DESCRIPTION: The Question Mark is the largest and one of the most beautiful of our Anglewing (genus Polygonia) butterflies. The wings are brownish orange, with abundant black and pale lilac spots near the wing margins. The Latin and common names come from the silver mark on the underside of the hindwing, which is in the shape of a semicolon or question mark, against the uniform reddish brown of the underside. On the upperside of the wings, the margins end in a thin lilac line. Wingspan: 4.5-6.5 cm. LIFE CYCLE: The eggs are laid in a vertical column, horizontal line or singly underneath the leaves of the host plant. Overwinters in the adult stage. There are two generations a year in Québec. ACTIVE PERIOD: The flight season for the adults is May to early November. The caterpillars are active in July and August. ABUNDANCE: Common. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION: Open spaces, the edges of forests and fields, deciduous forests and cities. The Question Mark rarely feeds on flowers, preferring animal droppings, sap and mud. It is found throughout eastern North America as far north as Hudson Bay.