August 31, 2008 - Gray Comma Butterfly, Large-flowered Trillium, Yellow Water Lily
Read MoreThis is a Gray Comma butterfly. I found it in our yard and, even though it is apparently quite wide spread here in the North Woods, it is the first one I have seen. Butterflies in our area have to find a way to cope with our winters. Each species makes it through the winter in one of the four stages of their life (egg, caterpillar, pupa, or adult). The Gray Comma overwinters as an adult, often finding shelter in wood piles or outbuildings.
Many butterflies look very different depending on whether you are looking at the top or the bottom of their wings. The Gray Comma is a good example of this. Here you see the underside of the wings and it is dramatically different than the top side (photo above). This view makes the butterfly look like a dried up leaf and provides it with great camouflage. Toward the middle of the wing you see a small, white line. This is the “comma” from which the butterfly gets its name.
Anne Tatum
on September 1, 2008This format is GREAT! Nice job on designing your web page.
Guest
on September 1, 2008Hi Earl, I like the new format very much. It's easy to use and the picture size is good for showing detail.
Marge