Rare butterflies in Audlem

Local resident Colin Roycroft has sent us this photograph of a Comma Butterfly found in this garden in Heathfield Road on Sunday. Although commonplace in the south, the Comma has been an unusual sight in the north of England for quite some time. It is the only ragged edged butterfly in the UK.

The Comma is a fascinating butterfly. The scalloped edges and cryptic colouring of the wings conceal hibernating adults amongst dead leaves, while the larvae, flecked with brown and white markings, bear close resemblance to bird droppings.

The species has a flexible life cycle, which allows it to capitalize on favourable weather conditions. However, the most remarkable feature of the Comma has been its severe decline in the twentieth century and subsequent comeback. It is now widespread in southern Britain and its range is obviously expanding northwards.

We can only hope that this butterfly didn't arrive too late to grab a ticket for Saturday's Party on the Park! For more information on this species, click here.

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