Eyed Pansy | DeWetsWild

Junonia orithya

The Eyed Pansy is a widespread butterfly occurring from South Africa (Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, northern Free State, Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo), through most of Africa, southern and south-east Asia all the way to Australia. They inhabit grassland and thorny savanna habitats. Adults may be seen at anytime of year, usually in open areas where they fly low and fast, often settling on the same bare patches – its Afrikaans name of “Padwagtertjie” stems from its habit of sitting on road surfaces. The males are territorial and defend their patch vigorously. The sexes are similar in appearance and adults have a wingspan of 4-5cm. The larvae is sustained on a diverse selection of plants.