Mourning cloak vs Comma butterfly
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a mourning cloak from a comma butterfly, and whether either one bites or stings.
Mourning cloak
Nymphalis antiopa
Comma butterfly
Polygonia c-album
≠The key differences
Comma species are smaller, have deeply scalloped wings and a distinctive pale 'C' or comma-shaped mark on the underside; mourning cloak is larger with a smooth rounded outline and a wide pale border.
⚖︎Side by side
| Mourning cloak | Comma butterfly | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 6-8 cm wingspan (60-80 mm) | 45-60 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Dark maroon, Pale yellow, Iridescent blue, Mottled gray-brown (underside) | Orange, Dark brown, Pale brown (underside dead-leaf), White (C-mark) |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, riparian corridors, parks, orchards and suburban areas with host trees | Woodland edges, hedgerows, scrub, gardens, parks and other semi-open habitats with host plants and sunny perches. |
| Range | Holarctic: widespread across North America (including Alaska and much of Canada), parts of Europe and temperate Asia; occasional vagrants elsewhere. | Widespread across Europe and North Africa, east through temperate Asia to Japan; distribution and abundance vary with climate and local habitat. |
| Active | Adults are active spring through autumn; single or multiple broods depending on region. Adults are diurnal and most active on warm sunny days. | Mainly spring to autumn; adults fly on sunny days and hibernate over winter as adults. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a mourning cloak
- Large wingspan (about 6-8 cm) with uniformly dark maroon-brown upper wings
- Broad pale yellow to cream border along the wing edges with a row of blue spots inside the border
- Underside heavily mottled gray-brown, resembling tree bark when wings are closed
- Rounded wing tips without tails or strong angular projections
🔍How to spot a comma butterfly
- Look for the small white C-shaped mark on the underside of the hindwing - the key field mark.
- Deeply scalloped, ragged wing margins giving an 'anglewing' outline.
- Upperwings orange-brown with darker mottling; underside cryptic brown resembling a dead leaf.
- When at rest with wings closed, silhouette and leaf-like underside help separate it from more rounded butterflies.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mourning cloak and a comma butterfly?
Comma species are smaller, have deeply scalloped wings and a distinctive pale 'C' or comma-shaped mark on the underside; mourning cloak is larger with a smooth rounded outline and a wide pale border.
Is a mourning cloak or a comma butterfly more dangerous?
Mourning cloak: Non-toxic. Comma butterfly: Non-toxic. Mourning cloaks are harmless to people; adults do not bite or sting. Harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.