Comma  (Polygonia c-album )

The comma is a beautiful, common butterfly. The wings have scalloped edges, and the undersides are strikingly similar in appearance to dead leaves; an excellent camouflage for hibernating adults (4). The upper surface of the wings have a rich orange hue with dark brown blotches and the common name ‘comma’ refers to the presence of a prominent white comma-shaped marking on the underwing (2). The black caterpillars are flecked with white and orange, and have a large white patch on the back that creates a remarkable resemblance to bird droppings, a trait that protects them from potential predators (3).