HOME | DD

Description
this was very exciting for me to see... I hardly ever see them now, and it was a particularly fine specimen !

The Comma is a fascinating butterfly. The scalloped edges and cryptic colouring of the wings conceal hibernating adults amongst dead leaves, while the larvae, flecked with brown and white markings, bear close resemblance to bird droppings.
The species has a flexible life cycle, which allows it to capitalize on favourable weather conditions. However, the most remarkable feature of the Comma has been its severe decline in the twentieth century and subsequent comeback. It is now widespread in southern Britain and its range is expanding northwards.
Size and Family
Family: Nymphalids
Size: Medium
Wing Span Range (male to female): 55-60mm
Conservation Status
Butterfly Conservation priority: Low
European status: Not threatened
Caterpillar Foodplants
The most widely used foodplant is Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Other species used include Hop (Humulus lupulus), elms (Ulmus spp.), currants (Ribes spp.), and Willows (Salix spp).

Description
this was very exciting for me to see... I hardly ever see them now, and it was a particularly fine specimen !

The Comma is a fascinating butterfly. The scalloped edges and cryptic colouring of the wings conceal hibernating adults amongst dead leaves, while the larvae, flecked with brown and white markings, bear close resemblance to bird droppings.
The species has a flexible life cycle, which allows it to capitalize on favourable weather conditions. However, the most remarkable feature of the Comma has been its severe decline in the twentieth century and subsequent comeback. It is now widespread in southern Britain and its range is expanding northwards.
Size and Family
Family: Nymphalids
Size: Medium
Wing Span Range (male to female): 55-60mm
Conservation Status
Butterfly Conservation priority: Low
European status: Not threatened
Caterpillar Foodplants
The most widely used foodplant is Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Other species used include Hop (Humulus lupulus), elms (Ulmus spp.), currants (Ribes spp.), and Willows (Salix spp).