BUTTERFLIES

COMMA:

The Latin name for this butterfly is Polygonia c-album.

This medium-sized butterfly has a deep jagged wing edge and a wingspan of 5-6cm. The male and female are similar, with tawny-orange wings above, marked with black and brown. The undersides are duller, usually a mottled brownish-orange colour. The white mark on the underside of the hindwing is the feature after which this species is named. There are seasonal variations, the first generation being lighter than the second generation.

The eggs of this butterfly are laid singly on stinging nettles and develop into brown and white caterpillars.