Polygonia c-album
Wingspan: 55-60mm
Description
The closed jagged wings of the Comma give the appearance of a dead leaf. This camouflage protects it whist it roosts and over winters. On the underside a distinctive small white comma shaped mark give this butterfly its name. The orange upperwing is blotched with brown and black.
Flight Period
The Comma overwinters as an adult so is one of the first butterflies to be seen in the year. It can be seen in most months but is scarce in May & June.
Larval Food plants
Hop (Humulus sp)
Elm (Ulmus sp)
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Habitat Requirements
Woods, Copses, Hedgerows and mature gardens.
Wiltshire Status
Resident, common / frequent and widespread,
Wiltshire Sites
Occurs in all suitable habitat.
Earliest sightings
Earliest county record 23rd January 1969
Latest county record
10th December 2009