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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Polygonia gracilis Hoary Comma |
Size:
wingspread 2-2.5 in. Recognition: Very similar to the Satyr Comma, more distinctly gray than brown beneath, and lacking the third (posterior) black spot on upperside of HW. Flight period: Adults active mainly during summer and early fall. Hostplants: Larvae of the Hoary Comma feed mainly on currants and gooseberries (Ribes - Grossulariaceae), as well as on some members of the Heath family (Ericaceae). Habitat: Found in varied habitats, typically moister mid- to upper elevation areas, such as woodlands and streamsides. Distribution: The Hoary Comma occurs throughout the western U.S. and Canada. It has not been definitely recorded from Santa Barbara County, but may occur in the higher elevations of the backcountry. |