help please

[Algol]

been out walking today and saw a nice butterfly/moth and would like to know what it was and it's name.

this is my first post here but am looking to learn more.

thanks in advance

Steve

pic is at this link:
http://stargazerslounge.com/index.php/t ... 447.0.html

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Steve - and welcome!

This is a Comma butterfly. For more info. see:

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species. ... name=Comma

Cheers,

- Pete

[Algol]

cheers pete, i've been interested a while but this is my first pic and post.

how come his or her wings are so ragged? and split?

[Pete Eeles]

Most of the "raggedness" is the natural outline of the wings. When hibernating, with their wings closed, Commas are masters of camouflage!

The reason that this individual has a tear in the left hindwing is probably because the late-autumn nectar sources are things such as blackberries and the fruits of other plants whose stems have quite sharp spines!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Charles Nicol]

Hi Algol

One of your correspondents on your astronomy board asked if we have Mourning Cloak butterflies in the UK.

We do have them occasionally, under the name of Camberwell Beauties. I have never seen one myself.

Best wishes

Charles