Polygonia c-album, Comma

Common Name: Comma

Looking like a tattered Small Tortoiseshell, Polygonia c-album, more commonly known as the Comma, is now a familiar sight throughout most of England and Wales and is one of the few species that is bucking the trend by considerably expanding its range.

The butterfly gets its name from the only white marking on its underside, which resembles a comma. When resting with wings closed this butterfly has excellent camouflage, the jagged outline of the wings giving the appearance of a withered leaf, making the butterfly inconspicuous when resting on a tree trunk or when hibernating.

The butterfly can be seen at any time of the year, occasionally awakening on warm winter days. The butterfly emerges from hibernation in March, giving rise to the next generation which appear at the end of June and start of July.

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