Great British Lepidoptera

Comma

(Polygonia C-Album)

The Comma is a master of disguise. Not only does the caterpillar appear to be a unfortunate bird's dropping but the adult butterfly is able to hide so successfully during the Winter that few naturalists have seen its resting place. It probably hibernates in hollow trees. The ragged outline of the wings looks as though the butterfly has been torn on brambles, but in fact, it has evolved through natural selection to provide a perfect disguise.

Butterflies that have hibernated, mate in March and April which produce a first generation in July which is light coloured. These mate and produce a darker second generation in September and October.

The butterfly delights in sunshine, and will bask for hours with wings spread. It tends to be solitary and has favourite perch points, particular leaves for example. It may live in an area as small as a few sqaure yards, sipping nectar from bramble flowers, thistles, knapweeds and hemp agrimony. Commas are also frequent gardne visitors, and can spend all day drinking the nectar from asters, buddleias and Michaelmas daisies. Today the Comma is increasing in population; for reasons that are not fully understood; and can be abundant in both the countryside and urban gardens.