Gray Comma
Polygonia progne (Cramer, 1775)
Family: Nymphalidae
Status: Uncommon resident
NENHP Ranking: S3, Tier 2
Range: Found from British Columbia southeast to Missouri and east to the East Coast. Statewide in Nebraska with the exception of the sand hills and southwest.
Larval Hostplant(s): Ribes species, particularly Missouri Gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) for the eastern half of the state.
Broods/Flight Times: At least two flights. Nebraska records are from April 22 – October 31.
Overwintering: As Adults.
Habitat: Adults frequent woodland margins where their host plants often grow as understory plants.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 5/8 – 2 /12 inches
Found at: Fontenelle Forest, Gilbert-Baker, Burr Oak, Little Blue, Silver Creek, Red Fox, Table Rock & Basswood Ridge SWMAs, Indian Cave SP, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Victoria Springs SRA, Scotia Chalk Mine, Ash Hollow SHP
Similar Species: Eastern Comma and Question Mark. On the Gray Comma the silver “comma” on the ventral hind wing resembles a kinked straw – straight with a bend in the middle.
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