” on the underside of the hindwing. For the Oreas Comma it looks like a check-mark, whereas for the Satyr Comma, it looks like a fish hook.
This butterfly is found only in North America.
