Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya patenas)

An uncommon butterfly occurs all over the island. But abundant in moderate elevations from 2000 to 4000 ft. It inhabits open areas such as grasslands, pathways, etc. In such habitats it can be encountered usually on the ground resting with wings open. When alarm it flies fast for a short distant to settle again. Larva feeds on leaves of Justicia procumbens (මයානි/Common small justicia)Yamazakia pusilla, and Rungia repens (සුළු නයි/Creeping rungia).  Its larva also fed on Centranthera indica (දුටු සතුටු) when offered.