Gray comma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gray comma |
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The gray comma or grey comma (scientific name: Polygonia progne) is a fascinating butterfly found across North America. It gets its name from a special silver mark on the underside of its wings that looks like a comma. These butterflies are known for their unique wing shapes and how they change with the seasons.
Contents
About the Gray Comma Butterfly
What Does It Look Like?
The gray comma butterfly has a wingspan of about 4.4 to 6.3 centimeters (about 1.7 to 2.5 inches). The top side of its wings is a bright orange-brown color. If you see one in the summer, its hindwings might have a dark border. Both the butterflies that appear in winter and summer have a few yellow spots along the edges of their wings.
The underside of their wings is quite different. It's a charcoal gray color and has a special L-shaped silver mark. This mark is what gives the butterfly its "comma" name!
Where Does It Live?
Gray comma butterflies like to live in different kinds of places. You can often find them near dirt roads or along stream beds. They especially like areas with hills or in canyon lands. These places offer them good spots to find food and shelter.
Life Cycle of the Gray Comma
The gray comma butterfly has an interesting life cycle, flying as adults two times each year.
The first group of adult butterflies flies in April and May. During this time, they mate and lay their eggs. These eggs will then hatch and grow into the summer generation of butterflies.
The eggs from the summer generation hatch later in the year, usually around October. These butterflies will then find a safe place to hibernate, which means they go into a deep sleep for the winter. They will wake up in the spring to start the cycle all over again.
What Do Caterpillars Eat?
When the gray comma butterflies are still caterpillars, they need specific plants to munch on. Their favorite foods include:
- Gooseberry plants
- Azalea plants
What Do Adult Butterflies Eat?
Adult gray comma butterflies mostly feed on Plant sap. They are not often seen drinking nectar from flowers, which is what many other butterflies do. They prefer the sweet sap that oozes from trees.
Images for kids
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A close-up of the gray comma butterfly.
