Comma Butterfly, (Polygonia c-album)

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 dropping. The butterfly can be identified by not only the shape of its wings, but the colouring which on top is orange-brown and underside is brown and there is a distinctive white mark on the hindwing, which gives this butterfly it's name. 

The middle image shows the distinctive white mark on it closed wings which is visible from quite a distance. It is a fast strong flyer and continues even in windy conditions when other butterflies seem to hide in the vegetation.

The top and bottom images shows the wings open and truly shows of the ragged shape of the wings. 

Both images were taken with natural sun light only in bright conditions,  the butterfly remained long enough on each flower head to capture a couple of photographs before flying off to the next. Luckily for me there were enough flowers close together to keep it in close range, for me  to manage to get a series of images both with its wings open and closed.

Top - Canon 30D and Vivitar 100mm macro lens.

Middle - Canon 30D and Sigma 50mm macro lens.