Question Mark

Host plants

Question Mark caterpillars can only develop on their larval host plants. Plant one of these natives and you can host the full life cycle in your own yard (host plant associations per the Xerces Society (opens in new tab)).

• American Elm (Ulmus americana)
• Northern Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
• Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
• Sugar Hackberry (Celtis laevigata)
• Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulata)
• Spiny Hackberry (Celtis pallida)
• Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia)
• False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica)
• Heartleaf Nettle (Urtica chamaedryoides)

How to identify it

Look for the distinctive silver question mark shape on the underwing, and note its ragged wing edges characteristic of the anglewing butterfly group.

Good to know

• The butterfly gets its name from a distinctive silver question mark-like mark on its underwing
• It can overwinter as an adult butterfly, hiding in tree bark or leaf litter
• Larvae are spiny and dark colored, resembling bird droppings as a defense mechanism

Common questions

What do Question Mark caterpillars eat?

Question Mark caterpillars feed on Ulmus americana, Celtis occidentalis, Cannabis sativa, Celtis laevigata, Celtis reticulata, Celtis pallida, Ulmus crassifolia, Boehmeria cylindrica, and Urtica chamaedryoides. These are the larval host plants the caterpillars must have to develop, per the Xerces Society and host plant records compiled from GBIF and iNaturalist.

Where do Question Mark live?

Question Mark is found across TX, AR, DC, IA and 38 more states.

When are Question Mark active?

Adult Question Mark are typically on the wing from March through October.