Comma Butterfly
Common NameComma Butterfly
Scientific NamePolygonia c-album
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)52.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, hedgerows, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsstinging nettle, hop, elm, currant
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and mottled, resembling bird droppings. Adults emerge and often overwinter, sometimes producing multiple broods in a year.
Identification TipsLook for the unique deeply jagged wing edges and the distinctive white 'comma' or 'C' mark on the underside of the hindwing, which is visible even when the wings are closed.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly distinguished by its deeply scalloped wing margins and an orange-brown upperside with black spots. The underside is cryptically mottled brown, featuring a prominent white C-shaped mark on the hindwing.
