Blue Pansy
Image: कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameBlue Pansy
Scientific NameJunonia orithya
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)48
Primary Colorsblue, black, brown, white
HabitatOpen grasslands, scrubland, gardens, agricultural areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia (Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, Japan), Australia
Host PlantsBarleria, Ruellia, Hygrophila, Antirrhinum, Phyla
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods in warmer months
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, typically dark with yellow or orange markings. Pupae are usually green or brown, often with metallic spots.
Identification TipsKey features include the large, brilliant blue eyespots on the hindwings and smaller, less prominent eyespots on the forewings, set against a dark background with white and orange bands.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a dark brown to black ground color, featuring striking iridescent blue patches and prominent ocelli (eyespots) on both forewings and hindwings, bordered by white and orange.
