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25 July 2016

Blue Pansy – Bani Saad

Butterflies belonging to the family Nymphalidae are few in number of species in Saudi Arabia although are quite conspicuous. They include Blue Pansy Junonia orithya that is a migratory butterfly and they appear sporadically, produce one or more local broods of offspring, and then disappear again until their next invasion. Their success in establishing themselves temporarily within the region depends very much upon their powers of adaptation and choice of larval food-plants. Whilst birdwatching the Bani Saad area near Taif I came across a number of Blue Pansy butterflies although most were very worn and appeared to be at the end of the life cycle. Although obvious when their wings are outstretched, they are well camouflaged with folded wings.
Blue Pansy

Blue Pansy

Blue Pansy

Blue Pansy