David Londshaw cpt David Longshaw.jpg "Comma - David Londshaw - David Londshaw")
About
The Comma is a medium-sized orange and brown butterfly. It is on the wing throughout the year, having several broods, and over-winters as an adult. The Comma is a common and widespread butterfly of woodland edges, particularly during the spring and autumn. The caterpillars feed on Common Nettles, elms and willows.
How to identify
The Comma is unmistakeable: ragged-shaped, orange wings with brown spots distinguish it from similar species. The caterpillars have brown and white flecks which make them look like bird-droppings and help to camouflage them.
Where to find it
Found across England and Wales, but only just spreading into southern Scotland.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
How can people help
The Comma has made a remarkable comeback during recent times and is now widespread in woodlands and even gardens. The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves for the benefit of butterflies: a mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting, ride maintenance and non-intervention all help woodland wildlife to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to surveying for butterflies.