Comma Butterfly

The Comma butterfly is easy to recognise by its ragged wing edges and the small white mark shaped like a comma on the underside of its wing, which is where it gets its name. The top side of the wings is bright orange-brown with dark spots, while the underside looks like a dead leaf, helping it blend in when resting with its wings closed. Adults come in two different forms depending on the season. Those born in summer are lighter and more orange, while the ones in autumn are darker. The Comma is found widely across England and Wales, with growing numbers in southern Scotland. It is becoming more common in gardens, hedgerows, the edges of woodlands, and pathways through woods. Adults spend the winter hibernating, often in sheds or hollow trees, and come out on warm spring days. This butterfly has done well because of changes in the climate and is now one of the most successful butterflies in Britain. It has made a strong recovery after a big drop in numbers during the 1800s.