Blue Pansy
Common NameBlue Pansy
Scientific NameJunonia orithya
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white, orange
HabitatOpen grasslands, scrubland, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, Arabian Peninsula, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia
Host PlantsBarleria, Ruellia, Antirrhinum, Phyla
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, seasonal elsewhere
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, typically dark with lighter markings. Pupae are suspended head-down.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the prominent, iridescent blue eyespots on the hindwings, contrasting with the black ground color. The underside can be variable, often cryptic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with predominantly black wings, featuring striking iridescent blue eyespots on the hindwings and smaller, less prominent eyespots on the forewings, often with white and orange markings.
