Identify the question mark butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis), learn what its caterpillars eat, and attract it with host trees from Flowing Well Tree Farm.

Flip over the wings of a resting question mark butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis) and you’ll see how it got its name: a tiny silver mark on the underside of the hindwing that looks like a punctuation mark, curve and dot included. With its ragged wing edges and leaf-like camouflage, it is one of the most distinctive butterflies in eastern North America, and one you can invite into your yard with the right trees. At Flowing Well Tree Farm, we love helping gardeners plant for wildlife, and this butterfly is a good reason to grow trees.

What Is the Question Mark Butterfly?

The question mark belongs to the brush-footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae, and to the group known as anglewings(genus Polygonia). Anglewings have jagged, notched wing edges and a tail-like point on each hindwing.

It is a medium-sized butterfly, with a wingspan of roughly 2 to 3 inches.

How to Identify a Question Mark Butterfly

• The silver “?”: Look at the underside of the hindwing for a silvery curved line with a dot beneath it. This is the easiest way to tell it apart from similar butterflies.
• Upperside: Bright orange with dark spots and dark borders.
• Wing shape: Ragged, angular edges with small tails on the hindwings.
• Underside: Brown and gray, like a dead leaf, which helps it hide when its wings are closed.
• Two seasonal forms: Summer-generation butterflies tend to have darker hindwings, while the fall generation is typically brighter orange. The fall form is the one that overwinters.

Similar species: The eastern comma (Polygonia comma) looks similar, but it is usually smaller and its silver mark is a comma without the dot.

Where Does the Question Mark Butterfly Live?

The question mark is found across much of eastern North America, from southern Canada down to the Gulf Coast, including Florida (more often in the northern and central parts of the state than in the far south). Look for it in woodland edges, parks, gardens, and streamsides, especially where trees are nearby.

Life Cycle and Behavior

• Overwintering adults: Unlike many butterflies, the question mark survives winter as an adult. It tucks itself into bark crevices or leaf litter and may fly out on warm winter days.
• Several broods a year: In warm regions, there can be more than one generation each year.
• Territorial males: Males often perch on tree trunks or branches and dart out to chase passing insects.
• Egg to caterpillar: Females lay eggs on host plants. The spiny caterpillars feed on the leaves and later form a hanging chrysalis.

What Do Question Mark Caterpillars Eat? (Host Plants)

Question mark caterpillars feed mainly on trees and shrubs, including:

• Elms (Ulmus species), such as American elm and winged elm
• Hackberries (Celtis species), such as sugarberry
• Nettles and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica)
• Hops (Humulus species)

This makes the question mark a good example of a butterfly that depends on native trees, not just flowers.

What Do Adult Question Mark Butterflies Eat?

Unlike many garden butterflies, adult question marks rarely visit flowers. They are far more likely to feed on:

• Tree sap
• Overripe or fermenting fruit
• Animal droppings and moist soil (for minerals)

Occasionally they will sip nectar from flowers, but sap and fruit are their main food.

How to Attract Question Mark Butterflies to Your Yard

1. Plant host trees. Elms and hackberries are the foundation of a question mark–friendly yard. Choose species native to your region.
2. Add a fruit station. Place overripe bananas, oranges, or melon on a plate or shallow tray in a shaded spot. Replace it often to prevent mold and pests.
3. Leave some leaf litter and bark. Adults need places to rest and overwinter.
4. Avoid pesticides. Sprays harm caterpillars, even “natural” products such as Bt.
5. Offer moist ground. A damp, muddy patch gives butterflies access to minerals.
6. Plant native nectar flowers nearby. They won’t be the main attraction, but they support other butterflies and pollinators too.

Build a Butterfly-Friendly Landscape with Flowing Well Tree Farm

Want to welcome question marks and other native butterflies? Flowing Well Tree Farm grows healthy trees and plants, and you can order them online at www.flowingwelltreefarm.com.

Explore our selection of:

• [Native shade and host trees] like [elm and hackberry, if you stock them]
• [Native shrubs and wildflowers] for pollinators
• [Butterfly host and nectar plants] for a complete habitat

Shop trees and butterfly-friendly plants online today →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the question mark butterfly?
It is named for the silvery mark on the underside of its hindwing, which looks like a question mark.

Is the question mark butterfly rare?
No. It is widespread in the eastern U.S., though it can be easy to overlook because its underside looks like a dead leaf.

What is the host plant for the question mark butterfly?
Mainly elms and hackberries, along with nettles, false nettle, and hops.

Do question mark butterflies visit flowers?
Rarely. They prefer tree sap, rotting fruit, and moist soil.

Do question mark butterflies hibernate?
Yes. The fall generation overwinters as adults, sheltering in bark crevices or leaf litter.

Final Thoughts

The question mark butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis) is a reminder that a good butterfly garden includes more than flowers. Plant host trees, keep a little fruit and mud on hand, and avoid pesticides, and you may be rewarded with a visitor that looks like a leaf until it opens its wings. Start building your habitat today at Flowing Well Tree Farm.

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