Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus) is in the Brush-footed Butterflies family (Nymphalidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 5,179 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Satyr Comma: observations by month (U.S.)
About Satyr Comma
Polygonia satyrus, the satyr comma, is a North American butterfly of the nymphalid family. It is primarily found in western Canada, where it is locally common. It bears a resemblance to Polygonia comma, the eastern comma, with which it is frequently confused.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Satyr Comma by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,381 | June | May–Aug |
| Washington | 970 | April | Mar–Aug |
| Idaho | 440 | April | Mar–Sep |
| Oregon | 307 | July | Mar–Aug |
| Montana | 268 | August | Apr–Aug |
| Colorado | 189 | July | Apr–Aug |
| Arizona | 169 | March | Feb–Aug |
| New Mexico | 137 | July | Mar–Aug |
| Wyoming | 136 | June | May–Sep |
| Utah | 116 | June | Mar–Sep |
| Alaska | 33 | August | Aug–Sep |
| Nevada | 12 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Wisconsin | 12 | July | Jul–Jul |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Monarch
Gulf Fritillary
Common Buckeye
Red Admiral
Pearl Crescent
Painted Lady
American Lady
Variegated Fritillary
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Satyr Comma?
Nationally, July has the most observations, with the main season from March to August.
Where is Satyr Comma most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington, Idaho.