Bug Identifier
Comma butterfly
Community identification

Comma butterfly

Polygonia c-album

Order & Family
Lepidoptera; Nymphalidae
Size
Wingspan typically 4.5–5.2 cm (1.8–2.0 in).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.