Satyr Comma

Upperside of Satyr Comma is bright yellow-orange; forewing with two black spots near center of bottom edge; hindwing lacks a dark border, has a black spot in center of wing. Underside is light and dark golden brown, median band relatively straight; hindwing with a silver comma in center.In late afternoon, males perch on tree trunks and low vegetation in woodland openings to watch for females. Eggs are laid singly, in stacks, or in groups on the lower side of nettle leaves.

Caterpillars of Satyr Comma eat leaves and make a shelter by pulling down and fastening the edges of a leaf with silk. Habitat at valley bottoms, along streams, wooded prairie ravines, marshes, openings in riparian woods, fields and edges near moist woods.

The Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus) is a North American butterfly of the species nymphalid, primarily found in Western Canada, where it is locally common. It bears a resemblance to the Eastern Comma, with which it is frequently confused. Old records indicate that the Satyr was much more common in earlier days, especially in the valley washes. Recent records are from Silverado and Trabuco Canyons in the Santa Ana Mountains, and Santa Ana Canyon (Featherly Park). Ron Vanderhoff captured satyrus in La Habra Heights, l mile N of Whittier Blvd. on Hacienda Blvd. This is near the Orange County line.

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