The Lemon Pansy Butterfly, a medium-sized member of the Nymphalidae family, boasts eye-catching yellow-brown wings adorned with distinct eye spots. Its vibrant looks and elegant flight make it truly unforgettable.
Habitat of The Lemon Pansy Butterfly
These butterflies thrive in various environments, including forests, scrublands, parks, and gardens. Highly adaptable, they enjoy basking in the sun or perching on leaves while seeking food. Lemon Pansy caterpillars munch on plants from the Acanthaceae family, while adults sip nectar from blossoms.
Flight Behaviour and Pattern of The Lemon Pansy Butterfly
The Lemon Pansy Butterfly's flight pattern sets it apart. Its slow yet steady glide contrasts with other species' swift flutters. This leisurely movement delights nature lovers who enjoy watching these stunning insects up close.
Life Cycle of The Lemon Pansy Butterfly
Life for a Lemon Pansy Butterfly involves four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Females lay their tiny barrel-shaped eggs on host plants where they hatch and feed. The caterpillars shed their skin several times before forming a chrysalis for metamorphosis. After emerging as adults, they live for about a month, laying eggs to continue the cycle.
Discover The Lemon Pansy Butterfly in Nepal
With a diverse butterfly population, Nepal proudly hosts the Lemon Pansy Butterfly as a common sight, particularly during the monsoon months of June through September. They can be found across Nepal at altitudes up to 2,400 meters.
In essence, the Lemon Pansy Butterfly enriches Nepal's biodiversity with its stunning appearance, distinct flight pattern, and intriguing life cycle. Keep an eye out for these mesmerizing creatures during your next nature walk or park visit.
Male Lemon Pansy Butterfly: Physical Features and Behaviour
Male Lemon Pansy Butterflies sport bright yellow-orange wings with black and white markings and a 4-7cm wingspan. Their dull brownish-grey wing undersides feature small eye spots, while their black bodies display white dots. These characteristics aid in camouflage and predator evasion.
Males claim territories by perching on leaves or vegetation with wings wide open, waiting for a mate. They may chase other males or fight for dominance, and they also engage in "mud-puddling" by sipping mineral-rich mud from wet patches.
Female Lemon Pansy Butterfly: Physical Features and Behaviour
Female Lemon Pansy Butterflies have yellowish-brown wings with black markings that create an attractive pattern across their 40-50mm wingspan. Their pale brown wing undersides offer excellent predator protection when resting on leaves.
Females are more sociable than males, busily searching for nectar and laying eggs near their preferred Violaceae family host plants. They lay one egg at a time on the bottom of the leaves, and after hatching, the caterpillar feeds before forming a chrysalis to metamorphose.
Females exhibit a unique slow, fluttery flight pattern that catches attention and conserves energy by reducing air resistance.
Conclusion
So, to sum it all up, the Lemon Pansy Butterfly, also known as Junonia lemonias, is a magnificent creature that dazzles us with its vibrant yellow wings and intricate designs. When it's around, it adds a splash of color and happiness to our natural surroundings. But like lots of other butterflies, it's facing some pretty big challenges, like losing its home and dealing with our changing climate. That's why it's super important for us to step up and help take care of these amazing little beings by doing things like protecting their homes and spreading the word about what they need. In doing so, we're not just helping out the Lemon Pansy Butterfly – we're also making a real difference in keeping our world diverse and connected when it comes to both nature and creatures around us.