Polygonia s. satyrus
Satyr Comma
Polygonia satyrus may be found much of the year in habitats where the usual host Urtica dioica does well. They spend the winter as adults, and have two to three broods. With their wings folded up, they blend well with tree bark and the wing's outer edges resemble those of an old leaf.
Eggs (which are green) are laid under the nettle leaves, which the larvae eat. When older, the larva makes a nest inside a leaf it folds down, fastening the edges together. Red Admirals and Milbert's Tortoiseshells fold the nettle leaf up when making a protective shelter.
A fresh Satyr Comma, Polygonia satyrus, at Malibu Creek State Park. May 23, 2006.
Ventral of the Satyr Comma showing the "hook" on its "comma". The Hoary Comma lacks the hook. Same date.
Another ventral of the Satyr Comma on the same hike.
Caterpillar of the Satyr Comma on stinging nettle, found by Gordon Pratt. June 2, 2021.
A different one that Gordon found, same day.
These larvae both pupated within a few days. The metallic-looking patches are certainly interesting. June 6, 2021.
Same as above.
The original description of this butterfly was by William Henry Edwards in 1869. It was published in Transactions of the American Entomological Society, Volume 2 (1868-69), pp.374-5.
©Dennis Walker
