Green Comma Butterfly

The comma butterflies are a genus of butterflies in the brush-footed family that are identified by a white mark, resembling a comma, on the underside of the hindwing. The comma butterflies are often found perched on the ground or vegetation with their wings folded, this is a form of protection because in this state they are easily mistaken for a dead leaf.

There are seven different types of comma in North America. Most can be identified by the shape of the comma and the pattern on the upperside of the wings. I believe that this one is a green comma. It is difficult to make out any green on the underside of the wings but the wide black border and the combination of spots found on the upperside of the wings indicate that it is probably a green comma. Green comma can be found in northeastern Minnesota and range up into Canada but they are much more common in the northwestern portions of North America, like Yellowstone where I took these photographs.