Why is the comma butterfly so called?
It gets its name from the comma-shaped white spots on the underneath of its wings. It is on the wing throughout the year, having several broods and overwintering as an adult. It is a common and widespread butterfly of woodland edges, particularly during the spring and autumn.
Is the comma butterfly rare in the UK?
While the comma was once a rare sight in Britain, it is now the ultimate butterfly success story after having a huge increase in the last 40 years. It is believed climate change and the increase in temperatures are the reason this butterfly is thriving.
What butterfly has the same name as a punctuation mark?
The Question Mark Butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis); it has a row of four dots on its forewings. You may be wondering why these butterflies are named after punctuation. It turns out that there are markings on the underside of the hindwings that do kind of look like punctuation.
Where does the comma butterfly live?
Geographic range and habitat. The comma inhabits areas including Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is primarily a woodland butterfly, living in low-density forests with sunshine and moist soil.
Is the comma butterfly endangered?
Not extinctComma / Extinction status
Are small copper butterflies rare?
Though it remains a common and widespread species, the Small Copper declined throughout its range during the twentieth century. Widespread through Britain and Ireland, and occasionally visits gardens.
What plants do comma butterflies like?
The most widely used foodplant is Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). Other species used include Hop (Humulus lupulus), elms (Ulmus spp.), currants (Ribes spp.), and Willows (Salix spp).
How do you identify a question mark butterfly?
Question Mark Butterfly Coloration, Size and Characteristics The Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) is a beautiful orange and black butterfly with sharply angled wing margins, and short tails-like projections. Underneath is a mottled brown color. It is similar to the Eastern Comma butterfly and the Hoary Comma.
Do comma butterflies overwinter?
Forms and aberrations of The Comma butterfly This form do not hibernate but produce a second generation which do go on to overwinter. In common with many butterflies Comma aberrations do occur.
What is the UK smallest butterfly?
small blue
The small blue is the UK’s smallest resident butterfly. It is found on grassland habitats and relies on kidney vetch, a plant in the clover family that thrives on sandy soil. Small blue butterflies are a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
What do small coppers eat?
Adults can be seen feeding on ragwort and thistles, while the caterpillars feed on common sorrel and sheep’s sorrel. Found in dry, sunny habitats, including heathland, woodland edges, waste ground and downland.
Where do comma butterflies lay their eggs?
Comma butterfly life cycle The comma lays its eggs on stinging nettles nettle, but can also be spotted on elm, hops and thistle.