Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Comma butterfly

Comma butterfly

Polygonia c-album

A species of Commas

The silver, comma-shaped marked on the butterfly’s wings give it the common name the Comma. It is a common butterfly in southern Britain that was once on the verge of extinction in the 1930s. The butterflies are often found at the edge of forests, close to meadows with plenty of nectar-rich wildflowers.

General Info About Comma butterfly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Comma butterfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
low-density forest; woodland; country lane; garden area
Adult Food Sources
Asteraceae flowers (daisy family), lamiaceae flowers (mint family), fabaceae flowers (legume family), apiaceae flowers (carrot family), rotting fruit
Larva Food Source
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), ulmus (elm), salix (willow), ribes (currant), humulus (hop)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Comma butterfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Comma butterfly is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Comma butterfly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Comma butterfly
It inhabits areas including Europe, North Africa, and Asia. In response to climate change, they are also undergoing range expansion.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Comma butterfly
England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Rectangle
Appearance of Comma butterfly
Comma butterfly butterflies can be identified by their prominent orange and dark brown/black dorsal wings. During the later stage of development, the larvae also develop strong spines along their backs. The outer margins of the wings are strongly and irreguarly dentate, excavated and angulated. The upper side of the wings has a bright orange ground colour, decorated with brown marks and light spots on the edge. The reverse is marbled with brown. Folded, the butterfly looks like a dead leaf. The hindwings have on the reverse side a white spot usually in the shape of C.The sexual dimorphism is slight and concerns the intensity of the coloration, the silhouette and the size, the male having a wingspan of 2 - 2.5 cm. and the female of 2.5 - 2.5 cm.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Comma butterfly?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Comma butterfly
Egg The egg is the first stage, where comma butterfly begins life as a tiny, often round or oval capsule. It's typically attached to plant leaves and camouflaged to protect from predators. Development within the egg involves forming the first instar larva.
Larva After hatching, the larva (caterpillar) stage is marked by rapid growth. Comma butterfly will go through several molts, shedding exoskeletons while increasing in size. This stage is mainly focused on feeding, and the larva will have a tubular shape with distinct segments.
Pupal Transitioning to the pupa, comma butterfly form a chrysalis, either attached to foliage or hidden in debris. During this stage, dramatic transformation occurs internally, reorganizing into the adult form. The pupa may have muted colors, serving as camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult comma butterfly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Comma butterfly
2 - 2.5 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Comma butterfly Larvae
Birds, small mammals, rodents, spiders, wasps, ants
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Comma butterfly
Birds, spiders, rodents, lizards, insects like mantises
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Comma butterfly
Unique among its kin, comma butterfly flaunts wings that perfectly mimic autumn leaves, complete with intricate 'vein' patterns, aiding in impeccable camouflage during rest.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Comma butterfly
Tips for Finding Comma butterfly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Comma butterfly
Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Comma butterfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Savannas, Tropical Rainforests, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Comma butterfly
For adult comma butterfly, bait traps with fermented fruit or sugar solutions can attract them as they seek out food sources.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Comma butterfly Through Different Life Stages
For the early stages of comma butterfly's life cycle, eggs are usually laid on the undersides of leaves of nettle plants. As caterpillars, comma butterfly will be found on nettles in sheltered areas, feeding on the plants' leaves. When searching for comma butterfly's pupa, look on plant stems or concealed locations near the larval food source. Adults of comma butterfly are commonly sighted in various habitats, such as woodland edges, hedgerows, and gardens, often basking in sunlight on foliage or feeding on flower nectar.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Comma butterfly
The most suitable time to find adult comma butterfly is during warmer months typically from late spring through early fall, and during midday when temperatures are at their highest and the insects are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Comma butterfly
Finding comma butterfly is best in warm, sunny weather, as this is when they are most active. Adults are often less active and harder to spot in rainy or windy conditions.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Comma butterfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Comma butterfly eggs are often laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect the leaves of known host plants, looking for small, distinct eggs.
Larva Comma butterfly caterpillars can be found feeding on host plants. Look for them by examining the leaves for signs of feeding, such as holes or missing parts, and you may find the caterpillars nearby.
Pupal Comma butterfly chrysalises are often well camouflaged. They can be found attached to plant stems or leaves, and sometimes on structures like walls or fences near host plants. Search carefully in areas where caterpillars are found.
Adult To find adult comma butterfly, look for them in flower gardens, meadows, or forest edges where they feed on nectar. They are attracted to bright flowers, especially purple, red, and yellow ones.
Are Comma butterfly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

Usually, the comma butterfly won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

Rectangle

Are Comma butterfly harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Comma butterfly
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Nettles
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Comma butterfly is an adept pollinator often seen fluttering from flower to flower. Attracted by vibrant colors and sweet scents, it lands to sip nectar. Along the way, it unintentionally carries pollen on its legs and body, aiding in plant reproduction. Its preference for diverse flowers, including Asteraceae and nettles, makes it an important part of the ecosystem.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Comma butterfly
Rainforest brown
Rainforest brown

The wingspan is 3.5 - 4 cm for males and 3.5 - 4 cm for females.

Read More
Arrow
Isabella's longwing
Isabella's longwing

Eueides isabella is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 7 - 9 cm. The uppersides of the wings is dark brown, with orange bands and yellowish markings on the edges of the forewings. The undersides of the wings are quite similar to the uppersides, but the edges of the hindwings show a series of small blue spots.

Read More
Arrow
Blue-gray satyr
Blue-gray satyr

Magneuptychia libye is a butterfly from the subfamily Satyrinae of the family Nymphalidae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1767 by Carl Linnaeus.

Read More
Arrow
Two-Banded Satyr
Two-Banded Satyr

Pareuptychia ocirrhoe, the two-banded satyr or banded white ringlet, is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Mexico to the Guyanas, Paraguay and northern Argentina. The habitat consists of forests. The wingspan is about 37 mm. The larvae feed on Eleusine species.

Read More
Arrow
White-banded satyr
White-banded satyr

Pareuptychia metaleuca, the one-banded satyr, is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Mexico to Brazil.

Read More
Arrow
Common maplet
Common maplet

Chersonesia risa, the common maplet, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in South-East Asia.

Read More
Arrow
Wavy maplet
Wavy maplet

Chersonesia rahria is an Indomalayan butterfly of the family Nymphalidae (Cyrestinae). It is found from Manipur and Naga Hills to Burma then from Borneo to Celebes.

Read More
Arrow
Acontius firewing
Acontius firewing

Description of upperside about male is that antennae, head, thorax, and abdomen are black. Wings are fine velvety black. An orange-coloured bar, about ​6 mm broad, rises in the middle of the superior wings, running circularly and crossing the inferior ones, meeting about the middle of the abdominal edges. Underside of male is that palpi is white. Tongue is brown. Breast and legs are white. Abdomen is yellow brown. Wings are shining brown, exhibiting various shades of changeable colours; the tips are terminating in an ash colour. Wings scarcely dentated. Wingspan ​is 7 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow