(Linnaeus, 1758)
Comma
Description:
The Comma is a butterfly of wood edges and clearings in wood, except in very dry places. It is easily recognized by the deep indentations in the margins of its wings, and the small white comma on the otherwise dusky underside of the hindwing.
Eggs are laid on many different plant species, with as well as Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), bramble (Rubus spp.), elm (Ulmus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), and Hop (Humulus lupulus).
The caterpillar is solitary, brownish-black with long spines and a broad white stripe on his back towards the rear, making it look like a bird dropping. The chrysalis hangs from the food plant on a small stalk. The butterflies hibernate in hollow trees, hedgerows, and shrubs.
In large parts of Europe it is double-brooded. However, in Scandinavia it only has one generation, and in warm locations in Spain and Greece, it can have three.
Habitat:
Tree lines and hedges
Mixed woodland
Urban parks and gardens
Deciduous forests
Similar species:
Aglais urticae
Polygonia egea