Comma

The Comma is one of Britain's six hibernating butterflies, along with the Brimstone, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and if it still exists on the Isle of Wight the Large Tortoiseshell.

It is found commonly throughout England and Wales, in gardens, disused railway lines, field margins and sunny woodland rides. It can be seen as early as February but, normally appears in March where they can be seen basking in the sun, with males busily chasing of any intruders that wonder into his territory. There are two new broods a year, with the 2nd brood overwintering.

They can commonly be found basking in the late afternoon sun in the Spring
when its quite easy to obtain photographs, photo taken 8th March, 4.23pm

   The first brood normally appear late June early July.

The light coloured aberration form of the Comma, Hutchinsoni are quite often found at this time of year
This one being a female, photo taken 26th June

Another Comma aberration Neon, which is not often seen, photo taken 29th June

 Whilst the second brood fly in late September early October.

A 2nd brood male Comma, photo taken 28th September in my garden

They hibernate and roost in thick undergrowth/vegetation.

A roosting Comma, the only one i have found, photo taken 27th March

 They lay their ovum [eggs] on the tops and edges of Common Nettles leaves and, are quite easily found. They hatch after about two weeks depending on the weather, [hot, cold etc].

Comma's ovum on the edge of a Common Nettle leaf,
photo taken 26th March

 The tiny larva emerge covered in tiny hairs, which help them to attach themselves to the back of a small fresh succulent leaf where they live, feeding and resting until are a lot larger when they feed more often out in the open.The larval stage lasts between 3.5  and 5 weeks [depending on the weather] with a further 2 weeks as a pupa.

 To see the life cycle of the Comma see 25.4.2016 on this Blog, thank you.

All photographs are the copyright of Nick Broomer.