Which butterfly species is known as the European comma?

Polygonia c-album is the butterfly species known as the European comma.

The European comma is a brush-footed butterfly found across much of Europe and parts of northern Africa and Asia. Its wings have strongly scalloped edges and orange-brown upper surfaces. The underside is mottled brown, helping the resting butterfly resemble a dead leaf.

A small white marking shaped like the letter C appears on the underside of the hindwing. That mark gives the species its scientific name: c-album means “C white” in Latinized form. Seasonal forms can differ considerably, with darker individuals commonly associated with the overwintering generation.

The European comma is easily confused with the North American comma butterflies, which belong to the same genus Polygonia. However, Polygonia c-album is a distinct species, and common names such as “comma” can refer to different species in different regions.