Butterfly of the month - April 2008 - The Comma (Polygonia c-album)

The Comma Photos © B.Kirby

The Comma butterfly can be seen and found nearly anywhere in the reserve.

From March to September visitors to the reserve may see this ragged winged butterfly distinguish by its orange and brown wing pattern. The Comma gets it name from the little white comma marking on its underside of its wings (picture 1).

The Comma has two generations each year. In normal years the butterflies awake from hibernation in February/March and lay their eggs in early April/May on either Nettle or Hop, although Elm can also be used (picture 2).

Picture 1: The underside of the Comma Photo © B.Kirby		Picture 2: The egg of the Comma Photo © B.Kirby

The larva (picture 3) is brownish black with orange spikes. The pupa of the butterfly is not normally easy to find, but is a greyish colour.

Picture 3: The larva of the Comma Photo © B.Kirby		Picture 4: The pupa of the Comma Photo © B.Kirby

In late July/early August the second generation can be seen, feeding on Bramble flowers, before going into hibernation in late September/early October.

There is also a generation of the Comma butterfly know as a hutchinsoni.

The best place to currently see this butterfly is along the Lime Tree Grove ride.

Next month - The Orange Tip butterfly