The Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album) is a common sight in early summer, especially in areas that have lots of nettles. We may not be keen on stingers, but they are an essential food plant for some of our most well known butterflies, including the Comma, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell.
The Comma is similar to the Small Tortoiseshell, but doesn't have the blue stud-marks around the edges of the wings, and the outline is more undulating. The underside of the wing has the small, curved, white mark - a 'comma' - that gives the butterfly its name.
The larva is a spectacular; an orange, black and white caterpillar that is covered in fearsome-looking spines. The caterpillars feed mainly on nettles, but can also be found on hops, willow, elm and currants. There can be more than one generation per year if the weather conditions are right. Adults hibernate through winter, sometimes making brief appearances on particularly warm days.
