Peacock Pansy

Description:

The Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana) is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South Asia. It exists in two distinct adult forms, which differ chiefly in the patterns on the underside of the wings; the dry-season form has few markings, while the wet-season form has additional eyespots and lines.

Habitat:

J. almana is found in India and South East Asia, and eastwards to China and Japan.

Notes:

The last two images exhibit seasonal polyphenism. Polyphenic pigmentation is adaptive for this insect species that undergo multiple mating seasons each year. Different pigmentation patterns provide appropriate camouflage throughout the seasons, as well as alter heat retention as temperatures change.