Junonia almana javana
Peacock Pansy
Family: | Nymphalidae |
Subfamily: | Nymphalinae |
Genus | Junonia |
Species: | almana |
Subspecies: | javana |
Common Name: | Peacock Pansy |
Life History: | complete |
Extant in countries: | •Singapore |
Hostplants: |
Description
The butterfly has a bright orange upperside with prominent eyespots on the hindwings. The undersides are somewhat paler, but with the eyespots still rather prominent.
Habitat & Habits
This Nymphalid (related to the Brush-footed butterflies of the West) is one of the four Pansies found in Singapore. The Peacock Pansy derives its common name from the prominent spots on its wings. It can be found gliding in sunlit grassy plains on the forest edges. It is not as common as in the past, where the species can be found in the company of the Blue Pansy in suburban gardens and open grassy patches. This may be due to the widespread spraying of insecticides to get rid of mosquitoes in these areas. Today, most observations of the Pansies are in the nature reserves and outlying areas like Pulau Ubin. However, with ongoing development, it will be a matter of time before these species become very rare.
Other Observations
To be detailed.
Early Stages
Refer to the ButterflyCircle's blog article - The LIfe History of the Peacock Pansy.
Further Reading
To be detailed.