Scientific name: Polygonia C-album  Common name: Comma

About:

This is a unique butterfly that is distinguished by its rigged wings.  This butterfly can often be found in autumn camouflaged by its odd appearances with the dead leaves that have fallen, which is one reason for the increase in numbers of this species. In  previous years the population has increased by 57% (since 1970) after suffering both a miraculous and dramatic decrease in number from the mid 1800s until 1930 when it was nearly extinct. The increase in population have lead this species to be widespread across England and Wales as well as pushing into southern Scotland.

Key Information:

Wingspan: 45-60mm

Habitat: Grasslands / edges of woodlands and tree lines.

When to see: This butterfly can be found all year around!! Amazingly this butterfly goes into hibernation and can survive over winter, you may spot it when it wakes up too early or on a particularly warm day.

Family: Nymphalidae

Order: Lepidoptera

Biological rank:  Species, Subspecies 

Fun Fact: The wings of this species and many like it has gained these butterflies the nickname of 'angel wings'

How to Identify: 

This species is brown on both the upper and underwings  to camouflage with dead leaves however on the upper wings there is often brown dots and marks. This species is further distinguished by a small comma or C like white shape that is present on the underwings.