Junonia oenone

Junonia oenone, the blue pansy or dark blue pansy, is a Nymphalid butterfly native to Africa. "Blue pansy" is also used in India to describe Junonia orithya.

Subspecies

Junonia oenone oenone from continental Africa.
Junonia oenone epiclelia Boisduval, 1833 from Madagascar, Aldabra, Astove, Assumption and Cosmoledo Island.

Description

The wingspan is 40-52 mm. The upper surface of the forewings is black with white markings towards the apex. The upper surface 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 in females. The underside of the forewings is brown with white markings corresponding to those on the upper surface. The under surface of the hindwings is almost uniform brown.

Larval food plants

The larvae feed on Adhatoda densiflora, Mackaya bella, Justicia natalensis and Asystasia, Isoglossa, Pualowilhelmia and Ruella species.