
Community identification
Comma butterfly
Polygonia c-album
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera; Nymphalidae
- Size
- Wingspan typically 4.5–5.2 cm (1.8–2.0 in).
Natural Habitat
Woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, forest edges, and other areas with sheltered vegetation across Europe and parts of Asia.
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed on flower nectar, tree sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally animal dung. Caterpillars eat nettles, hops, elms, and related plants.
Behavior Patterns
A strong, fast flier that often perches with wings open to bask, then closes them to resemble a dead leaf. It overwinters as an adult and may produce one or two generations annually.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans and not a significant crop pest. Adults pollinate flowers, while caterpillars contribute to food webs for birds and other predators.