Question mark

Question mark 
Polygonia interrogationis

Wing span: 
2 1/4 to 3  inches 

Caterpillar hosts plants: 
members of the elm family (Ulmaceae) including American elm and red elm, Ulmus; hackberry, Celtis; and members of the nettle family (Urticaceae) including false nettle, Boehmeria; hop, Humulus; nettle, Urtica

Adult food:  
prefers carrion, dung, rotting fruit, and tree sap

Habitat: 
city parks, fencerows, suburbs, wooded areas with some open space 

Notes:  
females lay eggs singly or stacked under non-host leaves, caterpillars must search for host, hibernates as adult, some stay in north, others migrate south, males perch to locate females, puddles, name comes from the white marking on the underside of the hindwing - a distinct question mark shape.