Blue Pansy is medium-small butterfly with a wingspan of 45-60 mm. It is distributed from Africa to south and south-east Asia and into Australia with over 25 different races found across its range. Though a common butterfly of north India, it is not a common species found in Corbett Tiger Reserve and surrounding areas, where it is distributed along the southern boundary of the reserve. The male and female look alike and have electric blue coloration to the upperwings with some black, white and red makings and earthy brown coloration to the underwings. Being a sun-loving species, it is usually found in open areas and riverbeds.
Blue Pansy belongs to family ‘Nympalidae’ which is the largest butterfly family with over 6000 species. Most of the members of this family are also called brush-footed butterflies as their forelegs or front pair of legs are much reduced with hair like growth on them that resembles a brush. It is believed that this helps in amplifying the sense of smell, communication and signaling. Many butterfly species develop defense against predators with some species being toxic while others using deception and camouflage. The Blue Pansy has strategically placed red eye spots on its hind upperwing that may appear like the face of a larger creature, thus discouraging predators from attacking it. On the underwing, the butterfly has drab earthy coloration that makes it camouflage it in its surroundings.
This beautiful butterfly was photographed recently by Jim’s Jungle Retreat naturalist Abhishek Bhatt.
A butterfly that smells with its legs
