Comma Butterfly

Polygonia c-album

The Comma Butterfly has a unique shape and dark orange wings with a white comma mark. It loves to hide among the leaves!

Habitat: Woodlands and gardens

Appearance

The Comma Butterfly has uniquely ragged-edged wings, making them appear torn, and a mottled brown underside resembling dead leaves for camouflage. Its upper wings are a vibrant orange with dark spots, and a prominent white 'C' mark is visible on the underside of each hindwing.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusPolygonia

Comma Butterfly

Interesting facts

Its caterpillars have spiny bodies and mottled patterns, making them look like bird droppings!

Its name comes from the white 'C' shape on its hindwing underside, like a tiny punctuation mark!

The Comma Butterfly has two different seasonal forms, one for summer and one for winter!

Unlike many butterflies, adults also enjoy tree sap and rotting fruit, not just flower nectar!

Special abilities

Comma Butterfly has wings with jagged edges and a mottled underside that helps them perfectly blend in with dead leaves, hiding from predators.

Comma Butterfly can survive cold winters as an adult, finding shelter in tree crevices or sheds, allowing them to emerge early in spring.

Comma Butterfly can complete its entire life cycle from egg to adult in just a few weeks, allowing for multiple generations each year.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 35-45 mm
Size: 18-25 mm
Lifespan: 60-270 days
Flight Speed: 15 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adults sip nectar, tree sap, and juicy rotting fruits!

Age differences: Caterpillars eat plant leaves; adults drink nectar, tree sap, and fermenting fruit.

Primary Foods

Nettle leaves
Elm leaves
Currant leaves
Flower nectar
Tree sap
Rotting fruit

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Larvae feed exclusively on its leaves.

depends on

Field Elm

Ulmus minor

Caterpillars also munch on elm leaves.

depends on

Redcurrant

Ribes rubrum

The caterpillars can also be found on currant bushes.

eaten by

Blue Tit

Cyanistes caeruleus

Bird species often prey on butterfly larvae.

eaten by

European Hornet

Vespa crabro

Hornets hunt caterpillars and adult butterflies.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.