Dark Blue Pansy

Description:

Junonia oenone is Nymphalid butterfly native to Africa. The wingspan is 40–52 mm. The uppersurface of the forewings is black with white markings towards the apex. The uppersurface of the hindwings is black with white markings on the outer edge, and a characteristic large, metallic-blue spot. This blue spot is smaller and more a dull purple colour in females. The underside of the forewings is brown with white markings corresponding to those on the uppersurface. The undersurface of the hindwings is almost uniform brown.

Notes:

The vibrance of Dark Blue Pansies is reflected in the manner of their flight- short wing flaps followed by quick darting movements and occasional breaks on the ground, their wings outspread or held up together almost immediately after landing depending on their sense of security at that particular moment. The underside of their wings is generally brown and suitable for adaptive camouflage in their habitat consisting mainly of open fields and cleared or grassy areas that share a similar colour. Conversely, their elegant black wings with cream-white markings, slight red freckles, eye spots and a characteristic large metallic blue spot makes them conspicuous especially on a sunny day. Juvenile Dark Blue Pansies would often initiate a game of 'hide and seek' or 'catch me if you can' depending on how pompous they appear. Adults are calmer, especially ageing ones with worn out wings.