Doi Suthep-Pui NP, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Order : Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Junonia
Species: Junonia hierta hierta
A medium-large size butterfly with a wingspan of 50-60mm that is found in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, southern China, and peninsular Malaysia. A different subspecies is widely distributed across Africa.The species is sexually dimorphic and, although of similar size and colour, are somewhat different in appearance. Habitat is open scrubland, grassland and forest margins. They are frequently seen in the vicinity of rivers and streams flying near the ground in low vegetation.
Larval foodplants are Barleria cristata, Hygrophila erecta, Ruellia tuberosa and other Acanthaceae species. Junonia hierta completes its life cycle in just 20-26 days (eggs 3, larvae, 15–16, and pupa 5–7 days).
The above pic is just a record as it is the best shot I have been able to get so far. I have seen very few of this species in Thailand and most that I have seen have been in poor condition.
All my insect pics are single, handheld shots of live insects in wild situations.
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