The Green Comma is closely related to the Eastern and Gray Commas but can be distinguished by its more jagged wing edges and distinct coloration. The upper side of its wings is a rich reddish brown with broad, dark outer borders that help it blend into wooded environments. Its name comes from the greenish submarginal bands found on the underside of the wings, which give it a subtle, mossy appearance. Like other comma butterflies, it features a small, silver “comma”-shaped marking in the center of the hindwing, which aids in camouflage when the wings are closed.

 

“Green Comma Butterfly” by J.N. Stuart, licensed under (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

Green Comma Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Nymphalinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 – 2 1/2 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Forests, mountain streamsides, and  canyons

 

🪴 Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Alder (Alnus spp.)

• Birch (Betula spp.)

• Gooseberry (Ribes spp.)

• Willow (Salix spp.)

 

🌸 feeding behavior

Adult Green Comma butterflies feed on:

• Dung

• Moisture from damp soil and leaf litter

• Rotting fruit

• Sap flows

Their preference for sap, rotting fruit, and dung is due to their shaded woodland habitats, where flowers are less abundant.

 

They occasionally nectar at flowers when other resources are limited:

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)