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Comma Butterfly
Appearance: Bright orange-brown with black spots and a scalloped wing edge.
Upper Wings: Rich orange with black spots.
Under Wings: Brown with a white "comma" marking.
Differences between Males and Females: Both sexes are similar, but females are slightly larger.
When to See: March to October, with two broods (spring and late summer).
What They Eat: Adults feed on nectar from flowers like thistles and brambles. Caterpillars eat nettles, hops, and elms.
Migrant: Not a migrant, but it can disperse widely.
Common in Selby Area: Yes, relatively common.
How to Help: Plant nettles and flowering shrubs.
Good Places to See: Hedgerows, woodland edges, and gardens. Look for them basking on sunlit leaves.
Interesting Fact: Their scalloped wing edges give them a distinctive, ragged look.
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