Butterflies of Keele
The Comma Polygonia c-album
Superficially, Commas look similar to the Small Tortoiseshell but the ragged edges to the wings are unmistakeable. On the underside is a single white "comma" marking - hence its name.
The larvae feed on nettles Urtica dioica. There are two broods with the adults on the wing from spring through to autumn. The adults seen in spring are those that have spent the winter in hibernation. Adults visit thistles, Buddleia etc. and they are not uncommon here.
