Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya) declared as butterfly of 'union territory of Jammu and Kashmir'. It is declared in an order by the Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Government for Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.
Some facts about Blue Pansy:
- Relatively slow flight pattern make them more attractive as their flight is easier to observe.
- Mimicry with other butterfly species which serves as a protective mechanism against potential predators.
- The Dark brown wings that feature intricate patterns of blue, black, and white makes this butterfly very beautiful. Blue colour is dominant that why it named blue pansy.
- Native to India, China, southeast Asia,Africa etc.
- Specific host plant on which these lays eggs and their caterpillar feeds on leaves of that plant.Mostly plants of Acanthaceae and Asteraceae plant families are preferred by these butterflies.
- Often kept in gardens as pets and are a good pollinators.
- Life cycle consists of egg, caterpillar,pupa and mouth.
- Diurnal Behavior i.e they mostly active during day time.
- Males often have more intense and extensive blue coloration on their wings compared to females.
- Butterflies, including the Blue pansy, are often associated with beauty, transformation, and freedom in various cultures and symbolisms around the world. They are often seen as representations of joy, renewal, and the ephemeral nature of life.
- Habitat Loss
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Pesticides usage
