Question Mark Butterfly " Polygon Interrogationis" from Eden of Wings Nursery, FL

Wingspan: 2 1/4" to 3"

The Question Mark butterfly has a tiny silver mark on the middle underside of the lower wing that gives it its name. Depending on the season, you'll see a slightly different coloration. Summer's generation has black hindwing. Those hooked upper wings, or forewings, help a question mark butterfly look a little like a leaf when it's sitting on a tree trunk, slipping sap with its wings closed. There are two generations of this hardy little butterfly each year. One emerges from its chrysalis in late summer to fall and spends the winter hibernating in leaf litter, under bark or wherever it can find shelter. It emerges the following springs to mate and lay eggs for the next generation. 

Larva: The caterpillar is variegated black or gray with white stripes and small spots. There is a row of branched spines across each body segment. The spines may be pale yellow or orange. The dark reddish brown head bears a pair of short spines at the top.

Pupa: The pupa is pale brown with point and silver markings on the back pf the thorax and abdomen. It resemble a dead leaf. 

* If you are looking for their host plants our Nursery Eden of Wings carries these plants year-round. You can order on our website also at www.edenofwings.com

What host plant is good for the caterpillar?

* Celtis Iguanaea "Iguana Hackberry"

* Celtis Laevigata " Hackberry"

* Ulmus Alata "Winged Elm"

* Ulmus Americana " American Elm"

* Ulmus Crassifolia "Cedar Elm"