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Southern
Vancouver Island Butterflies Polygonia satyrus (W.H. Edwards)
Description:Wingspan: 39-64 mm. The upperside of the wings is bright golden-orange, with two black spots on the bottom edge of the forewings. The hindwings lack a dark border and the underside is streaked light and dark golden-brown; there is a silver comma in centre. Similar Species: It is often confused with the Eastern Comma, which occurs in eastern Canada as far west as southeastern Saskatchewan. Range: Mainly a species of western North America ranging south to Baja, California and southwest Arizona. In Canada it is common in southern British Columbia north to the Yukon and Northwest Territories and east in the boreal zone to western Newfoundland. The range extends in a band through Ontario and Quebec and throughout the Maritimes, with the exception of Prince Edward Island. P. satyrus becomes less common from Manitoba eastward, becoming sporadic in the eastern provinces. Early Stages: Eggs are laid singly, in stacks or in groups on Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves. The caterpillar has branched black spines on its back and white spines on its sides. It also has greenish-white lines along the body with chevron marks on the back. Flight Season: Two to three flights on the Pacific Coast from February to November. Habitat: Riparian woods and marshes and areas where Stinging Nettle is common. Remarks: Adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and flower nectar. Distribution Map |
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