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Can you find it? In this
(Rubus fruticosus) shrub a butterfly named Comma
(Polygonia
C-album) hides. Its bark-like pattern and the jagged outline of the
wings provide an excellent camouflage. Its name derives from the little comma-shaped streak on the hind-wing. It probably serves to continue the pattern of the white legs, thus contributing to visually merge the butterfly into its surroundings. |
As most aristocrats also the Comma reveals its bright colors when opening its wings: on a reddish-brown to orange ground-colour it shows black to dark brown spots and some bluish tips. At first sight, it may resemble the Little Tortoiseshell. The Latin name of the genus "Polygonia" designates the many corners of the wings' outline. The fore-wings of the Comma are quite narrow and form a bent gap with the hind-wings. By this characteristic gap you can always distinguish the Comma at first sight from the Little Tortoiseshell. |
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Photographs by José Verkest, Text by Maria Pfeifer |
