Commas
ExploreInsects
Commas
Polygonia
The Comma butterfly has a unique shape and a beautiful orange color with dark spots. Its wings look like they have a little notch, which makes it special among butterflies!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Commas butterfly has ragged-edged wings, giving it a torn look. Its upper wings are bright orange with black spots, while the undersides are a dull brown, perfectly mimicking a dead leaf. A distinctive white C-shaped mark is visible on its closed hindwings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusPolygonia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult Commas prefer sipping tree sap and rotting fruit over flower nectar.
Some Comma butterflies live long enough to experience two different seasons!
The 'comma' mark on their wing can be a perfect C or broken into two parts!
Their caterpillars are spiky and brown, looking like bird droppings to scare off predators.
Special abilities
Ability
Season Changer
Commas have different wing patterns for summer and winter generations, helping them adapt their camouflage to the changing seasons.
Ability
Winter Sleeper
Commas can hibernate as adults through the cold winter months because they store energy and find sheltered spots, helping them survive until spring.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 45-60 mm
- Size
- 45-60 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-240 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Commas enjoy sipping tree sap and rotting fruit, while their spiky larvae munch on leaves.
Age differences: Larvae primarily eat the leaves of host plants, while adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- tree sap
- rotting fruit
- nectar
- elm leaves
- nettle leaves
- willow leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
English Elm
Ulmus procera
Larvae feed on leaves.
eaten by
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
A common larval food plant.
eaten by
White Willow
Salix alba
Larvae consume its leaves.
hunts
Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
Birds prey on larvae and adults.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch. Don't try to catch them; just enjoy their beauty!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Commas's wingspan?
45-60 mm
How big is Commas?
45-60 mm
How long does Commas live?
30-240 days
How fast can Commas fly?
15 km/h
What does Commas eat?
Adult Commas enjoy sipping tree sap and rotting fruit, while their spiky larvae munch on leaves.
Where is Commas usually found?
Forests
How does Commas hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Commas have?
6
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