This is a Comma Anglewing butterfly, with it's lovely Shadow, on burdock. Anglewing butterflies are named for wing shape (the genus Polygonia means many angles). "Punctuation" anglewings include Comma (Polygonia comma) and Question Mark (P. interrogationis), both named for the tiny silver marking on hind wings' ventral surface (underside).
These butterflies, native to the eastern half of the U.S., are colored in burnt orange with dark brown blotches. Resting against tree bark with wings closed, they're virtually impossible to see. Ragged wing edges and cryptic brown/gray coloration on the underside make them look like a dead leaf or bark.
Here is the underside of the wings, so you can see the white comma.
Anglewing Butterfy on Nettle.
Anglewing butterflies are named for wing shape (the genus Polygonia means many angles). "Punctuation" anglewings include Comma (Polygonia comma) and Question Mark (P. interrogationis), both named for the tiny silver marking on hind wing's underside. Resting against tree bark with wings closed, they're virtually impossible to see. Ragged wing edges and cryptic brown/gray coloration on the underside make them look like a dead
leaf or bark.
The larvae of anglewings, tortoiseshells and the Red Admiral all feed on nettles.
