Insect
Blue Pansy
Junonia orithyaAlso known as Eyed Pansy, Blue Argus, Ox-Eyed Pansy
Males patrol open, sunlit ground with sharp, low-skimming flights to defend prominent basking perches from rivals and passing insects. Brilliant blue hindwings flash boldly in flight, contrasting with the cryptically patterned, bark-toned undersides that conceal resting individuals when wings are closed. Caterpillars feed primarily on acanthaceous herbs, thriving in open pastures and arid scrub where sparse vegetation creates warm microclimates.
DiurnalTerritorialGrassland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFlower nectar, Mineral-rich moisture, Acanthaceae foliage
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Jumping spiders
- Praying mantises
ThreatsIndiscriminate pesticide use and widespread land clearing
HabitatsGrasslands, open savannas, scrublands, gardens, and roadsides
Life span2–4 weeks as adults; 1–2 months total life cycle
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNymphalidae
- GenusJunonia
- SpeciesJunonia orithya
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach Slowly: Move low and steady toward basking adults, as rapid overhead shadows trigger instant flight.
- Patience at Perches: If flushed, wait near the original bare-ground perch because territorial males frequently return.
- Garden Planting: Cultivate low-growing acanthaceous herbs and sunny patches of bare gravel to attract resident breeders.
Host Plant Michaelwild at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Cheongweei Gan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Cheongweei Gan · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by lovelymon lamin · cc0
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