European Comma
Common NameEuropean Comma
Scientific NamePolygonia c-album
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, hedgerows, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia to Japan
Host PlantsUrtica dioica (stinging nettle), Ulmus (elm), Humulus lupulus (hop), Ribes (currant)
Flight PeriodMarch to October (two or three broods, overwintering as adults)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as an adult, often in sheltered spots. Eggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and mottled brown, resembling bird droppings. Pupae are cryptic, resembling a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the deeply scalloped and jagged wing edges, the bright orange and black upperwing pattern, and the small white 'C' or 'comma' mark on the underside of the hindwing (not visible in this dorsal view).
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its distinctive jagged wing margins, featuring a vibrant orange background heavily marked with black spots and a dark brown border.
