Comma (Polygonia c-album)

Family: Nymphalidae Checklist: 59.031

 
Description
Wing span: 52-64 mm. The Comma is one of a handful of species that is increasing its range in Britain, now being found right up to the Scottish border. This is a remarkable turnaround in its fortunes, given that it was close to extinction in England in the second half of the 19th century. The reasons for its decline and subsequent recovery are not clear. It is found throughout England and Wales. Commas are mostly found in woodland clearings and rides. They also visit gardens and orchards.
 
Images (click to enlarge)
Comma ♂ © David Hastings
Comma ♂ underside © David Hastings
Comma f. hutchinsoni © David Hastings
Comma f. hutchinsoni underside © David Hastings
Male Male underside F. hutchinsoni F. hutchinsoni underside
 
Life Cycle
Adults emerge from hibernation in March, giving rise to the next generation which appears at the end of June and start of July. The majority of these have dark undersides and these go on to hibernate. However, the remainder have lighter undersides and brighter uppersides, and are known as form hutchinsoni. This form goes on to breed and produce another generation which then overwinter. As a result, there is another peak emergence at the end of August and start of September.
 
Larval Foodplants
The main larval foodplant is Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Currants, elms, hops and willows are also used.
 
Nectar Sources
Adults feed on Ivy flowers, and also ripe pears, apples and blackberries.
 
UK Conservation Status
Least Concern
 
Earliest UTB first sighting (since 2004) : 4th January
Mean UTB first sighting (since 2004) : 15th February
 
 
Distribution and Sites
 

Key
1 sighting 2-9 max seen 10+ max seen
This species is a habitat generalist, so can be found almost anywhere in the UTB region.

 
Related Species
All Species