- My wings are a bit of a question.
- When open, they grab your attention.
- When closed, they offer protection.
- Because they help me avoid your detection.
Question Mark Butterfly
This butterfly is named for the small silver “punctuation marks” on the underside of its wings. It flutters from April to November in forests, parks, and backyards. Question marks rarely feed on flowers. Instead, they slurp up nutrients from rotten fruit, dead animals, and poop. From above, a question mark’s wings blaze like orange flames. But when folded, the wings look like drab, dead leaves and make you question if you really saw a butterfly at all.
Also In This Issue
Ah-ten-hut! I am Sergeant Sand. You will address me as drill sergeant, not ma’am or miss. My mission is to train recruits to follow orders, respect superiors, and serve with honor. I demand excellence. Understood?
Missouri’s ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers are swimming with fishes! More than 200 different kinds lurk under the water’s surface, from the well-named least darter that’s not much longer than your thumb to the lake sturgeon that can grow as long as a sofa and weigh more than 200 pounds.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber