The Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album) is an insect in the Nymphalidae family of butterflies. It is also known as the Anglewing, due to its angular wings.
The Comma Butterfly is orange on the upperside of its wings with dark-brown to black markings and light spots on the edge. It has angular notches on the edges of its forewings (front wings). The underside is marbled brown. The hind wings (back wings) have a white spot in the shape of the letter C. It can look like fallen leaves when resting, which confuses its predators. It is a strong flier.
It grows to about 4-5 centimetres (2 inches) across.
It is found in Europe, north Africa, and Asia. It is not migratory. It stays in the same location throughout its life. It prefers woodlands.
The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from plants. Its predators are birds.
The life cycle is egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. The female Comma Butterfly lays eggs on leaves, usually singly instead of in a cluster. The eggs hatch after 4-5 days. The larva goes through stages, called instars, while they eat leaves. They pupate for about 10 days before an adult butterfly emerges. This is called metamorphosis.
The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from plants.
Location of photographs: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM