Peacock Pansy
Image: Tanvir Rahat (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NamePeacock Pansy
Scientific NameJunonia almana
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatOpen country, grasslands, gardens, forest clearings, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeIndian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, parts of China, Japan, and Australia
Host PlantsHygrophila auriculata, Alternanthera sessilis, Barleria cristata, Acanthus ilicifolius, Ruellia tuberosa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe female lays eggs singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, dark-colored, and feed on leaves. Pupation occurs as a chrysalis, often suspended from a stem.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the large, distinct, multi-ringed eyespots on both pairs of wings, especially the two prominent ones on the hindwings. The wavy dark lines and overall brown/orange coloration are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a warm brown to orange-brown ground color, characterized by large, prominent, multi-ringed eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, and intricate dark wavy lines across its wings.
