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 leaves, as the wing's outer edges resemble those of a dead leaf. Long-lived adults without good camoflage presumably wouldn't last long in the forests, thus the undersides of this and related species (mourning cloaks, California tortoiseshells, etc.) that allow them to seemingly disappear against trees.

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 fold the nettle leaf up when making a protective shelter. Also, red admirals use leaves near the top of the plant, often in full sun, while satyr commas use the lower leaves of nettles in shady areas.

Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
A fresh satyr comma, Polygonia satyrus, at Malibu Creek State Park. May 23, 2006.
Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
Ventral of the satyr comma showing the "hook" on its "comma". The hoary comma lacks the hook. Same date.
Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
Another ventral of the satyr comma on the same hike.
larva of Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
Caterpillar of the satyr comma on stinging nettle, found by Gordon Pratt. June 2, 2021.
larva of Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
A different one that Gordon found, same day.
pupa of Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
These larvae both pupated within a few days. The metallic-looking patches are certainly interesting. June 6, 2021.
pupa of Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
Same as above.
original description of Polygonia satyrus - Satyr Comma
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