Peacock Pansy
Image: कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NamePeacock Pansy
Scientific NameJunonia almana
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, blue
HabitatOpen country, grasslands, gardens, forest clearings, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan)
Host PlantsHygrophila, Alternanthera, Plantago, Antirrhinum, Phyla
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, seasonal in temperate areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. The larvae are spiny, typically black with orange markings, and the pupae are green or brown, often with metallic spots.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive large, blue-centered eyespots on the upperside of its wings. Seasonal forms exist, with dry-season individuals having a more cryptic, leaf-like underside and reduced eyespots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with vibrant orange-brown wings featuring large, prominent, blue-centered eyespots on both forewings and hindwings. Its underside exhibits seasonal variation, often mimicking a dry leaf.
