Polygoia c-album
- Comma. 42-50mm. Widespread in the whole Palearctic, with the
exception of the far north. Although subject to wide fluctuations in population
size, it is still regarded as one of the common species. In spring, after
emerging from hibernation, the butterflies lay eggs from which two types
of adults emerge. One type resembles the typical butterflies and makes
ready for hibernation by the end of summer. The second sort takes a shorter
time to develop from caterpillars and hatches earlier - in May and June.
These butterflies are rather different in both wing shape and pattern
and are known as f. hutchinsoni. They reproduce in summer, and
it is only the next generation that joins the hibernating adults of the
first group. This difference in ecological answer of individuals to summer
weather conditions thus gives rise to a partial second generation. The
caterpillars live solitarily on stinging nettles, hops, gooseberries and
other plants. The comma is an extremely variable species: in particular,
a whole series of variations has been described, involving various shapes
of the 'C' spot on the underside of the hindwings.
Text from: A field Guide in
Colour to Butterflies and Moths (1982) Ivo Novak. Octopus
