Family Nymphalidae (Brushfooted Butterflies)
Genus Polygonia (Commas, Question Mark)
"? ," you ask. Yes, really, and more specifically, I believe this is a Satyr Comma, a relatively common butterfly in my area. It measures approximately 1.75" from wingtip to wingtip and is particularly fond of alighting on gravel where it is in no way camouflaged when its wings are open. However, when the wings are closed, you could easily be fooled into believing it was nothing more than a shadow, so dark is the underside. Reported to feed on nettle nectar, its first appearance coincides with the early budding stages of the plant. Now that's something to think about the next time you brush up against a nettle: everything has a purpose somewhere in the natural chain.
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