Hiding from predators, this butterfly is making a comeback
The Comma has made it perfectly clear that it would rather not be seen.
As a caterpillar, it looks like a bird dropping, albeit one that feeds on Common Nettle and Hop.
As adults, their wings are a rich tapestry of orange tones and beautiful black spots. But when they snap their wings shut, they all but vanish – just another dead leaf among the foliage.
The Comma gets its name from a white ‘comma’ mark on its deceptive underwings, often the only clue that gives its camouflage away.
When they’re not hiding, these butterflies can be seen at almost any time of the year and across lots of different habitats, including gardens, but they tend to prefer woodlands and woodland edges. In the winter, they hibernate, fueling up in advance on a diet of rotting fruit.
For a while, the comma was in severe decline. Thankfully, this butterfly is now doing really well and its populations appear to be on the mend.
You’ll find them across the whole of the UK. Although once more common in the south, they have been spreading rapidly across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Comma special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Chosen By
The Comma is a survivor and a rebel - a species that can turn up almost anywhere at almost any time of year and one that is bravely bucking the trend of butterfly decline. Its scalloped wings are unique among UK butterflies and its cheery orange wings and incongruous punctuation mark are always a delight to see. What I love most about the Comma, though, is its incredible flexible life cycle which means that in summer there are two types of Comma butterflies around - those that are living fast and getting on with breeding and those that are prepping for winter hibernation. You can even tell which is which by the brightness and shape of their wings.
Commas hibernate as adults, often hiding in sheds or woodpiles to survive the winter.
Test your knowledge
What gives the Comma butterfly its name?The Comma is named after the small white comma-shaped marking on the underside of their wings, visible when closed.
