Comma (Polygonia c-album)
Species

Taken at Aston Rowant NNR, Oxon., on July 26th 2021.
(1/400th sec at f11. © David Hastings)

Underside. Taken at Aston, Oxon, on July 31st 2022.
(1/800th sec at f11. © David Hastings)

Form hutchinsoni. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 23rd 2023.
(1/640th sec at f11. © David Hastings)

Form hutchinsoni underside. Taken at Whelford Pools, Gloucs, on June 16th 2023.
(1/640th sec at f11. © David Hastings)

Larva. Taken at Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon., on August 10th 2013.
(1/50th sec at f11. © David Hastings)

Description

Family: Nymphalinae

Wing span: 52 - 64 mm

The Comma is one of a handful of species that is increasing its range in Britain, now being found right up to the Scottish border. This is remarkable turnaround in its fortunes, given that it was close to extinction in England in the second half of the 19th century. The reasons for its decline and subsequent recovery are not clear.

It is found throughout England and Wales, but is absent from most of Scotland and Ireland.

Commas are mostly found in woodland clearings and rides. They also visit gardens and orchards.

Adults emerge from hiberation in March, giving rise to the next generation which appears at the end of June and start of July. The majority of these have dark undersides and these go on to hibernate. However, the remainder have lighter undersides and brighter uppersides, and are known as the form hutchinsoni. This form goes on to breed and produce another generation which then overwinter. As a result, there is another peak emergence at the end of August and start of September.

The main larval foodplant is Common Nettle. Currants, Elms, Hop and Willows are also used.

Adults feed on Ivy flowers, and also ripe pears, apples and blackberries.

In spring males set up territories in woodland edges and glades, using a perch to look for females and drive away competing males.

Least Concern

Sightings

21-Mar-2024 : Aston, Oxon (1)

01-Oct-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
24-Sep-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
23-Sep-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
22-Sep-2023 : Farmoor Reservoir, Oxon (1)
10-Sep-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
05-Sep-2023 : Otmoor, Oxon (3)
22-Aug-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
21-Aug-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
13-Aug-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
09-Aug-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
07-Aug-2023 : Parsonage Moor, Oxon (3)
06-Aug-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
01-Aug-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
01-Aug-2023 : Otmoor, Oxon (3)
29-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
27-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
26-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
25-Jul-2023 : Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon (3)
25-Jul-2023 : Otmoor, Oxon (2)
25-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
23-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (3)
21-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (4)
19-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (2)
18-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
17-Jul-2023 : Bernwood Forest, Bucks (4)
17-Jul-2023 : Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon (2)
17-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (2)
16-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
13-Jul-2023 : Hackpen Hill, Oxon (1)
07-Jul-2023 : Parsonage Moor, Oxon (1)
07-Jul-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
06-Jul-2023 : Ashdown, Oxon (6)
26-Jun-2023 : Bernwood Forest, Bucks (3)
26-Jun-2023 : Whitecross Green Wood, Oxon (1)
25-Jun-2023 : Standlake Common, Oxon (3)
25-Jun-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
24-Jun-2023 : Aston, Oxon (1)
23-Jun-2023 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (5)
21-Jun-2023 : Wimbleball Lake, Somerset (1)
16-Jun-2023 : Whelford Pools, Glos (1)
02-Jun-2023 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (2)
26-May-2023 : Bucknell Wood, Northants (1)
25-May-2023 : The Coombes, Wilts (1)
24-May-2023 : Chimney Meadows, Oxon (2)
20-May-2023 : Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon (1)
20-May-2023 : Cholsey Marsh, Oxon (1)
20-Apr-2023 : Standlake Common, Oxon (1)
17-Apr-2023 : Standlake Common, Oxon (1)
08-Apr-2023 : Chimney Meadows, Oxon (4)